Strange Daze Indeed

Bella Viva Orchards - a review and a Sweet Giveaway!

2012-01-29T22:54:00.000-08:00

On my travels online, one of the best places I've found is Bella Viva Orchards. And, for those who haven't heard of them yet, I'd love to introduce them to you.

Located in Northern California, you can find the Martino family's sustainable orchards. They produce amazingly delicious fresh and dried fruit, nuts and chocolate. From there, they are sold at local farmer's markets, select restaurants and, luckily for us, online to customers across the country. Bella Viva takes extreme care to produce the highest quality and they supervise everything themselves, from growing to packaging and delivery.

Bella Viva means beautiful long life in Italian and the orchards were named for the Martino daughters, Vivian and Belle.

Martha Stewart featured Bella Viva as her "secret source" for holiday host gifts after discovering them at the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market in San Francisco and it's clear to me why. You can check out her video and see some of their delicious and beautiful dried fruit here .

Bella Viva is incredibly kind and generous and sent me some of their dried fruits to taste.

I received:

organic dried white nectarines
organic dried pears
organic dried persimmons
and fabulous dried orange slices

They were all gorgeously packaged and beautiful to look at, like little works of art, but the best part was looking at the ingredients and seeing simply: Persimmons, pears, or nectarines -- no preservatives, no sugar added. And, let me just say that the taste was utterly amazing, so sweet, so delicious, better than any candy I've ever had. While some women may want jewelry or flowers for Valentine's Day, I'd be thrilled with Bella Viva dried fruit or their chocolate covered fruit! It's really that good and I love the fresh healthy taste. It's like no other dried fruit I've ever found. They make an amazing snack at any time and can also be used in recipes. The orange slices are my favorite so far. I really love oranges and these bring all the flavor. I put them in my tea also. Fabulous!

And, now that Valentine's Day is almost here, Bella Viva kindly sent me a special treat:

Simply irresistable Organic Dark Chocolate Cherries

Now, these are not those treacly sweet liquidy things from the drugstore.
These are premium Organic Dried Bing Cherries grown on the Bella Viva Orchards dipped in rich luscious organic dark chocolate. They are good sized cherries, moist with a bit of tartness. The sweet chocolate mixed with the tart cherries created an explosion of joy for my tastebuds.

If you're searching around for an interesting Valentine's Day present, Bella Viva Organic Dark Chocolate Cherries make great gifts as they are beautifully packaged in 8 oz. gift bags.

And, because they are so cool and so generous, Bella Viva has offered one of my readers the chance to win a bag of these delicious Organic Dark Chocolate Cherries as well.

Also, they are going to give my readers a 15% discount on anything at Bella Viva Orchards online. Just use the coupon code strangedaze which is good until March 10, 2012. How awesome is that? Check out these fruits - strawberries, apricots, mango, pineapple, apples, plums. I already have my next order in mind!

You can also order wonderful gift baskets, chocolates, trail mix and nuts.

And check out the, just added, Valentine's Day specials.

So, to enter, just follow the Rafflecopter and good luck to all!

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Disclosure: I was provided product from the sponsor in order to do this review but all opinions are strictly mine.

8th Continent Soymilk - Contest and Giveaway (6 winners)

2012-01-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

As I've mentioned before, my family loves 8th Continent Soymilk. We use it in cereal, in coffee and tea and for cooking. I think it is one of the best tasting soymilks out there and I've tried the original, the Vanilla and chocolate flavors. The chocolate is especially yummy.

8th Continent soymilk is low in saturated fat and an alternative for those wishing to avoid lactose and gluten. Also, you can maintain a healthy heart and have a good source of protein and calcium. 8th Continent soymilk also contains vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12. Very healthy and delicious too.

I also wanted to share that they have a new sweepstakes out that is all about "Lookin' Good and Feelin' Good". They are hoping to promote the happiness and healthiness of their consumers by offering tips and challenges on how to not only be physically healthy, but mentally as well. And, as far as I'm concerned the two go hand in hand.

Until April 17, 2012, you can visit their Facebook Fan Page or website and enter to win the grand prize of a five star luxury resort and spa getaway! How awesome is that! You can also vote on responses in the forums, share feedback and tips and encourage one another. You'll also receive a $1.00 off 8th Continent Soymilk coupon simply for entering!

In addition to the Grand Prize of an all-expenses paid trip, 10 first prize winners will receive a $2,500 physical education program donation to a school of their choice. Twenty second prize winners will receive a $1,000 physical education program donation and 50 third prize winners will receive a $500 physical education program donation to the school of their choice. Nearly 100 schools will benefit from the participation of Lookin’ Good Feelin’ Good entrants. I think that's really incredible. My Mom is a teacher and I so respect 8th Continent for giving back to our schools.

Also, you can follow 8th Continent on Twitter and like them on Facebook to get great recipes, craft ideas, coupons, and to keep up to date with the contest! They're extremely friendly!

And, because they're so cool, they've offered 6 lucky readers of Strange Daze Indeed the chance to win 2 coupons each for free cartons in any flavor they would like.

So, just follow the Rafflecopter and best of luck! There will be 6 winners.

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Disclosure: I received free 8th Continent Soymilk Coupons from the sponsor. The opinions expressed are my own.

Progresso® Souper You® Contest and Blog Giveaway

2012-01-26T00:19:00.000-08:00

Mark Twain once said: "If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes."
Here I am in New England and though we have sun some days, others it has been downright chilly. But, one food that is both delicious and warming is Progresso soup! Though I do enjoy them throughout the year, they are also wonderful to help keep my New Year's resolutions to stay in shape and eat healthy through the colder months.

With 40 delicious soups with 100 calories or less per serving, Progresso Soup has a variety of offerings that help you beat diet boredom and satisfy your taste cravings, while helping you stick to your weight management calorie goals. Progresso soups are packed with hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, rice, meat and vegetables that suit your taste buds and make you feel good about including it in your meal choices. I'm a big fan of the Light Chicken Vegetable Rotini and the Homestyle Vegetable and Rice, and you'll also find Zesty! Southestern-Style Vegetable and New England Clam Chowder along with Beef Pot Roast - all at 100 calories or less per serving. Super easy to make for a meal, you can just heat it up in a pot or the microwave. Although I do love to cook, lately it's harder and harder to fit in meals from scratch and Progresso is a great choice and one my family enjoys.

Are you ready for a new look this New Year? Progresso is excited to announce the return of their Souper You Contest giving you the chance to win an incredible makeover! By telling Progresso why you deserve a makeover and what you love about their soup, you could have the chance to win an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood this Spring!

This year, the Souper You Contest will provide three lucky winners with an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood; this includes a trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California where the winner will receive a head-to-toe makeover including hair and makeup, guided shopping spree with a $1,000 fashion retailer gift card, $1,000 spending money and 2 tickets to this season´s live finale of NBC´s The Biggest Loser.
Progresso is asking fans to visit www.SouperYou.com and submit their photo with a brief essay about why they love Progresso soups and why they deserve a makeover, by no later than February 22nd
Fans can check back on March 12th for the announcement of the top ten finalists, and to vote for their favorite finalist until March 25th

Also, tune into The Biggest Loser on NBC Tuesdays at 8/7c!

For inspiration, check out this video of the 2011 winner's experience:

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And now for the blog giveaway. You will have a chance to win a Biggest Loser and Progresso Prize pack. One Strange Daze Indeed reader will win (2) VIP coupons for Progresso soup and a Biggest Loser exercise DVD so you can rock your New Year.

So, just follow the simple Rafflecopter form and best of luck!

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Disclosure: The Progresso® Souper You® prize pack, information, coupon, and giveaway have been provided by Progresso through MyBlogSpark as well as soup and a dvd for my review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

CELTIC WOMAN/BELIEVE - RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY - 1 SIGNED CD & 1 SIGNED DVD

2012-01-24T00:23:00.000-08:00

Celtic Woman is an all-female singing sensation featuring vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt. They perform classic Irish songs (“The Water Is Wide,” “Green Grow the Rushes"), timeless pop anthems (“Bridge Over Troubled Water"), and inspirational songs (“You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Ave Maria”) with their signature Celtic Woman twist. The live concert DVD was filmed for the first time in America in front of some of their most loyal fans during two sold-out nights at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA this past September.

To celebrate today's release of the enchanting studio album and live concert DVD by Manhattan Records, I have the pleasure to give away a signed copy of each - one cd and one dvd! I have to say that I am a great fan of Celtic music. It's so full of life and joy! Very uplifting and moving. These women remind me of Earth angels when they sing.

Here is an example of one of my favorites from the cd/dvd - Teir Abhaile Riu. I have a hard time not getting up to dance when listening to this one.

To enter, simply follow the Rafflecopter! OPEN TO US and CANADA. There will be two winners. 1st place is the signed dvd. 2nd place is the signed cd.

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USEFUL INFORMATION

BELIEVE: LIVE DVD PLAYLIST:

1. Awakening
2. Follow on
3. The Foxhunter
4. Nocturne
5. Sailing
6. Bridge Over Troubled Water
7. Black is The Colour
8. The World Falls Away
9. My Heart Was Home Again
10. A Tribute to Broadway. I Dreamed A Dream/ Circle of Life
11. Teir Abhaile Riu
12. A Woman's Heart
13. The Water Is Wide
14. Green Grow The Rushes
15. You'll Never Walk Alone
16. Smile
17. Walking The Night
18. A Spaceman Came Travelling
19. Ave Maria
20. Mna na hEireann
21. The Parting Glass
22. At The Ceili

Celtic Woman will also be on tour in the US this spring and in Europe this summer. Check out the dates and see if they are coming to an arena near you!

You can buy both the cd and the dvd at Amazon beginining today, January 24, 2012.

CD Link
DVD Link

Connect!

Website
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
MySpace

Disclosure: I was provided review copies in order to do this giveaway. Any opinions I've expressed are my own.

Shape Up in 2012! Kristin McGee 4 DVD Review and Giveaway - Yoga and Pilates ($60 value)

2012-01-20T16:01:00.000-08:00

One of my New Year's resolutions is to find an exercise program I can stick with in Winter. Luckily, I met Kristin McGee online, where she is @thebendigirl on Twitter, and she was kind enough to send me four of her outstanding dvds to check out. I've been doing yoga for years and more recently got into Pilates, so these are perfect to warm up the New England chill and get me moving!

Since she sent me the dvds, I've been working out with them and it's not hard at all to stick with the routines since I enjoy them. I do feel more limber and especially feel stronger in my core. They give me a great workout and I love Kristin's friendly and encouraging manner.

Kristin has been a Yoga and Pilates instructor since 1996, and has provided special Yoga classes for athletes who participated in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Park City, Utah. Kristin also choreographed and starred in MTV's first Yoga video as well as MTV's Power Yoga and MTV's Pilates videos. Her warm and fresh approach has made her a favorite for celebrity clients and she has been featured as a fitness expert on the CBS Early Show, Good Morning America, NBC's Today Show, CNN Headline News and Fox News. She is currently a Contributing Editor for Health Magazine and also Fila's Yoga Ambassador.

So, let's get to the DVD's. First of all is BENDIGIRL YOGA. Kristin developed this method to help everyone feel stronger and more alive and it's based on the belief that exercise can be fun and enjoyable when integrated into our lives.

From the website: Bendigirl is a unique fusion approach to exercise, as well as a philosophy that embraces change, growth and positivity. Using several methods including yoga, pilates, and strength training, it offers greater benefits and a more efficient workout. It also acknowledges that your needs are different depending on your fitness level, phase in life, or even the day.

The Bendigirl Yoga dvd is yoga for kids done by kids with Kristin and is great if you want to get your children involved. It's also a workout that anyone can do. Boys, girls, adults...

Frome the website: Bendigirl Yoga is designed not only to get girls in shape, but also to build their confidence and create positive habits that will last a lifetime. With a modern, pop soundtrack featuring all original music, Bendigirl Yoga brings energy and fun to an exercise form that kids (and their mothers) might otherwise consider too boring to take up. McGee's ability to instruct without condescending helps make this a workout that young women can embrace as their own.

My take: This is a fun and not too difficult yoga dvd that is very upbeat. It has routines that are easy to learn and there are fun partner poses. Get your kids involved or do it yourself!

The second dvd is POWER YOGA. This is more advanced and for those who perhaps already have been practicing yoga and want to take it to another level. I feel Kristin gives you an accessible workout that will strengthen and challenge you while uniting mind, breath and body. This one will hopefully help me get in bikini shape by next season ;). Kristin's flexibility, positivity and uplifiting encouragement is inspiring. The dvd has a really nice floor routine as well.

Next up is one of my favorites - YOGATONE presented by Kristin McGee and FILA. I find the direction, photography, and production values somewhat more interesting in this one and really like the background music by Tom Rossi. Kristin uses 5 lb weights in this workout, but what you decide to use is really up to you and the level you are at. The combination of yoga postures and strength training seems to work really well for me. It keeps me intrigued: calming my mind, working my core, challenging my balance, providing cardio and helping my body to become stronger and leaner. Yoga classes wouldn't work out for me right now and I love that I can do these at home and even increase the challenge over time.

And, my favorite of all is WEIGHT LOSS PILATES. I think it's because Pilates is my latest passion. It's funny how so many of the Pilates moves seem completely natural to me and some I've even done before I ever knew they were Pilates exercises.

I love this video for the great routines which provide amazing core work, cardio and strengthening. I'm not doing it for the weight loss, but if that is a side benefit, that's fine too! Kristin has some wonderful warm-ups and cool-downs as well to ease you in and out of the workouts. There are exercises you can do on the go and I often find myself doing some of them when waiting for something to cook on the stove, or waiting in line at the grocery store. I can feel my abs and my core getting stronger and it feels really good. Also, as a bonus with this DVD, you will get a booklet from Cooking Light with tips and recipes for a healthy lifestyle.

So, my New Year is off to a great start because when I work out and do exercise I enjoy, I find I feel much better in mind, body and spirit. As I do the Pilates, Yoga and tone, somehow it's easier to rebound from life's little curve balls and stay flexible. And Kristin is the epitome of flexible. I'm so glad to have met her.

Kristin is also very generous and has offered a reader of Strange Daze Indeed the same set of videos I received. You will get a set of 4 dvds:

1) Bendigirl Yoga
2) Power Yoga
3) Yoga Tone and
4) Weight Loss Pilates

so that you also can stay fit no matter what the season! The videos are also all available at Kristin's online shop and at Amazon.com.

Just use the friendly Rafflecopter to enter.

Some helpful links to connect with Kristin:

Her website
Her blog
Kristin's Facebook
Kristin's Twitter

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Disclosure: I was sent product to review from the sponsor but all opinions herein are my own.

Pom Poms Wonderful Fresh Arils - Ruby Red Seeds of Joy

2012-01-14T00:39:00.000-08:00

And, just like that, I've discovered a new favorite! POM Wonderful was kind enough to send me their new product, POM POMS, delicious ruby red arils from California-grown Wonderful variety pomegranates. I didn't even know that the correct term was arils, but I had been eating pomegranate seeds for years. To be exact, each seed has a surrounding water-laden pulp— the edible aril— ranging in color from white to deep red or purple.

Now, with POM POMS, it's super-convenient and easy to get the delicious treasures inside the pomegranate.

You just remove the cover, which has a spoon attached, and you're ready to go.

They are, to me, natural bliss in a cup. Super refreshing, mildly tart and sweet, they remind me of eating fresh picked berries just after a rainfall.

The other night, I was up late, as I so often am, and needed something to perk me up to keep working. I didn't want coffee or caffeine, so I reached for the POM POMS. It was a healthy pick me up with no crash whatsoever.

I think these are great for a snack. I like to eat them right out of the cup, or mix them in yogurt or oatmeal. My favorite is to make a salad with mixed greens, chevre, walnuts and pomegranate arils. I then add a very light citrus vinaigrette. Really nice flavor and color.

Pomegranate seeds are very healthy - low in calories and carbohydrates with almost no fat and a good content of dietary fiber. They are a great source of vitamins and potassium, and they’re known for their powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols which can help prevent cell damage by free radicals.

POM POMS come in two sizes 4.3 oz and 8 oz cups and they are available now through February.

*Available from October through January.
*Look for them in the refrigerated section of the produce department.

Here is a $1.00 off coupon for anyone who would like to try them!

Enjoy!

I was sent product to sample for this review, but the opinions expressed are my own.

Treat Your Tastebuds - Country Bob's Review and Giveaway (with t-shirts)

2012-01-11T22:29:00.000-08:00

I love food with a punch and Country Bob's Original All Purpose Sauce is exactly that. Somehow the tomato, onion, garlic and tamarind combine just right to give you just enough tang without being overpowering. If you want spicier though, they have that too.

Al at Country Bob's sent me two bottles to sample and I gave one to my sister and her family. They grilled up some burgers and immediately asked me where they could get more. I tried it with chicken which I grilled inside since it's getting to be Winter in New England. Although, to be honest, if I could grill outside in the Winter, I would. I used it as a marinade for the chicken and also as a sauce. The chicken was incredibly moist and really flavorful. The reception here was outstanding. Country Bob's tastes much better to me than the usual sauce that I can buy at the grocery store. I also had french fries which I dipped in it and they were heavenly. I highly recommend Country Bob's for steak tips, for nachos, for burgers and steaks, for veggies, chicken, veggie burgers and fish. I think the only limit really is your imagination and your tastebuds. I also love that the sauce is gluten-free and has no MSG.

Country Bob perfected the sauce in 1968, then shared it with friends and family and began to sell it in 1977. In 1982, Bob Edson, Terry Edson, Al Malekovic and Reed Malekovic formed their corporation with their main office in Centralia, illinois.

You can check out their website to find some inspired recipes and more information. For example, their delicious gift pack includes:

1 Bottle of Original All Purpose Sauce
1 Bottle of Apple Chipotle All Purpose Sauce
1 Bottle of Honey Habanero All Purpose Sauce
1 Bottle of Barbecue Sauce and
1 Container of Seasoning Salt

and they also have a cookbook, hats, t-shirts and grilling tools.

You can purchase Country Bob's at select locations, see the store locator here or online at Country Bob's

I know I'll be buying more.

Al was very generous and offered 2 of my readers a bottle of Country Bob's as well as a cool t-shirt, so there will be two winners.

You will each get one bottle of Country Bob's Original All Purpose Sauce

and one t-shirt in whatever size you desire (they also have kids' sizes)

Also check out Country Bob's on Facebook and Twitter for more fun, info and giveaways!

Enter via Rafflecopter and please include all info, since it will be verified. Thanks and good luck!

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Disclosure: I received product from the Sponsor in order to do this review, however the opinions expressed are my own.

Rafflecopter Rocks!

2012-01-08T16:04:00.000-08:00

I am in love with Rafflecopter. Yes, I truly am. It has changed the way I look at holding and entering blog giveaways. And now, the innovative folks at R-copter are holding an amazing giveawaay - with an iPad2 or a Kindle Fire. How cool are they? Check it out!

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Power Your New Year - Fit Frappe™ Gourmet Protein Drink Mix Review and Giveaway

2012-01-04T23:53:00.000-08:00

One of my resolutions for 2012 is to eat healthier and Fit Frappe™made by Big Train® is a delicious discovery that definitely satisfies my desires.

Rich in 20 grams of protein, with less than 1 gram of sugar and only 130 calories in a great tasting 16-oz beverage, Fit Frappe™couldn't be easier to make or to take with you on the go.

And, now, for the best part, it tastes fantastic! Not like other protein drinks I've tried. Fit Frappe™ is made with Calcium Caseinate for a creamy taste versus Whey Protein that often has a chalky protein aftertaste. I found it delicious and very smooth. In fact, I would substitute this for my favorite coffeehouse drink. First of all, it's more convenient to make, healthier, cheaper, and I can tailor it to my own specs and add whatever I like. Also, I often find coffeehouse versions too sweet.

Check out these flavors! Me, being the coffee-lover I am, adored the Vanilla Latte, Mocha and Espresso, but for those of you not as into java or who want both types, it also comes in Chocolate and Vanilla which are delicious hot, iced, or frappe. Here is a video from Big Train which shows the different methods:

As you can see, you have quite a lot of variations. I love the espresso hot with a touch of soymilk (very creamy!) and also two of my favorite smoothies which I mixed up while experimenting: Chocolate with banana blended over ice (so good!) and Vanilla Latte with blueberries (delicious!). Let's not forget the delicious Mocha and the non-coffee Vanilla. I honestly would drink this every day.

Fit Frappe™ is wonderful before or after working out. It's also great for a pick-me-up to keep your energy from flagging during the day or anytime you want a delicious drink, snack, or meal replacement. It helped give me the energy which I need to keep up with my currently very busy life and I didn't experience that afternoon slump.

Here is the nutritional information per 16 oz serving:

20 g protein
Gluten Free
Only 130 calories
5 g fiber
less than 1 g sugar
19 vitamins and minerals
Fat - 3.5 g

Big Train has generously offered one of my readers an awesome prize package so they can try Fit Frappe™ for themselves. It has 5 sample (16 oz) packages - 1 each of Vanilla Latte, Mocha, Espresso, and the non-coffee flavors Chocolate and Vanilla.

You're also going to get this cool workout towel

and this totally fun apron!

Slip on the Big Train Fit Frappe™ apron and you'll be instantly ripped :) . Great motivation!

Do you know what else I love about Big Train? A portion of all sales from Fit Frappe™ will help support disadvantaged youth receive the equipment they need to participate in athletic programs and help them live a healthy lifestyle. We've only got one planet and I love a company that gives back. To find out more, you can visit Good Sports.

If you'd like to purchase Fit Frappe™ through Big Train, please check out: FitFrappe.com and their Facebook shop.

You can also follow Big Train on Facebook and Twitter to hear more feedback about Fit Frappe™ and other products!

Helpful Social Media Links:

Twitter
Facebook
Empire Avenue
You Tube
FoodBuzz
Blog

To enter the giveaway for a Healthy New Year package with 5 flavors of Fit Frappe™, the workout towel and the muscle-apron, please follow the Rafflecopter:

JUST A QUICK NOTE: ALL ENTRIES CLAIMED WILL BE VERIFIED BEFORE A WINNER IS CHOSEN, i.e. IF IT SAYS FOLLOW VIA GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT OR WRITE A BLOG COMMENT, PLEASE DO because THOSE ARE MANDATORY. All others submitted will be verified as well. GOOD LUCK and HAVE A GREAT 2012!!!

Disclosure: I was sent product to review from the sponsor but all opinions herein are my own.

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SOFT DRINK NIRVANA - SodaStream Review and Giveaway

2011-12-21T02:17:00.000-08:00

Ah, nostalgia. Sweet memories that bring the happiness you felt to the present moment. When I was very young, my Dad had a pharmacy that he built from the ground up. He had always wanted to go to medical school to become a doctor, so being a pharmacist and being able to advise and help the local customers, was a dream come true for him. He loved it. I loved the soda fountain he had! He actually made his own ice cream and I made ice cream sodas, lime rickeys and cherry cokes for the customers. I could barely see over the counter but this was so much fun. And you got to mix up whatever you wanted. Which brings me to my review and giveaway today:

I've been wanting to try the Sodastream for quite some time and I have to say it surpassed my expectations. Not only is it simple and fun, but the soda is really good! In under 30 seconds, tap water becomes carbonated and you can enjoy it as is or add a myriad of flavors. Save money and also help protect the environment. Before, we would go to the store and I'd end up lugging home cases of soda and then wonder where to store it. No more. I'm saving money now, my back and storage space and having a great time. Everyone here loves it! And, I'm certain I'll never again have one of those days when I really wish I had a soda and someone took the last one.

Also, SodaStream is an "Active Green" product, meaning that by using it, you are actively reducing your CO2 footprint every time you make soda or sparkling water at home instead of buying it from the store. I love that.

Because SodaStream uses water straight from the tap, the system makes traditional store-bought beverage bottles obsolete. That means less plastic manufactured, less plastic waste created, and fewer bottled beverages transported from manufacturers to distributors to stores to homes.

So, in a nutshell, using your own home carbonation system means:

* Less packaging waste from cans and bottles.
* Less pollution caused by transport of bottled beverages.

But, what about the taste? What about the varieties? Check this out. You can have:

* Regular Flavors such as Cola, cherry cola, cran-raspberry, ginger ale, root beer, grape, orange mango and many more.

The regular sodamix flavors contain less sugar, calories, carbohydrates and sodium than national drink brands, and they contain no high-fructose corn syrup. Each bottle of concentrated sodamix makes the equivalent of 12 liters (33 cans) of soda.

* Diet Flavors - diet caffeine-free cola, diet cola, diet cream soda, diet cran-raspberry to name only a few

I love that the diet flavors are sweetened with Splenda® and not aspartame.

* Energy Drinks

Why pay up to $2 for an energy drink from the store when you can easily make it yourself, starting at just 25 cents per serving? One bottle of concentrated Energy Drink sodamix makes 50 8-oz.servings. And you control the fizz and flavor intensity. Contains Vitamins B6 and B12, Niacin, Folate, Riboflavin, Vitamin C, Caffeine and Biotin and tastes really good.

* MyWater Flavor Essences - lemon-lime, orange, raspberry and mint. Unsweetened, all-natural flavor essences for making lightly flavored seltzer or sparkling water. Adjust the intensity of the flavor by adding more or less flavoring. Each 40 ml bottle will make approx. 20 liters of flavored seltzer.

* Sparkling Naturals such as apple mango, black currant and pear, cola, green tea, pink graperuit, ginger ale. Made from all-natural ingredients, new SodaStream Sparkling Naturals make great-tasting "better for you" sodas. Sparkling Naturals contain no artificial flavors, no artificial colors and no artificial sweeteners, and do not contain any preservatives, making them a perfect, sparkling, natural soda alternative for the entire family. Each 750ml bottle of Sparkling Natural concentrate will make 6 liters (approximately 25 8-oz servings) of all-natural soda.

* Sparkling Tea such as mixed berry, lemon or peach iced tea, strawberry kiwi and more

* And of course, your basic Sparkling Water - Fresh, Fizzy Sparkling Water for 25 cents per liter!

I seriously was amazed at how easy the SodaStream was to set up. Simple! And, it's also simple to make your desired beverages:

Just fill the reusable carbonating bottle with tap water and secure it into the soda maker. Press the cbutton down a few times to fizz it up. You can adjust this to the level of carbonation you want. You can then drink this regular sparkling water as is or add the flavoring syrup.

To do this, just measure one cap of your favorite flavor and pour it into the bottle and shake it gently. Voila!

You can find Soda Stream at Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, jcpenney, Kohl's, Macy's, Sears, Target and many other fine stores. You can also shop onlline at SodaStream USA. At the site you'll find lots of ideas, videos and all their products.

I think this is a unique and wonderful gift for your family or friends and definitely for yourself!
I highly recommend it!

And, as if that wasn't enough to buzz about, here's something even more exciting! SodaStream has very generously offered one of my readers their very own SodaStream kit (pictured at the top of this post).

You will get a Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit (ARV $99.95) which includes:

- A Fountain Jet - in your choice of color -
(black/silver, red/silver or white)
- A carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years
- A reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda
- A variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors
- and 3 full-sized flavors of your choice

Helpful Links:

SodaStream.com
SodaStream on Twitter
SodaStream on Facebook
SodaStream on YouTube
Ms Fizz Blog

May your soda be fizzy; may your days be merry and bright!

So just follow the Rafflecopter and it will lead the way. The first two entries are mandatory and the rest are extra entries. Best of luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent a SodaStream and product to review from the sponsor but all opinions herein are my own.

JUST A QUICK NOTE: ALL ENTRIES CLAIMED WILL BE VERIFIED BEFORE A WINNER IS CHOSEN, i.e. IF IT SAYS FOLLOW VIA GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT OR WRITE A BLOG COMMENT, PLEASE DO because THOSE ARE MANDATORY. GOOD LUCK!

SMASHBOX Review and Giveaway/ Glam it Up for the Holidays and Everyday!

2011-12-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am a makeup junkie. With Smashbox, I'm like a kid in a candy store - one of my all-time faves! I love the quality, the colors, the style. I love that they are always on the cutting edge with new products and ideas.

Smashbox Cosmetics gets its inspiration from Smashbox Studios where the world's top makeup artists, photographers, celebrities and models help create backstage-tested products. Smashbox is your go-to arsenal for 'smashing' results every time.

Reviewing the Limited Edition Pretty in Pictures Holiday Set was a total joy for me. This festive kit has everything to get you prepped for holiday parties and pictures packaged in a sleek keepsake photo box. A $230 value for only $89 at Smashbox. Also, check out their videos and tutorials for the Hottest Looks.

Inside you'll find:

- Metallic Proof Cream Eyeliner Palette.
- Soft Lights.
- Two Photo Op Eyeshadow Trios.
- Full Exposure Mascara.
- Two Double-ended Lip Enhancing Glosses.
- Photo Finish Foundation Primer

I love the cream eyeliner palette - it's small and supersleek to take with you anywhere with 10 sultry hues of their best-selling cream eye liner. You'll find shades such as amethyst, emerald and blue topaz along with onyx, platinum and bronze. I mix and match for the perfect shade and it just glides on so smoothly, highlighting and enhancing your eyes professionally.

Complement this with the eyeshadow trios. They are soft and vibrant with many color combinations to choose from, great pigments that stay. I can put them on before I got out and not worry about them fading.

Full-Exposure mascara is their new studio-tested mascara. It is on my top list of mascaras now since it went on really smoothly, defined my lashes well and there was no clumping or caking. It does a great job of lengthening and volumizing. Definitely a keeper.

On to the Photo-Finish Foundation Primer. This is probably one of the best products out there, and one I didn't even know I needed until now. Colorless and silky, it has vitamins A and E, grape seed extract and green tea to help soothe and protect skin. It helps with fine lines and pores by filling them in subtly to make your skin softer with a very smooth finish. I use it after my moisturizer and just before my foundation. It's super light and I've found it helps my foundation stay on all day and look natural. There is also a Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light for those with oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin.

The Soft Lights is a silky shimmery powder. It mixes well with blush and gives a subtle, natural glow.

This brings me to a new favorite of mine. I really love the Girls on Film Blush Rush in Pose. Pose is a very soft rose color that is amazingly natural with a matte finish. It isn't overpowering, but if you want subtle elegance, it's perfect. What's also cool is that it has a mirror that swivels out from the bottom of the blush. Very portable and you can take it anywhere.

Finishing up, I will just say that Smashbox lip glosses are by far my favorite of the many many lipglosses I've tried. I really love their Snap You're Fab Holiday Lip Gloss Set. They go on supersmooth and light and are shiny/sparkly depending on the style. My favorite aspect is that they are not sticky or tacky in any way. If I have to reapply, that's fine, because I love the look and feel. The Holiday Flash Double Ended Lip Glosses are great because you can throw one in your purse and pocket and be set.

So, by now, it's clear that I love Smashbox and I'm thrilled that they've offered one of my readers a fabulous Holiday Kit! Due to the holidays, and stock being limited, it will be comparable to the one I received and will be shipped directly from the sponsor. So, best of luck everyone! Glam it up for the holidays and everyday.

Smashbox is great for holiday shopping for yourself or your favorite makeup junkie! Right now, shipping is free and samples are included with every order. Check out the Special Holiday Offers now!

Where to find them:

Smashbox.com
Smashbox on Twitter
Smashbox on Facebook

All entries will be on Rafflecopter, except the first will be a comment on the blog.

The first two entries are mandatory. The rest are for extra entries. Please make sure your entries are valid, since all will be checked before the winner is drawn. Thanks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent product to review from the sponsor but all opinions herein are my own.

UNIQUELY ENCHANTING - Uncommon Goods/Review and $50 GC Giveaway

2011-12-15T00:38:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, you know there are always people that it is hard to shop for. I am always on the lookout for unusual gifts and, basically, I'm a bit unusual myself. I love browsing at Uncommon Goods! So much fun and I've found quite a few gifts that were just perfect for friends and family. They have gifts for women, men, kids and teens and will fit your budget, large or small. They have great Stocking Stuffers too and the best thing is these are things you won't see everywhere else.

Uncommon Goods is an online marketplace offering creatively designed, high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. They strongly believe that creativity and the expression of individuality represent two great human treasures. Thus, they have set out to create a business that makes uncommon goods accessible to everyone.

The piece I've chosen to review is the Reach for the Moon Charm Necklace. It fits me to a T. I'm always striving for the moon and beyond. In gorgeous harmonious colors is a crescent moon, along with a garnet for courage and passion, pink tourmaline for creativity and devotion, and amethyst for happiness and protection. Altogether, they remind me to believe in myself. Sent to another, they let them know I have faith in them.

It is really lovely and comes with a card explaining the meaning behind each charm and stone. The 16" chain can be be adjusted for lengths up to 18".

My mom said her father told her to always have faith and she passed that along to me.
When I wear this necklace, I feel inspired to keep following my dreams.

I also love the artist, Mary Steratore's, other inspirational jewelry pieces: Luck is Believing You're Lucky Necklace, Dealing with Uncertainty Necklace, Set Yourself Free Earrings, and Positive Energy Earrings.

There are other wonderful Gifts for Women at Uncommon Goods. I would love to buy this Bonsai Forest for my mom and the Shower Squids are perfect for my sister.

My friend who eats gummy bears all day would go crazy for the Gummy Lamps with their built-in LED light while my science-loving nephew would love the Magnetic Silly Putty.

Something else that I love about Uncommon Goods is their commitment to the environment. Also, they donate a portion of each order to your choice of non-profit organizations: American Forests, AmeriCares, City Harvest, and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN).

Pretty awesome.

And, what else is pretty awesome, is that Uncommon Goods has generously offered one of my readers a Gift Certificate for $50 to their site so that you can purchase anything your heart desires. Find a unique gift or buy something wonderful for yourself!

The first two entries are mandatory, but fairly painless and the rest are extra entries for you. Just follow the Rafflecopter and it will lead you through. Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was sent product to review from the sponsor but all opinions herein are my own.

Reveal Healthier Skin this Season with Neostrata Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 - Review & Giveaway

2011-12-10T01:36:00.000-08:00

NeoStrata Company, Inc. is located in Princeton, NJ and develops and markets a comprehensive range of clinically-proven skin care brands including NeoStrata, Exuviance, CoverBlend, NeoCeuticals and NeoStrata Therapeutics.

I've been familiar with the company for about a year now and have been very pleased with their products. They've also been very helpful and great with customer service. I really like this company.

Doing some more research, I found that the creators of NeoStrata Company, Inc., Drs. Van Scott and Yu are internationally recognized for making the groundbreaking discovery that Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) have a profound beneficial effect on human skin. Their subsequent research established that AHAs are not only beneficial in the treatment of dermatological conditions, but are also effective in stimulating prematurely aged or damaged skin to actually rejuvenate itself, thereby revolutionizing the treatment of aging skin.

Sounds great, doesn't it? So when Neostrata offered for me to test and review their Exuviance Performance Peel AP25, I was interested and excited to try it.

I have been really into skincare lately and I honestly can see the difference if you use the right products. I wish I had started when I was in my teens or early 20's, but, at that age, I was out in the sun just having a great time. In any event, I wasn't sure that products could help if you already had fine lines and the start of wrinkles, but I'm finding out that some actually can.

This product is a 25% Alpha Hydroxy Acid peel and comes with a 6-week supply. You can read more about it here.

It came in a box that opened like a book, with the pads on the right side and instructions on the left. It's a very easy process.

This is my experience after using the peel for a few weeks. First of all, I had never tried a peel. But, I can tell you that this was extremely gentle on my skin. I had no irritation, no stinging, no burning. Very mild. I used it twice a week for a couple of weeks.

After washing my face, I applied the small round Activator pad to my face and neck area, avoiding eyes and lips. I went about doing other things. It really didn't bother my face at all. After 10 minutes, I applied the small circular Neutralizer pad to the areas where I had applied the peel. It felt cool and soothing and so very easy and with no mess whatsoever. I imagine if you felt any discomfort, you would just use the neutralizer right away as it stops the exfoliating action. If 5 minutes seems right for you, that's fine too. Again, I had no irritation whatsoever.

Now, I simply washed my face and dried it and felt my skin. It was super smooth and soft and looked brighter. I went around asking my family how my skin looked and my sister said it looked fresh and glowing. She wanted to try it. It's always good to get a second opinion from someone you trust.

As I've been using it over a few weeks, I am noticing that my skin looks bright and the fine lines are lessening, My forehead and cheeks are totally smooth, even the small crow's feet I had. The only area I am still working on are the laugh lines around my mouth, but, I'll give that a bit more time.

I've used exfoliators before, and I believe it's very important to safely and effectively remove the dead skin, but I don't think I've ever had such a deep treatment that you can do at home or such good results. I really am pleased and will be continuing to buy this product after this package is through.

The Exuviance peel is part of Neostrata's Official Holiday Gift Guide this year. It's been featured in InStyle Magazine and Woman's Day Magazine. It is a 25% blend of AHAs and PHAs including Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone that exfoliates dead, dull surface layers, and stimulates the process of cell renewal among all skin layers, to reveal healthier cells. Clinical studies after one month of twice weekly use indicate:

* 100% of users saw improvement in fine lines & wrinkles
* 94% of users saw more even skin tone, texture & radiance

The Exuviance Performance Peel AP25 contains 12 peels (a 6 week supply), which can be used up to twice a week on your face, the backs of your hands, your neck, chest and body.

So, what do you think? Would you like to try it for yourself? Neostrata has been very generous in offering one of my readers the opportunity to try this wonderful peel for themselves. (a $68 value).

Just follow the Rafflecopter for easy entries. As far as Twitter goes, if your tweets are not public, i.e., if they are protected, they will not count. So, if you use protected tweets, please don't use that method as an extra entry. There are others. Also, if your Facebook name is different than your name used for entries, please put that in the form as well. Thank you and best of luck!

The first two entries are mandatory and the rest are additional chances to win.

Disclosure: I received free samples from Neostrata for my review. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Nobody Told Me - John Lennon (strange days indeed)

2011-12-09T19:43:00.003-08:00

SNUGGLE UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS - Mertado Plush Blanket Review and Giveaway

2011-12-03T22:22:00.000-08:00

I love shopping online, so I was happy to have found Mertado.com.

Mertado.com is an online social shopping site that sells top of the line home & kitchen products at up to 70% off. Membership is free. It's super easy to sign up. You can sign up normally or just connect with Facebook if you so choose.

Built on the Facebook social media platform, the Mertado site allows shoppers to recommend purchases, see what their friends are buying, and interact with their network while shopping for their favorite brands at discounted prices.

Mertado has tapped Food Network TV veteran Curtis Aikens to tape exclusive segments for Mertado TV -- a unique series of videos on the site that highlight recipes, tips, and tricks for using goods purchased on Mertado.com. I've watched and enjoyed a few, and learned a few things.

Mertado was kind enough to send me a Coral Springs Home Plush Blanket to review.

I have to say I was very pleased when I opened the box.
It was a Full/Queen size plush blanket in Burgundy packaged
very nicely.

But, my true joy came when I opened the package. The blanket is so luxurious and soft that you just want to snuggle in it immediately. I tried it that night and was very pleased. I don't like thick heavy plush blankets. This one, however, is just as warm as those but very lightweight, thinner and flexible. It was a particularly cold night, and I wrapped myself up in it and had the best night's sleep I've had in a long time.

This blanket is perfect for snuggling in front of the tv, curling up with a good book, sleeping, napping, or just staying warm while you work. It's really one of the softest blankets I've ever felt and I'm thrilled to have it for the coming winter.

And, guess what, my friends? Mertado has been kind enough to offer my readers one of the same supersoft plush blankets. One reader will win a Coral Springs Home Plush blanket worth $35+ from Mertado.com.

The first two entries are mandatory and the rest are for extra entries, so best of luck! Please enter via Rafflecopter.

Read more...

Disclosure:  I received a Coral Springs plush blanket for my review. 
No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

MAKE WINTER SOFTER - Softlips Winter Flavors Review and Giveaway

2011-11-27T22:56:00.000-08:00

I have a passion for Softlips Lip Protectant, so I was happy to try out the new Winter Flavors. They not only are moisturizing and taste great, but they also have SPF 20 as well, so your lips will be well protected as we hit the colder weather. I love carrying them in my purse or pocket and always have one or two in my desk drawer. They are economical and fun so I usually buy a stash.

The Winter Flavors I reviewed from Softlips came in this really cute purple gauze bag: Winter Mint, Sugar and Spice, Sugar Cookie, and Sugar Plum Berry.

They smell delicious and felt soft and smooth on my lips. I like that they are light and I can also layer them. My favorite is the Sugar Plum Berry with a fruity touch and I also love the Sugar Cookie which smells like the real thing. The Winter Mint is very nice and cooling and Sugar and Spice smells like eggnog to me. These are perfect to get your lips ready for under the mistletoe or for New Year's Eve smooches.

Now, throughout the holiday/winter season, you can find select dual packs such as Winter Mint/Vanilla and Sugar Cookie/Raspberry at stores such as Walmart, Target and Rite Aid for $3.99.

You can also find a Winter 5-pack exclusively at the Softlips online store that offers all four Winter flavors and a bonus flavor of Mint with a Hint of Vanilla packaged in a festive, blue sachet for $9.99.

I think that Softlips are the perfect stocking stuffer or buy it for yourself treat. Here are some fun holiday ideas from Softlips:

You can connect with Softlips here:

Softlips has generously offered one of my readers the same package of Winter Flavors I received: Sugar Plum Berry, Sugar Cookie, Winter Mint and Sugar and Spice. So, enter for a treat for yourself or someone you want to treat and enjoy soft kissable lips!

The first two entries are mandatory and the rest are optional for extra entries. Enter via Rafflecopter (click Read more).

Disclosure:  I received free samples of Softlips products for my review. 
No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

STUF - Men's Skin Defense - a review/giveaway for guys and those who love them

2011-11-25T18:26:00.000-08:00

"Life is complicated. STUF is simple" - STUF

Ok, so you're probably wondering what STUF is. STUF is a great natural men's skincare line which I just found out about and was very pleased to review. They have also generously offered to do a giveaway for Strange Daze Indeed readers with the same products I received.

ALL ABOUT STUF

It is a competitive world we live in. Mark Spitz has an unequaled competitive edge. You don't win 9 gold medals by being complacent. His success has streamed from sports to business to entrepreneurship. And Mark recognizes that the way you look has a lot to do with the way people look at you. To be your best requires attention to every aspect of your “game” including grooming.

However, when he searched for products geared toward men’s particular skincare needs, he realized that there weren't many options available. As an entrepreneur and businessman, Mark recognized a need in the marketplace. With this in mind, he partnered with Linda Miles and David Stearn, the owners of derma e® Natural Bodycare to engineer STUF Men’s Defense - a premium, all natural effective skin care line with men's needs in mind.

Men's skin is oilier than women's skin, and their pores are larger (thus they can trap more debris). Although a man’s skin is thicker, it is also usually more sensitive than a woman’s skin. And, a man’s skin is more acidic. Men will typically form deeper facial lines and more age spots than women, and they are more prone to skin cancer. They have more cases of redness, rosacea and under-eye puffiness. Plus men have the beard issues to manage. For this, the team created the essential products perfect for every man’s daily grooming ritual.

Mark was pleased when formulations included the Super Anti-Oxidant Pycnogenol, a powerful anti-oxidant 50 x more powerful than Vitamin E. Also added was Green Tea Extract, another strong anti-oxidant. Take these effective and hard working ingredients and finish them off with Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Allantoin and Chamomile and you have one of the most effective and natural men's products available on the market.

Marks' competitive nature has made it possible for men everywhere to get real solutions and visible results from their skin care products. Available online at www.STUFmd.com, the products will debut through dermae.com. STUF is a no-nonsense line of products with a straightforward goal – provide cutting edge Men's formulas in a simple to use program that optimizes the health of skin and provides visible and immediate improvement in the overall quality and condition of your skin. Also find STUF on TUMBLR at www.STUFmd.tumblr.com and on TWITTER at www.twitter.com/STUFmd and on FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/STUFmd

About derma e: http://www.dermae.com

derma e® began with a simple vision for healthy skin, a vision that still defines them today. In the 1960’s the Stearn family realized that topical application of Vitamin E would benefit skin health: derma e® was born. Today, the award-winning skin care line derma e® offers a full line of natural, therapeutic skin and hair care formulations rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and botanicals.

MY REVIEW (with Mike)

For my review, I had the good fortune to have a very good male friend who was eager to try the products and give me feedback.

My friend, Mike, and I reviewed the Classic Shave Kit which includes Daily Facial Cleanser, Shave Gel, After Shave Balm and Anti-Aging Moisturizer with SPF 15.

Let's start with the Daily Facial Cleanser. The Daily Facial Cleanser moisturizes while it removes oil and impurities, unclogging pores. It's naturally pH balanced and contains aloe vera, chamomile, papaya and antioxidants incuding Green Tea, Vitamin C and Pycnogenol to help nourish the skin.

First of all, let me say Mike really was happy that STUF products didn't have a heavy or chemical scent. These products really smell natural and light. I smelled them and loved the smell. Just very clean and fresh. Not like so many of the overpowering men's shaving products. You don't need too much. A little goes a long way! There wasn't a lot of lather, but he said his skin felt non-oily and smooth afterward. I felt it; it did. Very nice.

Next up, the smoth and silky Shave Gel. Again, a very nice, fresh smell. Mike said it gave him a very close shave, no irritation. It contains aloe vera, chamomile, Allantoin, an extract from comfrey leaf, cucumber and menthol for soothing. His skin felt moisturized. He wanted to keep the products which I happily agreed to.

After shaving, the soothing healing After Shave Balm. Mike said it felt cool on his skin and soothing after shaving and left his skin hydrated. It absorbed quickly. This one smelled a little stronger. I looked up the ingredients and found Tea Tree Oil. It still smelled good - very clean and a bit herbal. Tea Tree Oil helps keep pores clear and resolves blemishes, ingrown hair and razor bumps. There is also Vitamin E and Shea Butter to replenish nutrients and soften skin as well as other healing vitamins and herbs.

Then, we get to Mike's favorite, the Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15. I loved the smell of this. Herbal and delicious is how I would describe it. Mike says it's very light and moisturizing and doesn't feel heavy on his skin. STUF says it: "Minimizes the appearance of aging, smoothing fine lines and improves overall skin heath." So far, so good on that front. It'll take more time to see the full results. It's also good for sensitive skin as it's non-irritating and contains Green Tea, Vitamins A, C and E and Pycnogenol, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, and other irregularities, and promotes healthy skin that can stand up to the elements and stresses of life. Mike says it was non-greasy, absorbed quickly and left his skin feeling clean and smooth.

So, based on my outside viewpoint, and Mike's inside viewpoint, I do recommend this set for holiday gift giving, especially because it doesn't contain Pthalates, Parabens, Animal By-Products, Colorants, or mineral oil. Instead you'll find herbs, vitamins and powerful anti-oxidants. This is reflected in the feel, the smell and the results.

One of my readers will be receiving the Classic Shave Kit which I was sent and Mike is now enjoying containing 4 full-size products: The Daily Facial Cleanser, The Shave Gel, The After Shave Balm and the Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer (SPF 15) - an $80 value.

Please enter via Rafflecopter. Click on Read more. The first two entries are mandatory. The rest are optional for extra entries.

A PENDANT FOR YOUR THOUGHTS - REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY - LAUGHING VIXEN HANDMADE JEWELRY

2011-11-22T03:42:00.000-08:00

I've been putting together posts for the holidays about my favorite things and I must admit that Laughing Vixen is one of my favorite people. I love her friendship and her sense of humor, and I love sharing her artistry with my readers.

She has generously offered the winner their choice of $12 silver pendant with chain or ribbon. And, there is quite a fun selection to choose from. You can check out her art at the Laughing Vixen Lounge.

I always have great fun looking to see what she's come up with next and if you are buying gifts for the holidays, she will accomodate you in any way possible in terms of color and style, etc. until you find just the perfect item. She has done this for me on many occasions and I really appreciate it.

In her own words: Welcome to The Laughing Vixen Lounge

Pop culture jewelry with a flair for retro, horror and custom designs. Find yourself a unique necklace, charm bracelet, keychain, compact mirror and many other needful things

Appearing nightly on stage:
A mix of Retro Kitsch, Rockabilly Chic, Vintage Horror and Pop Culture Obsession.

Specialties of the house:
Pendants, Charm Bracelets and other Needful Things.

Also, please check out Laughing Vixen's Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale - November 17th to 30th.

You can get some extra special deals.

So, my friends, how do you enter? Check out the Rafflecopter below! Click "Read More"

The first two entries are mandatory; the rest are extra entries for you.

8th Continent Soymilk - Review & Giveaway - 5 winners

2011-11-17T19:34:00.000-08:00

My family loves 8th Continent Soymilk. We use it in cereal, in coffee and tea and for cooking. I think it is one of the best tasting soymilks out there and I've tried the original, the Vanilla and chocolate flavors. The chocolate is especially yummy. When 8th Continent approached me to do a giveaway on my blog I was very happy to share the soylove!

8th Continent soymilk is low in saturated fat and an alternative for those wishing to avoid lactose and gluten. Also, you can maintain a healthy heart and have a good source of protein and calcium. 8th Continent soymilk also contains vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12. Very healthy and delicious too.

The American Masters of Taste has awarded 8th Continent Soymilk with an Award of Excellence and declared 8th Continent a World Taste Champion.

I also wanted to share that 8th Continent has a great new contest revolving around Moms. They will be sending a Mom and a friend to Hollywood to meet the ladies of Hollywood Mom's Night and donating $5,000 to a school of their choice on their behalf. Exciting! Check it out here! And you can explore the site here.

Also, you can follow 8th Continent on Twitter and like them on Facebook to get great recipes, craft ideas, coupons, and to keep up to date with the contest! They're extremely friendly!

And, because they're so cool, they've offered 5 lucky readers of Strange Daze Indeed the chance to win 2 coupons each for free cartons in any flavor they would like.

Disclosure: I received free 8th Continent Soymilk Coupons. No
compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

JUST CLICK READ MORE TO ENTER (via rafflecopter) :)

Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll"

2011-11-10T20:02:00.000-08:00

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their Educational Toys you think is the best! Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!" You'll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

Carmex Skincare Goodiebag - Review and Giveaway

2011-11-09T23:56:00.000-08:00

Carmex lip balm was invented in 1937 by Alfred Woelbing on the family stovetop. For the next 20 years, he and his wife made Carmex by hand, pouring it into the familiar jars with the yellow caps. That takes a lot of dedication and devotion. Now, Carma Labs employs about 100 people, but it is still owned and operated by the family: Alfred's grandsons, Eric and Paul Woelbing.

I feel that this ongoing tradition contributes to a company that truly cares about their customers and the products it shares with them.

As part of the Carmex Blog Squad, I was sent a muslin bag filled with a full-size and travel-size Carmex Healing Lotion and Carmex Healing Cream. It couldn't have come at a more perfect time, because the weather in New England has been changing. It's always erratic, but we actually had snow before Halloween. I do a lot of do-it-yourself projects and painting, and I seem to always have dry hands in the fall and winter, so I was thrilled to try these out.

The Carmex Healing Lotion is great for daily use, and, the more I use it, the more hydrated my skin seems to stay. It has Aloe and Vitamin E to help nourish and moisturize skin. I love the smell. It's like the Carmex I've always loved, but milder, a clean fresh scent. It's not greasy and absorbs quickly. If I apply it to my legs, they feel incredibly soft and smooth, as well as soothed. I like to put it on after a shower or bath and it's great anytime.

I found the Carmex Healing Cream to be a bit thicker, with 9 healing ingredients, especially formulated for your driest skin. It's more concentrated and you can use less. If you have dry or cracked skin, this is perfect. It's great for feet, elbows and knees, and dry hands or stubborn rough spots. I use it whenever my skin is feeling especially dry and love having the travel tube to carry with me in my purse. I apply it to my hands at night before bed, and, when I wake up, I'm really happy with the results. My hands feel smoother and softer than when I went to sleep. Over a few weeks, the dry patches have become healthier and healed. This also has a light scent which I found fresh and pleasing.

Carmex was kind enough to also provide a skincare kit for one of my readers, identical to the one I received. It contains:

One 5.5 oz Carmex Healing Lotion
One 4 oz Carmex Healing Cream
One 1 oz Carmex Healing Lotion
One .75 oz Carmex Healing Cream

To enter:


Disclosure:  I received free samples of Carmex Skin Care products. No 
compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

BestCashCow

2011-06-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Introducing the New BestCashCow

Spread the Word and Enter to Win an iPad2

BestCashCow collects and organizes the best rates from local banks, Internet banks, and credit unions. BestCashCow now provides consumers with the most complete bank and credit union database on the Internet. By using the new BestCashCow, savers can earn an extra $30 billion per year in their savings, CD, and checking accounts.

You can enter too and check out their great rates!

BestCashCow

awesome ipad2 giveaway

2011-05-31T23:27:00.001-07:00

I’m posting this to enter a contest offered by MeridaHome at Design For Mankind! I want to win the iPad 2! (and I love Erin’s shoes!)

Coupon Snapshot Rocks!

2011-04-13T00:58:00.000-07:00

I love shopping online. It's so much fun to peruse sites from the comfort of your home, to compare prices and all while avoiding crowds, especially on Black Friday! When I shop online, I've found that there are often great coupons on things I'm looking for or that would help me with a gift for a friend or family.

Coupon Snapshot is a great site for deals and coupons. I follow Coupon Snapshot on Twitter where I discovered a great giveaway for an iPad2 in March. I was lucky enough to win this cool giveaway and thank them for their generosity. I had been admiring them at the Apple Store so I was thrilled when they announced my name.

But, on to their April giveaway. They are giving away a very cool Xbox 360 with Kinect. Check out the details on their blog!
The contest runs until April 30th and you can enter once a day. Each tweet counts as one entry.

I've found the folks at Coupon Snapshot to be extremely friendly and pleasant. So, why not check them out and give their new contest a shot. It's very easy and you may be taking the big prize home. I wish you all the luck in the world!

Bed In a Box

2011-04-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

BedInABox.com

BedInABox™, LLC was founded in 2006 for the purpose of creating affordable luxury bedding for budget-conscious people. Our memory foam mattress can help to ease muscle and joint pain, providing the comfort needed for deep sleep and good health. Inside our website, you can learn about memory foam mattresses and how to get our quality mattress at the lowest price in America. - from the site

I have been searching around for a good pillow and mattress. I firmly believe that how you sleep is key to how your day goes. I have heard that Bed In A Box has amazing mattresses and pillows. Seeing as I have sore shoulders quite often, I feel this could really help my neck. With fibromyalgia, it gets very painful. So check them out - I know I will!