Give the Gift of Live Clean....With a Dash of Vanilla Peppermint, Holly Berry & Gingerbread ~ #Review #Giveaway

I can't believe Christmas is just around the corner.   I have my tree already up so it is ready for Santa.   I love when my hand soaps smells like Christmas too.  It brings the extra Christamasy feel into the house.  You can bet that I love Live Clean Holiday Hand Soaps.  I like to put them in my bathroom and kitchen. They can be a great teacher or hostess gift.  You can never go wrong with hand soaps.

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.

Christmas at The Body Shop ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Review #Giveaway

There are so many places I need to go for my holiday shopping.  I think each time I am at the mall I think I have to visit each store to see what they have to offer.  If you rewind about 20 years ago, before the kids, I would go on a shopping trip just me and my girlfriends and we would spend the whole day shopping until our feet ached.  The Body Shop was always on top of my list to visit and most of the time I would come out with an item or two because there are so many women in my life who love The Body Shop.

There are so many great gift ideas at The Body Shop including their collection Honeymania.  You can read how much I am raving about their body butter here.  I don't think I know anyone who does not like The Body Shop.  There is something for everyone including men.  I have purchased their men's aftershave and my brother absolutely loved it.

The chocomania mini cupcake $8 is a great stocking stuffer.  It includes 25g soap, 60ml shower cream, and a small loaf in a cupcake box.  This would be great little gift for the teacher or the babysitter.

The ginger sparkle limited time collection is back again.  This has a great scent of warm and spices.  The hand wash 240ml, $8 and lotion 240ml, $12 is a great combo as a hostess gift or a nice decro in the family bathroom.

You can't have Christmas without Cranberry Joy.  Another great collection that is back for the holidays. I think the Cranberry Joy shimmer lotion 250ml, $12 is a must have for this season.  It hydrates your skin and smells great.  There must be a code somewhere that we have to wear shimmer lotion during a Christmas party or a evening night in town.  The lotions makes your body vibrant and sexy.  I love how my skin shimmers in the light with this lotion.

A new collection called White Musk Smoky Rose will be launching in November 4.  Just in time for the holidays.  It has a nice floral scent that any women would love to have this season.

Check out the Special Edition, 4 step eye palette (plum or brown) $28 is a great stocking stuffer. It also comes with 2 mini brushes (flat & slanted) and directions which brush to use to give that smoky eye look every women desires. I doubt there are many cosmetics that come with a decent quality brush like this one. This is a great gift for all women of all ages who love makeup. I would love to have this in my stocking.

The Body Shop has a School Project they are working on that everyone should know. Their motto for the Holidays is “Give Joy to Every Body” and this Christmas they are giving back to the communities they trade with. $300,000 (CAD) from their gift sales around the world is going to build five new schools in Community Fair Trade areas. When you buy any one of their gorgeous gifts you will be helping to give children in India, Nepal, Honduras, and Ghana better access to an education for a brighter, happier future. For more information, please refer to our "Give Joy" dossier.  This is another good reason to shop at The Body Shop.

GIVEAWAY!

I am so excited to announce my friends that The Body Shop would like to offer one of my readers an assorted of items that is worth $100.  Your prize may differ from what I received.  Don't you just love me?


This giveaway will run from November 25th to December 23rd, 2013 (midnight EST).  Winner, You have 72 hours to reply.  You must be 18+ Open to Canadians only.  Good Luck!

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*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.

Vitabath Holiday Bliss Collection ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Review #Giveaway

Can you believe the date?  32 days left until Christmas.  I just can't believe Christmas is fast approaching and it feels like I still have so much to do.  The malls are getting so hectic and I have noticed some have a frantic look trying to find the perfect gift.  If anyone is looking to give me a gift, I am easy to please.  I love anything related to cosmetics and bath and both items.  One of my personal favourites are products from Vitabath.

I love Vitabath and you can read it here but just for this season they released three new holiday scents - Spice is Nice, Sweet Pink Peppermint, and Cherry Red Apple.  I have the opportunity to try the Cherry Red Apple and the scent is so amazing.  The lotion is divine and it makes my skin so soft and smooth.  It leaves a great scent I could sniff my arms all day.  The body wash is also another of my personal favourites.  I feel clean and fresh and the scent of apples and cherry just makes my mouth water.  You can never go wrong with Vitabath and this set is sold as a pair (lotion and body wash).

This is a great gift idea for anyone who loves bath and body products and at such a great price of C$16.99 and getting 25% more for free!  They come a huge bottle and could easy last a while.  Both contains jam pack of Vitamins and antioxidant to revive the skin to feel wonderful.  After trying the Cherry Red Apple, now I want the rest of the limited of time holiday collection.

These items are for adult use only.  Available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Lawtons, Pharmasave, and online - www.myvitabath.com.

GIVEAWAY!

Vitabath would like to offer one of my readers their choice of one of the New Holiday Bath Set collection.

This giveaway will run from November 23rd to December 21st, 2013 (midnight EST).  Winner, You have 72 hours to reply.  You must be 18+ Open to Canadians and U.S.  Good Luck!



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*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.

The Scottish Fine Soaps Company Christmas Idea ~ #2013ChristmasGuide #Review #Giveaway

I can't believe Christmas is fast approaching.   I am so close on finishing my Christmas shopping.  Usually when I am done I still have to find the time to sit down to wrap them up.  I also purchase extra gifts for "just in case" I have forgotten someone or a unexpected guest.  To keep it simple - they will receive a bath and body item.  It is practical and useful so they can't complain.  My co-worker gave me this idea awhile back.  Who knows you might need to thank someone during Christmas.

The Scottish Fine Soaps Company offers many great bath and body care items.  They have a wonderful scent and very affordable.  I would think that many would love to receive them as one of their holiday gift.

The Scottish Fine Soaps Au-Lait 2pc Hand Care Set (2 x 300 ml) SRP $16.29 is a great Christmas gift for a Teacher, co-worker, and even to a grandparent.  It sits in a wire basket that I thought was very chic and pretty.  I love the gentle clean scent and the hand wash leaves your hands squeaky clean.

The Scottish Fine Soaps Arboria 3 pc Travel Kit (3 x 50ml) SRP $9.99 is a great stocking stuffer for someone who travels alot or just loves beauty products.  I love how it comes with a clear travel bag so I could pack other items into it and able to see what is in the bag without pouring everything out.  This set comes with a mini shampoo, body wash, and body butter - the beginning of the essentials of a travel kit.  An idea is pack a surprise flight ticket in the kit for the next romantic getaway trip or use this to hint that a getaway is needed.

If you know someone who is addicted to lotions and body butter as myself, I think they would love. The Scottish Fine Soaps Arboria Body Butter tube (200 ml) SRP $7.99.  The scent is so lovely and mild.  I was sniffing it all day.  It is not as thick as the usual body butter and not as light as a lotion.  As Goldilocks would say, "it is just right".  This is a great stocking stuffer or a mini present to those who often have dry hands and needed a little TLC for their over worked hands.

GIVEAWAY!

Farleyco.ca would like to offer one of my readers to win their own 3 piece The Scottish Fine Soap Arbora travel kit.

This giveaway will run from November 22th to December 20th, 2013 (midnight EST).  Winner, You have 72 hours to reply.  You must be 18+ Canadians Only.  Good Luck!

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*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.

L'Occitane En Provence Fleur D'or & Acacia ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide & #Review

There is one hand cream I absolutely love and it is by L'Occitane.  There is one location that is a short walk from my husband's office and I told him to shop there if he was thinking of purchasing me a present.  I told him there are hand creams I would love to have from that store, and once he did finally remember and bought me one.  However that is a distance memory and hoping for another purchase from him.

As I wait for my husband to clue in how much I love L'Occitane.  I discovered that L'Occitane has launched a new collection, Fleur D'or & Acacia recently.  This collection is created by Karine Dubreuil, perfumer for L'Occitane, has a scent of musky floral.

Manhattan Toy The Grinch ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide & #Giveaway

If you have not noticed, I watched alot of television while I was growing up.  One of the best seasons to watch the tube is the holiday season.  I think they try to air all new and old Christmas movies every year.  There are a few staples of Christmas movies that we must watch and one of them is The Grinch by Dr Seuss.  We love it so much we even have the DVD and a few Grinch characters to decorate the house with.  To add to our growing collection is the Manhattan Toy The Grinch hand puppet.

Both of my girls love products from Manhattan Toys.  When they were infants they love the Winkel toy for years.  Manhattan Toy is known to be dedicated to the art of creative play. Each year they create new toys that are high quality, innovative, and imaginative for boys and girls of all ages.  I have purchased their products for years and my kids and I considered them one of our favourite toy brands that sells good high quality toys that will last for years, maybe even generations.

Manhattan Toy The Grinch hand puppet is large enough to fit over my hands and could be easily flattened for storage and taken out again each year for the little ones to play with.  The material is durable and high quality so I know it won't fall apart after the kids plays with it.  My youngest daughter loves it so much that she would take it from me and wanted to play the puppet herself.  She didn't even want to share the puppet with her big sister.  She would grab the puppet and run away from her.  It is a great toy to entertain the kids for many Christmas holidays.

GIVEAWAY!

Manhattan Toy would like to offer one of my readers their own Hand Puppet The Grinch this holiday season.

This giveaway will run from November 12th to December 10th, 2013 (midnight EST).  Winner, You have 72 hours to reply.  You must be 18+ Open to Canadians and U.S.  Good Luck!

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*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.

Hush Puppies Fall 2013 ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Giveaway #Review

Getting ready for a Christmas party?  If you are like me, I like to make a new shoe purchase for the event.  I love shoes and I would be a shoe-a-holic if my feet are weren't so picky.   I wish I could wear 3 inches heels but alas it was never meant to be.  Most of my shoes consist of being comfortable 24/7.  Regardless if I could wear 3" heel, can you see me trying to chase my 2 year old around the mall or the isles of the store?  I would most likely injure myself more than anything.  I like to purchase shoes that are not only comfortable but also universal, which means I could use those the same shoes for almost any occasion.

Baylis & Harding Christmas Idea ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide & #Giveaway

I love bath and body products and usually they are the perfect present to give and receive.  Usually when I have no idea what to give I usually turn towards something that most people would need like soap and hand cream and Baylis & Harding products is the perfect idea.

Sometimes the people I found hard to purchase for are Teachers and Neighbours.  I thought the safest gift to give them would be a hand wash and hand lotion set and Baylis & Harding French Lavender Set would be the perfect gift.  This gift is practical and useful so it won't be buried
at the bottom in their closest somewhere.  I bet this gift would be appreciated by the recipient.

Baylis & Harding French Lavender Set - Hand Wash (500ml) and Hand Lotion (500ml)  SRP $16.99 is not only the perfect gift but also affordable.  The hand wash gives my hands the squeaky clean feel and a wonderful light lavendar scent.  The lotion is nice and light and hydrates my hands quickly.  I love the scent and I could not get enough of it.  This set also comes in other scents like Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit scent.

You can order them online at www.farleyco.ca but I believe I have also seen them at HomeSense and Winners.

GIVEAWAY!

Farleyco.ca would like to offer one of my readers to win their own Baylis & Harding French Lavender Hand Cream choice of any one of the Baylis & Harding products on their website here: http://www.farleyco.ca/Baylis-Harding/Products.html *UPDATE*

This giveaway will run from November 7th to December 5th, 2013 (midnight EST).  Winner, You have 72 hours to reply.  You must be 18+ Canadians Only.  Good Luck!



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*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.

Kiehl's Christmas Idea ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide #Review

I'm counting down the days until Christmas and I hope you have started as well.  Not to worry, there is still plenty of time and ideas floating around.  Stores are open late so you can shop until the bitter end...well, that is the worst case scenario.  The females in my family are pretty much easy to shop for.  They love bath and beauty products so at least I know where to start.  One of the stores I would likely to visit is Kiehl's the home of the infamous lip balm.

This season, Kiehl’s proudly announces its 5th Annual Limited Edition Holiday Collection in collaboration with NYC-based artist Eric Haze. “Haze” has been creating artistic imagery on a variety of mediums for over 30 years and is best known for designs that span the art, graphic design and fashion arenas.

Kiehl’s Limited Edition Crème de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter will make a charitable impact though Kiehl’s Gives, the skincare company’s philanthropic platform. Locally in Canada, 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the Limited Edition Crème de Corps Whipped Body Butter will benefit the Canadian Association of Pediatric Oncology Camps, a national collaboration of independently operating children’s oncology camping organizations committed to excellence ensuring that every child affected by childhood cancer has the opportunity for a safe, first-class pediatric oncology camping experience.  The Limited Edition Crème de Corps Whipped Body Butter will feature a special label designed by one of CAPOC’s member campers.

The Body Shop Honeymania ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide & #Review

It is getting chilly outside and I am getting dry and dehydrated when I am indoors.  I have been eyeing on a particular body butter I can't wait to try.  I bet you have all heard that The Body Shop has a new collection out that has been all the rave from fellow bloggers.   I have to agree.  Honeymania is that good.

My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas ~ #2013ChristmasGiftGuide & #Giveaway

Yes, this will be the official start of my 2013 Christmas Gift Guide.  Last year was fun but I am hoping this year will be better.  I have been working really hard on this since the beginning of September so please come by often and have some fun.  I will try to help make your Christmas season as enjoyable as much as possible.                        xoxo ~ Cecilia

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If you have grew up in the 80s like I had, you had to remember watching My Little Pony TV shows.  They were one of my favourites. Now 20 years later my daughter loves watching My Little Pony.

Just in time to celebrate the holidays, My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas is coming back to DVD October 8, 2013 from Shout! Factory Kids in collaboration with Hasbro Studios! Originally released in 2005, A Very Minty Christmas is the first film to be released from Shout! Factory’s new My Little Pony Classic Movies reissue program, which will make favorite titles available to fans once again.

If you know a child  who loves My Little Pony as much as my daughter.  My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas is an ideal Christmas gift idea that they would love to open on Christmas Day.  When my daughter saw I brought home My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas DVD she was very excited for me to pop it on to watch it.  Both of my daughters eyes were glued to the screen.  They enjoyed the movie from start to finish.  It is a classic that kids will enjoy watching over and over again, even year after year.  Even I enjoyed watching with them and it bring back wonderful childhood memories.

The “Here Comes Christmas Candy Cane” is an important part of Ponyville — it’s the beacon that shows jolly old Santa Claus the way to the town as he makes his holiday rounds each year. But when Minty accidentally breaks it, uh-oh! It looks like Ponyville is destined to have a bleak holiday season. Minty is determined to do anything to save Christmas for her Pony friends while they, in turn, band together to try and cheer up their despondent friend. Together, they all discover that Christmas can come anyway, wrapped in the love of good friends and the oversized heart of one little clumsy, minty-green Pony!

GIVEAWAY!

Shout! Factory would like to offer one of my readers to win their own copy My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas DVD.


This giveaway will run from November 1st to November 26th, 2013 (midnight EST). Winner, You have 72 hours to reply. You must be 18+ Open to Canadians and U.S. only Good Luck!


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*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.


About Hasbro Studios

Hasbro Studios is the Los Angeles-based entertainment division of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS). The studio is responsible for entertainment brand-driven storytelling for the company across television, film, commercial productions and short-form. It develops, produces and distributes TV shows based on Hasbro's world class brands, including TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP and FAMILY GAME NIGHT. Many of these shows air on Hub Network, a U.S. television network for kids and their families, that is a joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Hasbro Studios shows can also be seen on networks in more than 170 countries globally.  Since its formation in 2009, the studio has received seven Daytime Emmy wins and 16 nominations.  On the film side, the studio is developing and producing a number of features based on Hasbro's brands, including TRANSFORMERS 4 (Paramount), STRETCH ARMSTRONG (Relativity Media) and CANDY LAND (Sony).  The studio team also oversees the production of commercials that feature Hasbro's brands as well production of short-form content that can be seen on all of the major digital and social media platforms globally.

About Shout! Factory:

Shout! Factory, LLC is a diversified multi-platform entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering, preserving and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their entire careers sharing their music, television and film favorites with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD and Blu-Ray™ offerings serve up feature films, classic and contemporary TV series, animation, live music and comedy specials in lavish packages crammed with extras.  Shout’s audio division boasts GRAMMY^®-nominated box sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations.  In addition, Shout! Factory maintains a vast digital distribution network which delivers video and audio content to all the leading digital service providers in North America.  Shout! Factory also owns and operates Timeless Media Group, Biograph Records, Majordomo Records, HighTone Records and Video Time Machine. These riches are the result of a creative acquisition mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention.  Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com

Top Gifts Ideas

Here I have compiled some ideas for Christmas Presents.  They are my top picks.

Gifts for Her
Idea #1 - Who does not like chocolates.  Give her the best chocolate there is.  Godiva.  The God of chocolates.

Idea #2 - Another hot item this season (or every season) is the standup kitchen-aid mixer.  I have seen this go as low as $188 at Walmart.

Idea #3 - Philosophy Skin Care (Sephora or The Bay).  The most popular item is the hope in the jar.  It was Oprah's top pick.

Gifts for Him
Idea #1 - A nice new razor is a classic one to give to a guy (as well as a necktie)

Idea #2 - a Skin care kit.  Either by Anthony (at Sephora), Clinique (The Bay or Sears), or Biotherm (The Bay or Sears).  Men do have skin.  :)

Gifts for the kids
Idea #1 - Who does not like the Disney store?  They have both toys, DVDs, and costumes.  I know the Disney Store at the Eaton Center has specials throughout the month of December.

Idea #2 - Video games (no brainer).  The hot one is Call of Duty: MW3.  You can purchase them at Best Buy, Future Shop, or EB Games.

Idea # 3 - Lids are great.  Lots of hats to choose from.  I like the Tokidoki hats.  I see them everywhere.  Hey, I want one.

Gifts for the Teachers (women)
Idea#1 - EOS lip balm.  Well.ca is selling a trio for $11.99

Idea#2 - Cake Holiday Handful Gift Set.  Well.ca is selling for $30.00 (sale limitied time)

Gifts for the Teachers (men)
Tim Horton's, Starbucks, Timothy's or Second Cup holiday gift packs.  Who does not like their selection of coffees or teas?  I believe they even have hot chocolate gift packs.

Gifts for Grandparents
Photobooks are a great idea.
Photolab.ca is having a sale...just in time.  Hurry, it expires Dec 2nd.

The list could go on and on.  I had to stop somewhere.
I hope this was very helpful.
Happy gift giving!