Monave Vegan, Gluten Free Lip Gloss, Review & Giveaway

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Monave Lip Glaze is a silky, natural lip product that adds a bit of shine, some sheer color that is perfect for a relaxed look. It is completely free of irritants, and preservatives, abiding by the philosophy that makeup should have organic food-based ingredients. Luscious coconut oil and natural orange flavor give slip, and shine without being sticky. Pigments are 100% naturally derived minerals.

I personally am not a vegan and have nothing against gluten, so why would I need a 100% vegan, 100% gluten free mineral lip gloss? Good question. Apparently many people are allergic to gluten and it is one of the ingredients found in many make up products today (who knew? I thought it was just in food). So that explains the gluten, but what about the vegan? Well, two of the most common animal by products found in lip glosses, lipsticks and lip balms are beeswax and carmine. I'm okay with beeswax. Carmine however is associated with questionable practices since thousands of beetles are killed for the pigment that comes from their wings.....right....excuse me while I go scrape my lips off my face. 

If those aren't good enough reasons to try out Monave how about these ones:

• Priced for the everyday woman
• Formulas made from whole-food, edible ingredients (not derivatives) such as cocoa butter, macadamia nut oil, and avocado oils
• A multi-ethnic palette to meet the needs of the American Complexion
• 100% handmade products supporting traditional craft industries
• Healthy, skin-loving ingredients
• Natural fruit extracts provide a pleasant taste
• Supports the local economy

I received one tube of the lip glaze to test out. The first thing I was excited about was the shade. I was sent the color honey/506. It's a dark pink sparkly color in the tube and when it goes on it gives my lips just a hint of color and shine without making me look like I swiped a young girls pink lip color!
It glides on very smoothly and isn't sticky at all, rather it's almost silky feeling. (one of the reasons I often avoid glazes is because they are so sticky) I also enjoy that I don't notice either a scent or a taste when I apply this product, which is a relief because some lip sticks taste awful.....must be those beetle wings.

Over all I really like this product and look forward to learning more about Monave and hopefully trying more of their products.

BUY IT: You can purchase your own Vegan, gluten free lip glaze at www.monave.com for around $13.

WIN IT: Want to win a Monave Lip Glaze of your own? Well you may be in lucky because they are going to give one to TWO of my readers.

RULES: Mandatory entry must be completed or all other entries will be invalid and deleted. .  Each entry is a separate comment, if it says +2 then leave two comments. Tweets must be at least an hour apart or will be discounted. If your email address is not in your blogger profile, please leave it in your entry comment. 

Mandatory Entry: 

Visit Monave and browse around. Come back and tell me another product you would like to try or something you learned.

Bonus Entries

(you may complete as many as you like or none at all)

~Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect +1

~Like Carrie's Rambles on Facebook +1

~Like me on Networked Blogs +1 

~enter any of my other active giveaways +1 each

~blog about this giveaway & link it to me +5

~follow Me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (up to 2x daily) +1 each

you may use this sample tweet if you like:

RT @yorkiemomma I want to #win a 100% vegan Monave lip glaze

Ends 4-9-11 http://bit.ly/gvHtGN

Contest Ends 4/9/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner to be drawn by random.org, notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. Must be 18+ to enter. Continental US only.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Cystex Review & Giveaway

If you’ve ever been struck with a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how disruptive and miserable they can be.

For women with recurrent UTIs (that’s three or more in a 12-month period), cranberries have long played a role in helping promote better urinary health However, as much as drinking cranberry juice may help better your bladder, drinking eight glasses a day can be intolerable, not to mention the added sugar and calories. A wonderful alternative is just one tablespoon of new Cystex Liquid Cranberry Complex with Proantinox taken daily. This sugar-free cranberry dietary supplement is way more effective than cranberry tablets in helping to and is clinically proven to promote urinary health.

Cystex Liquid Cranberry Complex combines the health benefit of eight glasses of cranberry juice in one tablespoon of its unique, convenient Proantinox cranberry formula. More than just cranberry concentrate, its proprietary blend also contains D-Mannose (from cranberries), bromelain (from pineapple), inulin, and vitamin C, a winning combination designed to boost bladder health.

In addition, Cystex Liquid Cranberry Complex:

• Is lactose-, gluten- and sugar-free
• Is only one calorie per tablespoon
• Contains 17 times more proanthocyanidins (PACs) that cranberry tablets 

Personally, I am always looking for the easier way to stay healthier and when I heard that the new twice as effective Cystex was a sugar free antioxidant formula, I was all about trying it out. Not to mention the fact that while I like cranberry juice, I just so happen to like it better if it has vodka in it and besides who can drink 8 glasses a day? 1 teaspoon is much more realistic in my opinion!

The taste is sort of like a mild or watered down sugar water flavor, I find it more enjoyable if I keep it in the fridge. I've suffered no stomach upset from taking this and I feel better knowing I am doing something good for my body and helping myself have better urinary health!

Buy it: You can purchase Cystex at most major retailers and drugstores. To find a complete list check here 

WIN IT: Want to win a bottle and try before you buy? Well your in luck because I am able to give one reader a 7.6 oz bottle of their own.

I'm gonna give you gals a break and make this one an easy entry giveaway. There is no specific mandatory entry. Pick and choose as many of the following as you like to enter. Just make sure to leave a seperate comment for each!

• "Like" Cystex on Facebook +1
• "Like" Carries Rambles on Facebook +1
• Follow Carries Rambles on GFC +1 (right side of page)
• Follow Me on twitter +1
• Follow Cystex on twitter +1
• Tweet this giveaway once per day +1 each

#Win a free bottle of Cystex, your body will thank you.

@yorkiemomma Ends 4/9/11 http://bit.ly/dPRR9U

Contest ends on 4/9/11 at 11:59pm EST. Winner to be drawn by random.org, notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. US only, must be 18+ to enter

I received the above mentioned product in order to offer my opinion. All opinions are 100% mine and in should in no way be taken as medical advice.

Happy Handle Bar Shopping Cart Cover Giveaway

You may remember about a week ago when I reviewed the Happy Handle Bar Shopping Cart Cover? If not you can read it HERE. If you have any doubts about how disgusting shopping carts really are you can also check out this article from ABC news: Shopping Carts More Germy than Public Restrooms

Well lucky for you, the sponsor has contacted me with two different opportunities for you!

First: if you refer five friends to www.buyhappyhandlebarcover.com and they purchase one, have them leave a post  on the Happy Handle facebook page with your name as a referer. You will get a free Happy Handle Bar Cover after 5 friends purchase and leave a post something like "Carrie R. sent me"

Second: One person is going to win a free Happy Handle Bar Shopping Cart Cover!

RULES: Mandatory entry must be completed or all other entries will be invalid and deleted. .  Each entry is a separate comment, if it says +2 then leave two comments. Tweets must be at least an hour apart or will be discounted. If your email address is not in your blogger profile, please leave it in your entry comment. 

Mandatory Entry: 

Like The Happy Handle Shopping Cart Cover on Facebook and tell them @Carrie's Rambles sent you

Bonus Entries

(you may complete as many as you like or none at all)

~Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect +1

~Share this giveaway on your facebook wall and leave me the link +2

~Like Carrie's Rambles on Facebook +1

~Like me on Networked Blogs +1

~follow Me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (up to 2x daily) +1 each

you may use this sample tweet if you like:

#Win a Happy Handle Shopping Cart Cover
@yorkiemomma Ends 4/16/11  http://bit.ly/fvDlLh


Giveaway contest ends on 4/16/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner to be drawn by random.org, notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. Must be 18+ to enter

*I received no compensation to write this post although I previously received a product and reviewed it in a different post.

10 Top Entertaining Tips & 15% off at Oneida

Oneida is sharing the top ten entertaining tips with us, so that we can make all of our Spring celebrations the talk of the town! Over the next year they will be sharing many more tips, so make sure to check back frequently!


Brunch buffet Basics: Top 10 tips
1)   Flow is key. Set up the buffet table in an open, inviting area so guests can move around it easily. 2)   Position stacked plates first, main entrees next, followed by hot dishes and cold dishes.
3)   Protect table linens with saucers or small plates to rest serving spoons and tongs on when not in use.
4)   Have a separate station for desserts and beverages.
5)   Bundle flatware in napkins or...simply place it on the dining table in advance.
6)   Use a pedestal to save space and bring height to the buffet. If you don't have one, simply cover a small bucket or sturdy box with a linen.  Place dishes   on top.                                                                
7)   Labeling foods is a thoughtful gesture so your guests know exactly what they are eating. Small photo frames are perfect for this.                              
8)   Decorative flowers and candy dress up a buffet. Save the lit candles for the dining table.
9)   Be sure to have PLENTY of food. No one wants to take the last piece of anything. 
10) Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Place ice under dishes in a separate plate or bowl. Use chafers for hot items.
Helpful Hint: If you don't have a chafer, wrap a couple of bricks in heavy duty foil, warm in oven and place on a heat proof pad.
Oneida has several new items that they are very excited to introduce to us:

·         Thatch White Dinnerware: The grey on white palette of this circular pattern lends a modern air to table décor by adding stylish flair that can take you through each season

·         Asheville Dinnerware: Reactive glazing gives each collection distinct detail, evoking intrigue that is naturally appealing

·         Mystique Dinnerware: With a contemporary chic style, the center of each piece starts with a deep hue that emanates outward, creating a myriad of colors that shine from the tabletop

·         Profile Crystal Drinkware: With a style to meet any purpose, Profile Crystal adds the perfect touch of sparkle to your table décor, whether the occasion is a celebration or a simple night in

Check them out and starting March 28^th  through April 11^th you can receive 15% off by using the card Spring15 at checkout


Oneida can also be found on Facebook and Twitter

 

I was not compensated in any way for this post.

Wholly Guacamole: Buddy Up & Win Promotion

 

 

Are you a Biggest Loser fan? If so you may know that Wholly Guacamole is the official Guacamole and Salsa of the show. Starting TODAY they are kicking off their "Buddy Up and Win" Promotion.

 

Feel like you need reinforcements in The Battle of the Bulge?

Does The Biggest Loser®  give you inspiration?

 

Wholly Guacamole is celebrating Battle Buddies with an awesome giveaway!

Go to eatwholly.com/thebiggestloser and, in 200 words or less, tell them how you and your Battle Buddy inspire and support each other in your weight loss journey.

They're giving away tons of prizes including a trip for 2 to attend  The Biggest Loser: Couples season finale, a trip for 2 for a week's stay at The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge Malibu® and airfare allowance!  And don't forget to watch The Biggest Loser: Couples, Tuesdays 8/7c! 

 

 I know that the times I have been most successful loosing weight have been when I have had a partner, friend or co-worker right along side me every step of the way, so I guess you can say that I am a big believer in Battle Buddies. If you are too and want to find out more about this great contest you can check out the following links:

Biggest Loser Contest

Prizes

Partners

Rules

I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Lots of Winners today!

We have quite a number of winners to announce today, so without furthering blathering on from me:

Simple Green Household Products Winner: Lois S. #45

Wholly Guacamole Winner:  Andrea V #143

         Wholly Guacamole Coupon Winners: .laura #28

                                                                  Lois S #16

                                                                  Phyllis #61

U-Stripe IT Winner: ababe23 #6

Speck Dust Jacket Winner: Kathleen #8

Purex Complete Crystals: #45 Jessica & #74 Kelly

Skin MD Naturals Winner: #5 Eve


Congrats to all the winners. Emails have been sent out! Thanks to everyone who entered and to the sponsors for making the giveaways possible!

Tropical Traditions Organic Hair Oils Review & GIveaway

Over the past year I have tried and enjoyed several products from Tropical Traditions. This time around I choose to review their brand new Organic Hair Oils.

Tropical Traditions has formulated three different hair oils using our organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil along with other high quality organic oils known to nourish hair. Along with the base of organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, we included organic jojoba oil, organic macadamia nut oil, organic rosehip oil, organic shea butter, and organic carrot seed oil in each formulation. Two of the formulations are scented with the highest quality organic essential oils available, imported from France: Rosemary and Lavender. There are no other ingredients besides these high quality organic oils: NO SILICONES, NO SULFATES, and NO ALCOHOLS (quoted directly from www.tropical tradtions.com)

The oils come in a choice of Unscented, Lavender and Rosemary. Since I normally wash my hair at night, I choose the Lavender because the scent is so relaxing.

I personally have long, naturally curly hair. In humidity it likes to frizz as if I stuck a fork in an electric socket. Since I also flat iron and color my hair, split ends and dryness are often a real worry for me. Since coconut oil has been said to actually penetrate and seal the hair shaft, it is a great treatment for split ends and dry hair.

The Organic Hair Oils can be used in several ways.
For dry scalp: by rubbing into hair and scalp at least 30 minutes before showering or can even be left on over night.
As a conditioner: for deep conditioning work through hair to scalp at least 15 minutes before washing. Or as a leave in conditioner work a small amount though wet hair before drying.
Shine Serum: Rub a small amount in your hands and run over hair. Scrunch for curly hair or rake for smooth.

I use this about once a week as a a deep conditioner, working it in and leaving it on my hair for around a half hour before I shower. Afterwards, my hair feels soft and bouncy and combing through my curls is a breeze! I can definitely see that in the summer I will be using a little bit on my hair when it is dry to keep the frizz away!
Once again, Tropical Traditions has totally impressed me with a product!

BUY IT: You can purchase an 8fl oz Organic Hair Oil for $18.99 unscented or $19.99 scented.

WIN IT: Tropical Traditions is going to give one of my readers an 8oz bottle of Organic Hair Oil in their choice of scents.

RULES: Mandatory entry must be completed or all other entries will be invalid and deleted. Make sure you follow through with anything you say you do as I will verify.  Each entry is a separate comment, if it says +2 then leave two comments. Tweets must be at least an hour apart or will be discounted. If your email address is not in your blogger profile, please leave it in your entry comment. 

Mandatory Entry: Visit Tropical Traditions and sign up for the Newsletter., enabling you to receive specials deals and sales AND let me know what scent you would choose if you won!

Bonus Entries

(you may complete as many as you like or none at all)

~Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect +1

~Like Tropical Traditions on Facebook+1

~Like me on Networked Blogs +1

~Like Carrie's Rambles on Facebook +1
~blog about this giveaway and leave me a link to it +5
~post my button on your wall (leave me a link) +2

~add me to your blog roll and leave me the link +2

~follow Tropical Traditions on twitter +1
~visit Tropical Traditions and browse the free recipes, search under "honey" &let me know one you would like to try +2

~follow Me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (up to 2x daily) +1 each

you may use this sample tweet if you like:

#Win a bottle of Organic Hair Oil Treatment @troptraditions &
@yorkiemomma Ends 4/16/11 US & CA 
http://bit.ly/hIvBxW

Giveaway will end 04/16/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Open to US & Canada, must be 18+ to enter.
Winner will be drawn by random.org, notified by email and have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. Tropical Traditions not responsible for customs fees to Canada.

I received the above mentioned product in order to try it and offer my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was received for this post. All opinions are my honest opinion.

EO Products-Review & Giveaway

I'm a girl that loves scented products....all scented products. However, in the year that I have been blogging I have really learned alot of interesting facts about those products and the companies that produce/sell them and many of the things I learned have not been eye opening in a good way, if you get my drift.

EO Products is different. They are a company I can feel proud to purchase items from. EO is a family owned business that puts their integrity before their profits.Since the companies inception in 1995, co-founds Brad Black & Susan Griffin-Black have worked hard to set themselves apart & ahead of the other "green" companies. Here are just a few reasons I am impressed with EO Products:

• EO produces & ships all products from it's certified organic facility (helping to reduce it's carbon footprint
• Provides jobs for local workers in a tough economy instead of "out sourcing"
• All bottles are at least 50% post-consumer recycled plastic.
• uses only pure essential oils, NO synthetic fragrances

I was sent Bubble Bath, Shower Gel and Body lotion in the new Vanilla & Coconut with Tangerine scent. The prevailing scent seems to be the tangerine, with the coconut and vanilla adding just some soothing undertones. I like that the shower gel is a squat bottle with a pump that easily stands in the corner of my shower, so I don't worry about it tipping over and leaking out. Unlike some "natural" products it lathers wonderfully and rinses off without leaving my skin feeling dried out. The bubble bath is a delight. I hate when you pour bubble bath in the tub and by the time you get in 3/4 of the bubbles are already gone, EO bubble bath creates tons of scented bubbles to relax in. The body lotion is the perfect way to wrap up this trio! It leaves your skin smooth, silky and lightly scented while the Vitamin E helps improve elasticity. I definitely want to try more of their products!

BUY IT: You can purchase EO products in their online store or use the store locator to find a retailer near you. Right now is a great time to purchase. Until March 31st they are having a huge warehouse sale, where you can even pick up some 1.5oz trials for $.50!!!

WIN IT: EO has graciously agreed to give one of my readers a Lavender Spa Gift set that includes; (all lavender of course) 12oz bubble bath, 12oz hand soap, 7.5 oz Body Oil, 8 oz body lotion, 16oz shower gel, 4oz bar soap in a gift basket. Retail Value of $62.94. If I could enter my own giveaway I would sooooo be all over this set!

RULES: Mandatory entry must be completed or all other entries will be invalid and deleted. .  Each entry is a separate comment, if it says +2 then leave two comments. Tweets must be at least an hour apart or will be discounted. If your email address is not in your blogger profile, please leave it in your entry comment. 

Mandatory Entry: 

Visit EO Products and browse around. Come back and tell me another product you would like to try, a favorite scent or something you learned.

Bonus Entries

(you may complete as many as you like or none at all)

~Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect +1

~Like EO Products on Facebook+1 (leave me your first name & last initial)

~Like Carrie's Rambles on Facebook +1

~Like me on Networked Blogs +1 

~enter any of my other active giveaways +1 each

~blog about this giveaway & link it to me +5

 ~Follow EO Products on twitter +1

~follow Me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (up to 2x daily) +1 each

you may use this sample tweet if you like:

#Win an EO Products Lavender Spa Gift Basket (ARV$62)

US only Ends 4/16 @yorkiemomma  http://bit.ly/hUa7OQ

Contest Ends 4/16/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Winner to be drawn by random.org, notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. Must be 18+ to enter. Continental US only.

I received the above mentioned items in order to provide my opinion of them. All opinions offered are my own honest opinion, those of other consumers may differ. I did not receive any form of monetary compensation

Smart Easy Spring Cleaning BZZ Review

I can't claim to be a fan of house cleaning, but even I was pretty excited to receive my Spring Cleaning bzz kit.

It included:

Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer

Pledge Lemon Clean

Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel

Glade Scented Oil

Glade Spring Collection Candle

 and a coupon booklet with tons of savings for SC Johnson

I figured since I got such great supplies and finally had a day off, I should get my butt in gear. I started in my bathroom with the Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer. Cleaning my shower is never an easy task since I have an old Porcelain (I think?) tub and ceramic tile walls, but the Shower Foamer kicked some serious soap scum and left it sparking clean. I really want to use the coupon provided and get one of the automatic shower cleaners, I'm just afraid I'm going to forget to shut the shower curtain one time and have it everywhere!

I have tried the toilet cleaning gel before and liked it, but I am I really digging the new and improved version. It easily stamps under the rim of toilet bowl and with each flush keeps your bowl clean while releasing a pleasant fragrance.

I always thought pledge was for polishing furniture like end tables or book cases. Imagine my surprise when I read the Cleaning Guide and found out it is good on everything from granite countertops and stainless steel appliances to leather couches and accessories! Hubby is "pledging" the living room right now and I can smell the refreshing lemon sent as I type. PLUS, it removes 90% of allergens, woot!

The Sparkle of Spring limited edition 4 oz candle will burn for 22 hours. It's fresh scent is perfect for any room in your house. My kit did not include one of the limited edition room sprays but if they smell as good as the candle, I definitely need to try them!

How to connect:

• Right@Home™ at facebook.com/rightathome
• Scrubbing Bubbles® at facebook.com/scrubbingbubbles
• Glade® at facebook.com/glade

Learn more at:

• Glade.com
• Pledge.com
• Scrubbingbubbles.com

*I am a Bzz Agent and received both samples and coupons of the above listed products in order to offer my opinion of them. All opinions are 100% mine.

Giveaway Entry FYI

Remember how I posted that I am a moron and screwed up my comments by installing that Intense Debate thing-a-ma-jig? yeah........Well it was pointed out to me that giveaway entries previous to that disaster had disappeared.

I had a brief heart attack and when I recovered I looked in my published comments file on blogger. They are ALL there, just for some reason not showing up. I am looking for someone to help me reset my template back the way it was. I have however, saved all of those comments and will either enter them all manually or into a google document, so that none of the entries you posted will be lost. Just please be patient with me. I'm working 7-5, taking care of mom until around 8 then coming home exhausted. Dad should be switching shifts in the next couple of days so he will be there in the evenings and I get a break.

I apologize! Sorry, Sorry, Sorry, and if it makes anyone feel better I promise to never ever screw with my template again. Especially when exhausted!

Thanks and love everyone of you who visits and puts up with me!

Diabetic Advanced Healing Cream Review

If you have Diabetes or know someone who does then you have either suffered yourself or are aware of the fact that Diabetic people often have problems with their feet and legs. Dry and slow healing skin due to poor circulation is just one of those issues, but it can be very irritating and uncomfortable.

Neoteric Cosmetics (a subsidiary of Scott's Liquid Gold) has created a Diabetic Advanced Healing Cream to help improve the quality of life for those living with Diabetes. The cream is an intensive treatment for chronic dry, cracked, damaged and slow healing skin. Neoteric Diabetic Oxygenated Advanced Healing Cream contains TriOxygenC, which is a patented formula that releases oxygen to the skin which in turn stimulates collagen production and speeds new skin growth.

Now we have had a history of Diabetics in my family but none currently. However when I read about this cream I knew that I wanted to try it on my mother. She has very poor veins in her legs, suffered from a venous ulcer last year and just recently was released from the hospital. Many of her leg and feet problems are identical to that of a diabetic, including poor healing and rough, flaking skin. Part of the reason she was in there was cellulitis on her right leg.

After coming home some of the swelling finally went down and the skin looked awful, large white patches from being swollen, then shrinking, poor circulation and the surrounding area was extremely red. She has been using the Neoteric Diabetic Skin Care daily and we have seen seen quite a bit of improvement. Not only is it helping the dry dead areas but the redness seems to be fading. Another reason she likes it is because it rubs in so easily. Thicker creams hurt to rub in and many thinner ones are greasy, this one goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly without leaving a residue. She also finds the light scent to be pleasant. I wanted to show pictures but she threatened to disown me if I put a picture of her "ugly" leg on the Internet....and even though I am 35, I am still scared of my mother when she uses that tone.

You can purchase a 4 oz tube of the Neoteric Diabetic Skin Care on their website for $9.99. They are also offering free shipping for the month of March, so now is a great time to try out this cream. If you have foot, leg or circulation problems it seems to be well worth it!

Learn more & connect:
Diabetic Advanced Healing on Facebook
@diabetichealing on twitter


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Orange Flavored Carmex Moisture Plus™ Lip Balm Review

As a proud member of the Carmex Blog Squad, I was able to help Carmex out and test a possible new product out. I have always seen Carmex around the stores and have even purchased it for my husband before, but I am ashamed to say I had never tried it myself. So for me, getting chosen to be part of their Squad was a learning experience in and of itself. I get to try and learn about products that I have honestly never used before!

First let me tell you a couple of things I learned since becoming part of the Blog Squad:

• Carmex was invented in 1937 by Carl Woelbing, on the family cooktop. For the next 20 years he and his wife "cooked" it and poured into the familiar yellow & red tubes.
• Carmex has been recognized by Pharmacy Times magazine, for the last 11 years, as the #1 recommended lip balm in a national survey of pharmacists.
• The Moisture Plus lip balms have vitamin E, aloe butter, shea butter and & aloe
• Carmex NEVER tests on animals

I could go on and on with all the nifty stuff I learned but I have t leave something for you to find on your own, or (hopefully) for me to talk about next time!

The Carmex Orange Moisture Plus lip balm was a 5 star hit with me! I've said it before, I am a lip balm addict and have them everywhere, so you can take my word, this stuff is great. It came in a sleek gray tube with a snap off lid. The balm itself is angled so it is easy to apply. It goes on soooo silky smooth, not waxy or clumpy. I was expecting a more orangey or citrusy smell but was very pleasantly surprised. The overall scent is orange but it almost seems as if there is a hint of vanilla too. I keep sniffing it because it reminds me of something yummy but I can't place exactly what.

I've found that if I it on before bed, when I wake up my lips aren't all dry and cracked. It also looks great on top of lipstick.

Overall I give the Carmex Orange Moisture Plus 5 stars. I just need them to hurry up and put it in the stores before I run out!


I recieved a sample of product in order to give my honest opinion of it. I was in no way compensated or obligated to write a positive review. All thoughts expressed are 100% mine.

Dive in to the season's sexiest swimwear!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Express has the hottest, sexiest women's swimwear around this season! Everything from  bikinis, two piece swimwear, swim suits, to  string bikini.

Shop Our Newest Arrivals in the Express Spring 2011 Swim Collection!

“Basic beach gets an upgrade with bold hues and body-loving shapes.”

• * Available in our always-popular monokini, sexiest string bikini and must-have strapless and halter bikini styles.
• * Shop bright solids, on-trend graphic prints, the essential reversible style, nautical-inspired striped and sleek metallic styles.
• * Designer details include flirty ruffles, sexy self-tie sides, glam beaded embellishments and polished metal hardware.
• * Removable padding in tops.
• * Bottoms fit smaller to size for moderate back coverage.
• * Swim shorts available for men.
• * Accessorize with Express spring essentials including sandals, tote bags, sunglasses and hats For Him and For Her.
• * Sign up for Express e-mail for a chance to win one of ten $200 Express GiftCards

I'm not quite thin enough to feel comfortable in a bikini, but I totally love this sexy number:

  

If you sign up for Express e-mail you will be entered for a chance to win one of ten $200 Express Gift Cards! Who doesn't want a $200 gift card? So what are you waiting for? Hurry over and sign up for your chance to win! (Ends 4/21/11 at 11:59pm EST. And of course: sweepstakes rules, )

Smarty Had a Party Review & Giveaway

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

About Smarty Had A Party:

Smarty Had A Party has emerged as America's coolest and most beloved online party store, specializing in exquisite elegant disposable dinnerware (yes, you heard right: elegant AND disposable!), offering an attractive alternative for classy parties, weddings, holidays and upscale events, at a substantial cost-savings over rentals. Although these dishes are sturdy, rigid and fancy enough to be used for an important event (and even reused, if you choose!), they are completely disposable, and all at reasonable price. (quoted from Smarty Had A Party)

It's coming up on that time of year when we have all kinds of parties. Easter dinners, First Communions, spring weddings, graduations and picnics. Of course you want your party to be "the best", matching plates, fancy dinnerware and all the drink glasses are the same, right?  Who can afford to have good china  or heck, even matching plates and glasses for everyone you have invited? I know most days I would be hard pressed to find six matching tumblers in my cabinets! Plus you have to worry about so & so dropping grandma's wedding plates and smashing them to billions of fragments.

That's where Smarty Had A Party swoops in and saves the day. They have high quality disposable party dishes you can be proud to display (and be sure to impress your guests too). The goodies don't stop with dishes either; event supplies, dessert dishes, flatware, you name it, they have it!

One of my personal biggest problems is glassware. I don't have enough matching items for company and when you have a party most people do not want to re-use the same glass over and over, not to mention who wants to wash all those glasses? Solution: plastic cups from Smarty. I received a sleeve of 16 oz and sleeve of 10 oz Resposable fluted tumbler to review.

I was really very impressed with the quality of these plastic glasses. They look alot more elegant than those cheap red or blue plastic cups you see at parties (you know the ones I mean!) and they are WAY more sturdy than those clear or opaque ones you can pick up at the store. The quality of these is enough to convince me to seek out Smarty Had a Party for my next get together, especially for the price!

WIN IT: Got a party or get together coming up? Smarty Had A Party is going to give one of my readers the exact same tumblers I recieved:
Resposables Brand 10 oz Fluted Tumblers - 20 ct 
Resposables Brand 16 oz Fluted Tumblers - 20 Ct

RULES: Mandatory entry must be completed or all other entries will be invalid and deleted. .  Each entry is a separate comment, if it says +2 then leave two comments. Tweets must be at least an hour apart or will be discounted. If your email address is not in your blogger profile, please leave it in your entry comment. 

Mandatory Entry: 

Visit Smarty Had A Party and tell me something else you would like to have of theirs.

Bonus Entries

(you may complete as many as you like or none at all)

~Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect +1

~Like Smarty Had A Party on Facebook+1 (leave me your first name & last initial)

~Leave a Warm Loving Comment on Smarty's Facebook for +2 extra

~Like Carrie's Rambles on Facebook +1

~Like me on Networked Blogs +1 

~ Subscribe to Smarty Had A Party on YouTube +2

 ~Follow Smarty Had A Party on twitter +1

~follow Me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (up to 2x daily) +1 each

you may use this sample tweet if you like:

#Win Elegant ReSposable Tumblers from @smartyhadaparty & @yorkiemomma

Ends 4/9 US only http://bit.ly/gEQgyT

Ends 4/9/11 at 11:59 pm  EST, Winner to be drawn by random.org, notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. Open to US only, must be 18+ to enter.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review &
giveaway Disclosure.

Scunci Bedini Clip Review & Giveaway

 Another fun scunci review and giveaway, just in time for spring, prom and Easter! Obviously this is not the first time I have been lucky enough to work with scunci reviewing their products, but they always live up to my expectations! This time I got to review the scunci bendini clip.

 

I have never been super talented with putting pretty things in my hair.....I think it may be part of the whole I can't do things I can't see...and if I try to look in the mirror backwards my hands never go the right directions. So in my book, simpler is better. Even better if simple doesn't actually look simple, right? Right!

Here is how you do it:

~Slide teeth into hair

~Snap shut.

Hello! Even I can do that. The great thing about this clip is that it doesn't slide right on out of your hair in 10 minutes. The difference is that while it uses the traditional comb concept, it differs because when you snap the comb into place the teeth get pushed together and compressed, holding your hair in place.

Here Watch:

 

BUY IT: Scunci bendini clips are available at drug, mass market and grocery stores nationwide for a MSRP of $4.99

WIN IT: One of my readers will win a Scunci prize package.

RULES: Mandatory entry must be completed or all other entries will be invalid and deleted. .  Each entry is a separate comment, if it says +2 then leave two comments. Tweets must be at least an hour apart or will be discounted. If your email address is not in your blogger profile, please leave it in your entry comment. 

Mandatory Entry: 

Tell me what/when/who you would use the clips for/on.

Bonus Entries

(you may complete as many as you like or none at all)

~Follow Carrie's Rambles on Google Friend Connect +1

~Like Scunci on Facebook+1 (leave me your first name & last initial)

~Like Carrie's Rambles on Facebook +1

~Like me on Networked Blogs +1 

 ~Follow Scuncion twitter +1

~follow Me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (up to 2x daily) +1 each

you may use this sample tweet if you like:

#Win  Scunci Bendini Hairclips and give your hair some flair!

@yorkiemomma  US only Ends 4/1 
http://bit.ly/h8tDmO

Ends 4/1-11 at 11:59 pm  EST, Winner to be drawn by random.org, notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is drawn. Open to US only, must be 18+ to enter.

I received a sample of the above mentioned items in order to offer my opinion of them. All opinions are my honest opinion, those of other consumers may differ.