Dressing Up with eShakti ~ #Review

There are so many parties happening this season especially the big New Years celebrations.  There are so many places hosting New Years parties to help you ring in the New Year.  I can't believe it is already going to be 2014.  It felt like just yesterday that we were ringing 2000 in with all the hype with Y2K issues.

I like to purchase a new outfit for special occasions like my Birthday and New Years.  I have found one of the best places to shop is eShakti.com.

Jazz It Up with SummerFresh ~ #Review

It might be early for you but not to me but I like to plan my New Years get together early since some of my friends are hard to get hold of.  In some years I will host a potluck dinner.  It is the easiest way to not hurt the wallet and the cheapest to dine with friends at the comfort at your own home.  I am thinking to use Summer Fresh products this year as my contribution to the dinner.

Kiss on my Nails ~ #Review

Lately I love painting my nails and I am not alone.  My oldest daughter loves to paint her nails with me.  I don't have the artist skill like many fashionista out there.  Sometimes I am getting groceries and I occasionally see a lady in front of me who has pretty artsy nails.  I wanted to hire her to do my nails too!  I don't have the steady hands and I don't have the creativity but I do want those fancy chic nails.  Kiss Nail Art can help make my nails look professionally done.  They are so easy to use, as simple as pie - OK, pie is not easy to make but seriously, they are easy to use.

OPI San Francisco Collection Fall/Winter 2013 ~#Review

A few months ago, OPI launched the San Francisco Collection for this Fall/Winter season.  This collection has twelve colours in grays and blues to garnet and ruby jewel tones and includes three new Liquid Sand.

Left to Right - Keeping Suzi at Bay, Peace & Love & OPI, Dining Al Frisco, First Date at The Golden Gate, Muir Muir on the Wall, Lost on Lombard

Winners to my #giveaway

Winner to my The Body Shop giveaway is ...

Londia B.

Winners to my The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory giveaway are...

Danielle C.
and
BobbiJo P.

Winner to my Hallmark giveaway is...

Tanya C.

Congrats everyone!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
AppleTV, January 21st, CAN only

La Roche-Posay, January 11th, CAN only

Clear Hair Products, January 8th, CAN only

Medu, December 26th, CAN only

Real Techniques, January 4th, CAN only

Bodum, January 1st/14, CAN only <--ENDING

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas.  Mine was a bit stressful since I had no electricity since Sunday evening and didn't get it back sometime during Christmas (Wednesday) morning.  My daughter thought my husband fixed it since he told us the the good news. ~ Later Cecilia

Apple TV from Staples Canada ~ #Review #Giveaway #2013ChristmasGiftGuide

Over the past 7 years, I haven't had cable for about half of that time.  I watched most of my favourite TV episodes on my laptop.  For a while it didn't make sense to pay for cable while only watching a few hours a week.  For months now, I am streaming shows on my laptop.  Watching a few anime and Dora episodes are fine and dandy but I prefer to watch my movies on TV.  I was not inclined to have an HDMI cable to run across the living room from the laptop to the TV. Anyone could accidentally trip on it (knowing with my 2 years kids, it will most likely happen). I will refuse to lose my laptop or the TV or even have them injure themselves.

The AppleTV is small and portable like a size of thick drink coaster.  It could be easily be taken from one location to another. Apple being Apple, they make their product simple that even my daughter might figure out how to use it. My husband hooked it up to the TV once I brought it home since he was very excited to try it. All he had to do was link it to our modem and login to our Netflix account and away we went. The first thing we tried was Netflix, by watching Avatar: The Last Air Bender (by Nickelodeon) because it is one of my daughter's favourite shows. It was perfect like it was on cable.  I also love the fact it could also stream Crunchyroll, best known for streaming animes - my other addiction.  On my laptop I am able to watch most of the series for free but I believe you need to purchase a membership to watch it on AppleTV.  However I was able to watch a few episodes in the meantime.  This AppleTV also could stream YouTube, Vimeo, latest and popular movie trailers, Crackle and even KorTV

Knowing some guys or gals this AppleTV might be on their wish list.  If so, hop over to Staples to pick one up.  It is still not too late to grab it since there are a few days left until the 25th!  Don't forget Staples has a huge range of electronic for the techie on your list.

Did you know Staples has a Price Match Guarantee.  If you find a item at a lower price, they will match the price. Another bonus is if you purchase an item from Staples and within 14 days and discover the price was lower somewhere else, they will refund the difference.  Please contact Staples for more details.


GIVEAWAY!

Curel Collection ~ #Review #2013ChristmasGiftGuide

One thing I hate is dry skin.  I get itchy and irritated skin.  Fall and Winter is the time I use most of my body lotions like there is no tomorrow.  I have found the office in my building is so dry I think I am drinking a gallon of water everyday.  I have a collection of hand cream all over the house and in the office where I work.  I like it already available whenever I need it and I need it often.

Among the Curel collection there is something just for your skin type and need.  They have the Original Lotion for dry skin, Extreme Care for extra dry skin, Itch Defense for dry, itchy skin, and then there is Fragrance Free for Dry and sensitive skin.  There is also Hand and Cuticle therapy for dry, rough hands and the Foot Therapy for dry, cracked feet.

Curel Daily Moistruizer Original Lotion
- Dermatologist recommended
- gentle enough to be used on the face
- offers 24 hours of continuous hydration
- enhanced skin's moisture barrier
- maintain healthy looking skin
- developed with Advanced Ceramide therapy
- non greasy
- won't clog pores
- absorbes quickly

I have to thank the people from Curel who know about my addiction and want to banish my dry skin this season.  They sent me a huge collection for me to try.  With this collection, I wont have to worry about dehydrated skin much, I hope.  I am already digging in to try their foot cream because as a girl could never get enough foot cream.  Who wants to see disgusting cracked heels?  I also enjoyed using the Extreme Care for my extremely dry hands and body.  The lotion is light and it absorbs quickly on my skin to give it healthy and hydrated skin.  It has no scent and non greasy feel.  I love the portable size where I would always carry one in my purse or nap sack.

This winter, my daughters and I will be properly hydrated and not be able to complain about being itchy.  The past few days we really needed it.  I don't mind mild cold winters but when you add the wind it just makes it harder to go outside.

Available at most retail chain SRP $9.99 (480ml)

If you are thinking of some last minute stocking stuffer ideas the foot or small hand cream would be a good idea.  Hand creams are ideal and everyone needs them especially during this season.  I know my mom would love to have one of these because she also is addicted to body lotions.

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

Great Stocking Stuffers Ideas ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Review #Giveaway

Only a few shopping days left and I could smell Christmas in the air.  My stockings are hung by the chimney on the wall with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas daddy soon would be there.  I am patiently waiting for my husband to hurry up to make his purchases so the stockings are "filled with care".  They need to be stuffed to the rim with exciting products to try and use.  I think this Boxing Day I should purchase new stockings that are twice the size of the ones I have now.

Here are some last minute stocking stuffers ideas.  I like my stocking stuffers contain product to be more useful and practical products to own.  So in other words, gift cards and beauty products are the most ideal things I would like to see in my stockings. (*hint*hint*).

Ecotools are great.  I have been using the brush for a few months and I have not gone back to my old brush set, and most likely never will again.  They are super soft on my skin and do a perfect job applying cosmetics on my skin.  I also love EcoTools Bath Sponge and the Dual sided facial buffs.  They help leave my skin all squeaky clean after my hot shower.

What makes them eco-friendly? The brushes are 100% cruelty-free, the soft bristles are made of synthetic taklon and the handles are made of bamboo and recycled aluminum ferrules.  The Bath Sponge is 100% recycled sponge and could also be recycled.  The Dual sided facial buffs is made from bamboo.

The other great product to add in my stocking is soaps and lotions.  I think I will always love to continue to use a bar of soap.  I use both liquid soap and bar of soap depending on my mood.  Scented soaps are usually the ones I enjoy using.  I really like The Scottish Fine Soaps "Soap in a Tin".  They come in a pretty little tin I could reuse to hold my paper clips or change.  The soaps leave my skin squeaky clean and leaves a nice light scent.

After using the "Soap in a Tin" I like to use Au Lait Hand and Nail Cream afterwards to keep my hands hydrated.  I can't believe how soft it makes my hands.  I could not stop touching them.  The cream is light and gentle.  It absorbs quickly which gives me a matte dry finish.  There is no greasy feel or bad odor but a light clean scent.

Ecotools are are available in Walmart, Amazon.ca, Farleyco.ca, selected Brunet, Familiprix, Pharmasave, Proxim, Uniprix.

Scottish Fine Soaps are available at Winners, HomeSense, Amazon.ca and Farleyco.ca.

GIVEAWAY!

Vitabath Holiday Bliss ~ #Giveaway Winner

Winner to my Vitabath Holiday Bliss giveaway is

Yan D.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
La Roche-Posay, January 11th, CAN only

Clear Hair Products, January 8th, CAN only

Medu, December 26th, CAN only

Real Techniques, January 4th, CAN only

Bodum, January 1st/14, CAN only

Hallmark, December 25th, CAN only

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, December 25, CAN only

The Body Shop, December 23rd, CAN only <--ENDING

Other:
http://happychinadoll.blogspot.ca/p/referral-links.html

My Little Pony at Build A Bear ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Review

"My Little Pony, My Little Pony, Ah Aah Aah Aah...My Little Pony, I used to wonder what friendship could be, My Little Pony, Until you all shared its magic with me!..."  Yes, let Build A Bear brings you the magic of Friendship to your little ones.  Yes, both my daughters can "sing" its theme song.

FlutterShy

The Scottish Fine Soaps ~ #Giveaway Winner!

Winner to my Scottish Fine Soaps giveaway is

Barb L.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
La Roche-Posay, January 11th, CAN only

Clear Hair Products, January 8th, CAN only

Medu, December 26th, CAN only

Real Techniques, January 4th, CAN only

Bodum, January 1st/14, CAN only

Hallmark, December 25th, CAN only

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, December 25, CAN only

The Body Shop, December 23rd, CAN only

Vitabath Holiday Bliss, December 21st, CAN/US only <--ENDING

Other:
http://happychinadoll.blogspot.ca/p/referral-links.html

CeraVe is a Great Stocking Stuffers Idea ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Review

Every day at the office I think I drink about a gallon of water a day.  I am always so thirsty and dehydrated.  Even my co-workers were asking me how much water I drink since I am always going to the water cooler to fill up my water bottle.  My skin has become so dry and irritable that I can't live without applying some lotion or body butter.  I was introduced CeraVe and I have no idea why I have not tried this line before.  My hands and body are in love with the product.

Baking with President's Choice ~ #Review #2013ChristmasGiftGuide

I love to bake during this time of year.  I have no idea who thought up the idea that baking and Christmas goes hand and hand.  There are times when I am baking three different products to get it out of my system.  I think I make one of the best homemade chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.  They are even from scratch!  I love eating them with my morning tea...which reminds me I should be making a batch soon.  Sometimes I need the extra help during Christmas so I turn towards my trusty President's Choice in my usual grocery store's baking isle.

SIGG Cuipo ~ #Review #2013ChristmasGiftGuide

I try to drink water as much as possible. I rarely purchase water. The odd time I have was because I ran out or I was desperate. I think bottled water is very expensive and half the time the bottle does not get recycled and ends up in our landfills. I cringe when I think about it. We want to save our environment and also help our wallet, and the way to do that is to purchase water bottles instead. The best ones in the market I have seen are from SIGG.  I love SIGG water bottles.  They are widely well known for their chic, stylish, good quality water bottles.

3M Canada Prize Pack ~ #Giveaway Winner

Winner to my 3M Prize Pack giveaway is

Jody D.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
La Roche-Posay, January 11th, CAN only

Clear Hair Products, January 8th, CAN only

Medu, December 26th, CAN only

Real Techniques, January 4th, CAN only

Bodum, January 1st/14, CAN only

Hallmark, December 25th, CAN only

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, December 25, CAN only

The Body Shop, December 23rd, CAN only

Vitabath Holiday Bliss, December 21st, CAN/US only

Scottish Fine Soaps, December 20th, CAN only <--ENDING

Other:
http://happychinadoll.blogspot.ca/p/referral-links.html

Christmas at Build-A-Bear ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Review

Yes, we can cue in the music "It is the most wonderful time of the year".  This is it!  The last few weeks left until the big day to see both kids and adults go mad unwrapping presents underneath the Christmas tree.  I just can't believe all the hustle and bustling will coming to an end as we to go back to our normal program.  When I had to purchase a stuffed toy for someone on my list, I will give them the best which means I am shopping at Build A Bear.

Brobo ~ #Giveaway Winner

Winner to my Brobo giveaway is

Karin D.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
La Roche-Posay, January 11th, CAN only

Clear Hair Products, January 8th, CAN only

Medu, December 26th, CAN only

Real Techniques, January 4th, CAN only

Bodum, January 1st/14, CAN only

Hallmark, December 25th, CAN only

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, December 25, CAN only

The Body Shop, December 23rd, CAN only

Vitabath Holiday Bliss, December 21st, CAN/US only

Scottish Fine Soaps, December 20th, CAN only

3M prize pack $150 (incl $50 cash card) December 16th, CAN only <--ENDING

Other:
http://happychinadoll.blogspot.ca/p/referral-links.html

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP ~ #ChristmasGiftGuide #Review #Giveaway

I am not the only one in the family who gets dry skin during the winter.  I have noticed lately that both of my daughters are having dry, cracked skin on their face.  It also gets worse in the middle of the winter.  I have to be more careful of what I put on their hands and face since their skin is more sensitive than mine.

The La Roche Posey Lipikar Baume AP is the perfect product for my kids.  This product is for extreme dryness, atopy-prone skin, and for all ages.  It is also fragrance-free and paraben-free.  The girls and I have been using La Roche Posey's Lipikar Baume AP for a few days and I have wondered why haven't I used this before.  I can't believe how fast it quickly absorbes onto my skin and leave my hands non greasy.  Within seconds I could feel my hands hydrated and I could see my daughters' face improved.  Now, this has become the only product I have been using on both my daughters' face and body.  It is so safe to use that it mentions even babies could use it.  This could also be a great stocking stuffers.  I would love these in my stockings *hint*hint*

A few months ago La Roche Posey hosted a contest where kids participated to draw what their perfect 'itch-free' day looks like.  The winning pictures will be shown on the limited edition bottle of La Roche Posay’s Lipikar Baume AP, long recognized as an essential step in the treatment of eczema.  Lipikar Baume AP works great for skin with eczema but also other skin types that gets dried out often during the winter months.

Currently La Roche is looking for families who have children who suffers from eczema to participate in their 2nd annual 100 Families Program.  Check their website http://100families.laroche-posay.ca.  for more information on the program.  Apply before December 15th, 2013.

La Roche Posey also love to provide one of my readers a prize which will contain $100.00 worth of products.

GIVEAWAY!

Clear Hair Products ~ #Review #Giveaway #2013ChristmasGiftGuide

Like I have mentioned in the past I have been growing my hair.  It has been over a year since I cut my hair.  This is my first time growing this long and I actually like it this long.  I have always seen my girl friends with long hair so I thought it was about time it was my turn.  Since I will be attending a few holiday parties I have a couple of hair dos I would like to try this season.

To maintain it this long and healthy is finding the best product that will do just that.  I was going through alot of products to see what works.  I have course and dry hair because I like to dye my hair and curl it.  During the winter it gets much worst because of the dry heat in the air.

This is not my first time using Clear hair products.  A few months ago I had some coupons on hand so I knew I had to try it.  I love testing out hair products.  I have been using these hair products for a few weeks and you will not believe how much I love it.  The Clear hair conditioners I have found actually works better than most hair conditioners I had tried in the past.  This conditioner is one of my top choice when I am in the drug store stocking up.  The Deep Nourishing Treatment Mask also works wonders on my hair.  My hair was dry and brittle.  Putting this on and leaving it for at least 5 mins actually works like a miracle.  None of the Clear hair products leaves any residue or bad odors.  It "cleans" my hair and making it healthy and smooth.

Clear Women Damage & Colour Repair Shampoo & Conditioner contain a colour-safe formula that offers advanced protection from damage, perfect when you're constantly washing and styling your hair during the holiday and going to one holiday party after another! The Damage & Colour Repair Deep Nourishing Treatment Mask, with a rich blend of vitamins and nutrients, will make hair 95% more damage-resistant in only 3 minutes. 

Don't forget the Men because Clear also has a full line for Men.  The Clear hair products would be a fantastic stocking stuffers.  It is a product they should try if they have not yet.  I do like the fact I don't need to go to a salon to pick these guys up because they are available in most grocery or drug stores.  I favour one stop shop method when I have two kids in tow.

 Available at mass merchandise, grocery and drug stores across Canada. MSRP: $5.68-$8.49.  They often go on sale and more than once I have seen great value coupons floating around.

GIVEAWAY!

Manhattan Toy The Grinch ~ #Giveaway Winner

Winner to my Manhattan Toy The Grinch giveaway is

Wendy H.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
Real Techniques, January 4th, CAN only

Bodum, January 1st/14, CAN only

Hallmark, December 25th, CAN only

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, December 25, CAN only

The Body Shop, December 23rd, CAN only

Vitabath Holiday Bliss, December 21st, CAN/US only

Scottish Fine Soaps, December 20th, CAN only

3M prize pack $150 (incl $50 cash card) December 16th, CAN only

Brobo December 12th, CAN only <--ENDING


Other:
http://happychinadoll.blogspot.ca/p/referral-links.html

Medu Jewelry Bracelet & Earrings ~ #Giveaway #Review

Medu Jewelry offers a program where you will receive a commission whenever someone is purchasing Medu Jewelry using your link.

Currently they have a promotion - if you join Medu Jewelry you will receive a free jewelry piece just for signing up and for every month you stay as a member.  Medu Jewelry is a subsidiary of GreatGemGreatPrices.

I love jewelry and many times I have mentioned that to my husband.  My Onyx earrings just came in a few days ago.  The earring stud is sterling silver and the black onyx bead is 8mm.  I noticed how pretty it is and I am debating to give this as a great stocking stuffer for my SIL or to my mother.  I am sure they will love it.  Medu estimated this earring to be valued at $200.

Purple Monster Coupons is hosting a giveaway for a lovely pair of earrings with a matching bracelet worth $500 from Medu Jewelry.  Enter below.  Good Luck!

Hush Puppies ~ #Giveaway Winner

Winner to my Hush Puppies giveaway is

Susanne S.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
Real Techniques, January 4th, CAN only

Bodum, January 1st/14, CAN only

Hallmark, December 25th, CAN only

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, December 25, CAN only

The Body Shop, December 23rd, CAN only

Vitabath Holiday Bliss, December 21st, CAN/US only

Scottish Fine Soaps, December 20th, CAN only

3M prize pack $150 (incl $50 cash card) December 16th, CAN only

Brobo December 12th, CAN only

Manhattan Toys The Grinch, December 10th, CAN/US only <--ENDING

Other:
http://happychinadoll.blogspot.ca/p/referral-links.html

#Giveaway RoundUp (December 7th, 2013) ~ #Giveaway

Real Techniques, January 4th/14, CAN only

Bodum, January 1st/14, CAN only

Hallmark, December 25th, CAN only

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, December 25, CAN only

The Body Shop, December 23rd, CAN only

Vitabath Holiday Bliss, December 21st, CAN/US only

Scottish Fine Soaps, December 20th, CAN only

3M prize pack $150 (incl $50 cash card) December 16th, CAN only

Brobo December 12th, CAN only

Manhattan Toys The Grinch, December 10th, CAN/US only

Hush Puppies $150, December 8th, CAN only

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman is a Great Christmas Gift Idea ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Giveaway #Review

I don't know about you but I could not get enough make up brushes.  Before I always thought the applicators that came with the cosmetics are fine.  Boy, I was wrong because they are not the ideal tools to use.  I consider them emergency tools.  I have discovered that make up brushes are the way to go.  There are so many of them and I have found another set of brushes that I adore.  I have been using them each morning and it pleases me how well it gives me the look I desire.   Real Technique brushes have become a staple of my morning routine.

This brush line is designed by the infamous makeup artist and beauty blogger, Samantha Chapman.  The Taklon bristles are ultra-plush and smoother than other brushes.  It is synthetic, 100% cruelty-free.  It helps create the flawless look you're trying to create.  Each brush head is hand-cut for the perfect shape to give the application the perfect look.

The set includes:
Base Shadow Brush - applies a smooth, flawless foundation colour
Deluxe Crease Brush - soft, oversized design for effortless contouring
Accent Brush - designed for presicion detailing spotlighting, highlighting, and smudging
Pixel-Point Eyeliner Brush - tapered cut is ideal for dense or fine eyeliner application
Brow Brush - distinctive shape easily defines eyebrows
Plus a Panormic Case to hold all the brushes

I absolutely love my eyes/enhanced starter set brushes.  The plush brushes makes it easy to pick up the cosmetic and it is so gentle when I apply it to my eyes.  I really love there are step-by-step guide I could follow using the Real Technique brushes.  It is a great Christmas gift idea for a newbie just starting out.  However, I think they are perfect for anyone who uses makeup.  The videos are so easy to understand and follow to help to get the same look.  The set comes in a case and went bent it correctly it becomes a stand for easy access to the brushes.  It is a brilliant idea because my brushes have never been more organized.  Once I have tried these brushes I wish I have her whole collection because they are that good.  I can't live without them since I have have been using them.  The perfect beauty item to give for this Christmas season.

GIVEAWAY!!

Farleyco.ca would like to offer one of my readers to win their own Real Techniques eyes/enhanced starter set.

Baylis & Harding ~ #Giveaway Winner

Winner to my Baylis & Harding giveaway is

Natalie

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):
Bodum, January 1st/14, CAN only

Hallmark, December 25th, CAN only

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, December 25, CAN only

The Body Shop, December 23rd, CAN only

Vitabath Holiday Bliss, December 21st, CAN/US only

Scottish Fine Soaps, December 20th, CAN only

3M prize pack $150 (incl $50 cash card) December 16th, CAN only

Brobo December 12th, CAN only

Manhattan Toys The Grinch, December 10th, CAN/US only

Hush Puppies $150, December 8th, CAN only

Other:
http://happychinadoll.blogspot.ca/p/referral-links.html

Bodum Yo-Yo Set is the Perfect Gift ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Review #Giveaway

You all know I am a tea-a-holic drinker.  I have at least one mug a day.  I does not matter if my tea is in either loose or bagged.  However I do have a few favourites that are sold loose.  When I do have loose tea I don't like to bag them because they do cost extra.  They are great for on the go in a traveling mug.  I preferred to use a strainer to hold my tea leaves.  For awhile I did use the ball and the chain for a few years but one day I lost it.  No idea where it went.  Then I decided to purchase a mug with a cup strainer for easier cleaning and not getting lost.

I think this yo-yo set (cute name) is fantastic!  I love the tray could be double up as a lid and a trivent to prevent the strainer from dripping all over table when I take it out of the mug.  It is dishwasher safe and microwave safe.  I dont have a dishwasher so it will be mostly washed by hands.  I love when items are microwave safe.  I hate to find out it was not and gets me annoyed that I have to find another cup that is.  It holds 10oz so it holds enough for my morning tea but sometimes it might not be big enough when I am so thirsty...so I will fill it up again.  See problem solved.  The strainer works with any cup and works with any loose tea leaves.  I have seen other strainers and I think they were useless since the holes are large enough for certain tea leaves to pass through.  I hate to swallow tea with the leaves.  It is gross.  This strainer is perfect, something I was looking for to keep at home or the office.  This is a great Christmas gift for tea-a-holic or just starting out drinking tea.  I think this is a perfect gift for everyone.  Grab one of these mugs and add a bag of tea leaves = the perfect gift for this holiday season.  It is so affordable at MSRP $10 and it is available at The Bay.

GIVEAWAY!

Bodum would like to offer one of my readers their own yo-yo mug set.

This giveaway will run from December 4th, 2013 to January 1st, 2014 (midnight EST).  Winner, You have 72 hours to reply.  You must be 18+ Canadians Only.  Good Luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway



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

Hallmark Christmas Collection ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #HallmarkPressPause #Giveaway #Review

Hallmark is one of my ideal places to shop during Christmas.  Over two decades I have bought so many Christmas cards, gift bags, and wrapping papers.  It was also one of my Mother In Law's favourite places to shop for Christmas ornaments.  I know I will need to replace some since my kids love to play with the ornaments.  This year they have so many great items that it is always fun to enter into their store and test out their new products.  My girls were very excited to test drive what Hallmark sent me.  There was much laughter and giggles and even fighting over who's turn to play with it was.  I think this year Hallmark has out done themselves to help us celebrate Christmas this year.

North Pole Communicator ($29.95 with any purchase, MSRP $39.95)
If your little one wants to talk to Santa this is the thing to get.  Even I am excited to pay with it.  Each day starting December 1st to Christmas, my kids could talk to a friend in the North Pole.  This would be so much fun and to spread a little Christmas joy in our household.  My kids can't wait for December 1st to get the party started.

'Blink-Along' Musical Scarf ($14.95 with any purchase, MSRP $24.95)
I was having so much fun playing with the scarf.  It plays a 5 different Christmas tune and flashes along with the music.  My youngest daughter was fascinated and kept on pressing the button over and over again.  She couldn't get enough of it.  I was thinking of bring this to the office to share some holiday laughter.

Totally Ticklish Goofy ($15.95 with 3 Hallmark cards purchase, MSRP $29.95)
From all the Disney character's laughter, I think the one that is most memorable is Goofy.  I think he laughs the most because he is just goofy.  Both my daughters enjoys playing with him.  As he is singing his song, the girls will tackle him with tickles.  His giggles are contagious that it even made me smile with him.

Yule-K-Lele ($19.95, MSRP $24.95)
I think I need another Yule-K-Lele.  Both of my girls were fighting over playing the Yule-K-Lele.  I even enjoyed playing with it to hear the tune as I "strum" it faster or slow.  My littlest one was having the time of her life playing it and was driving her older sister crazy because she wanted her turn.  I think this would be fun to pass around at a Christmas party and watching enjoying themselves.

"Let it Snowmen" 5 piece Mini Snowmen ornament set ($6.95 with 3 Hallmark cards purchase,  MSRP $14.95)  I love ornaments and I believe the ones I currently have are mostly from Hallmark.  I love to go and visit their ornaments section to see what I should purchase next.  These little snowmen are cute and they could be used as a gift decoration to make it look professionally wrapped.  After they have unwrapped the gifts they could hang the decoration up on the tree.

Pics 'n' Props Christmas Fun Kit ($14.95 Hallmark Rewards Offer, MSRP $24.95)  This prop kit would make each Christmas picture fun.  It includes masks and cute funny cut outs that would make picture taking alot more fun with the kids.  These will make the pictures very unique and interesting to look at a few years from now.  This kit could also bring so much fun at a Christmas party.  It could be a great start of a conversation or just a good laugh during the party.

Holiday Gift Wrap, Santa Approved Gift Bags and Christmas Cards, oh my!  For years I have used Hallmark's paper products because they were one of the best.  They were always pretty and high quality that I never second guessed myself when purchasing them.  I may at time over purchase them so I have a small pile I could use them over a few Christmases.  I say the outside should be somewhat just as nice as the inside.  I like to see pretty gift wrapped boxes and bags underneath the tree.  I also still enjoy receiving pretty Christmas cards in the mail.  I might be old fashioned but I get excited to find them in my mail box and I collect them and still have ones I received 20 years ago.

Do any of the items piqued your interest?  Just remember once they are gone...they are gone...so don't hesitate to avoid any disappointments.


GIVEAWAY!!

Once again, one of my favourite store, Hallmark Canada would like to offer one of my readers to win a "Let it Snowman" 5 piece Mini Snowman Ornament set.

This giveaway will run from December 2nd to December 25th, 2013 (midnight EST).  Winner, you have 72 hours to reply.  You must be 18+ Open to Canadians Only.  Good Luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway



*Disclosure - I am apart of Hallmark Press Pause Panel.  The product in this review was provided to me free of cost for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

The Healthy Shopper Fall 2013 Healthy Picks ~ #Review

As a mother of two I am always looking for healthier food and eco friendly, natural products as much as I can.  The Healthy Shopper are back again this Fall to show their top picks of "another assortments of natural, organic and green choices" that are available in your local grocery store.  There is no need to shop at an additional store for these products. You can checkout their Spring selection here.

Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks ~ #Giveaway Winner

Winner to my Pound Puppies: Holiday Hijinks DVD giveaway is

Doris C.

Congrats!
Please check your email
Thanks for entering everyone.

My other current giveaways (more coming soon!):

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, December 25, CAN only

The Body Shop, December 23rd, CAN only

Vitabath Holiday Bliss, December 21st, CAN/US only

Scottish Fine Soaps, December 20th, CAN only

3M prize pack $150 (incl $50 cash card) December 16th, CAN only

Brobo December 12th, CAN only

Manhattan Toys The Grinch, December 10th, CAN/US only

Hush Puppies $150, December 8th, CAN only

Baylis & Harding, December 5, CAN only

Other:
http://happychinadoll.blogspot.ca/p/referral-links.html