Walgreens Hosts Night at the W ~ Official After-Party of the People's Choice Awards + GIVEAWAY!!!

I don't know about you but I am an awards show junkie. Around this time, all the award shows start and the season doe not end, for me, until Oscar night. Hubby hates it because when there is an awards show on TV, I am watching it.

And good news, on January 10th, every Walgreens® store in the U.S. will host “Night at the W™,” a free, beauty-themed event from 4:00 – 9:00 pm. Billed as the official after-party of the People’s Choice Awards, women across America are invited to talk with their local Walgreens Beauty Advisor on how to get their own glamorous, new look for the New Year and have a chance to win fabulous prizes. Those who attend will find many simple ways to elevate their look and get “red carpet ready” for a big night out – all from the aisles of their local Walgreens.

According to Fashion Consultant/”Godfather of Style,” Tim Gunn: you don’t have to spend a fortune to get your own “red carpet ready” look. On behalf of Walgreens, Tim offers the following great tips and tricks:

Get a Camera-Ready Smile: A bright white smile is absolutely necessary whether you’re walking the red carpet or the runway. A simple tip I tell all the runway models is use something like a Crest Whitestrips. There’s this 2 hour treatment you can put on when you are getting ready.

Get Ready for Your Close-Up: When it comes to facial hair removal, there’s nothing to be ashamed of, and there’s everything to gain. Olay has something new that is perfect for this and because it’s from Olay you know your skin will look fabulous!

Every day is a new chance for you to “walk the runway,” so I like to encourage woman to try new things whether it be a new lipstick or nail color.

Some of the most stunning looks I have seen lately are topped off with healthy-thick hair. Not every woman has thick hair and as women age their hair tends to thin. There is a new hair thickening product on the market from Pantene that will give you that gorgeous hair

To keep your skin glowing, it is important to stay hydrated by using a good moisturizer and drinking lots of water. And you can make your features pop with the right makeup and brightest smile.

These are such great tips. I have always thought you can look great on a budget. If you have the right products, then you can definitely look red carpet ready anytime!

To celebrate Walgreen's "Night at the W" and the People's Choice Awards, I have a great giveaway!! One lucky reader. One of you will win a prize pack that includes: Crest® 2 HR Express Whitestrips; Olay® Facial Hair Removal (Medium to Coarse); Pantene® Expert Collection AgeDefy Thickening Treatment; CoverGirl® Clump Crusher (Very Black); CoverGirl Jumbo Gloss Balm; and CoverGirl Nail Gloss. WOO!


All you need to do is enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!

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Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

$50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway from Patti Flint, MD

This coming year, I am on a mission to get fit and fabulous. As I approach 50, I know I need to start turning back the clock before it is too late. I am going to start by losing weight and then going from there.

I know I need a little lift and tuck here and there. I am also noticing that I am getting jowly and those little laugh lines are turning into full on wrinkles. It i not pretty folks!

For those already set on getting plastic surgery, you need to check out out Patty Flint, MD. Dr. Flint is a board certified plastic surgeon in Scottsdale and Mesa AZ. She specializes in all aspects of plastic surgery including breast augmentation, face lift surgery, and tummy tucks, and offers a comprehensive skin care program using facial fillers, and Juvederm treatments.

I remember I used to be against plastic surgery, but no longer. It can make a difference in how you feel about yourself and how you look and I think that is important.

I have a great giveaway courtesy of Patti Flint, MD. I have a $50 Visa gift card for one lucky reader. What a great way to start the 2013! If you want to win, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!

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Disclosure: Compensation was given but the opinions in this post are solely mine. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Merry Christmas!!

This year I got a White House Christmas card. That was so cool! I want to wish all my readers a wonderful Christmas.

Sol Republic Headphones Review and Giveaway!

I was recently asked to review a pair of SOL REPUBLIC headphones or earphones. I had not heard of SOL REPUBLIC headphones but then realized I had seen them before because Michael Phelps wore them during the Olympics. He was sporting several pair of the Sol Republic Tracks HD headphones during that time.

All SOL Republic Tracks and Tracks HD headphones feature interchangeable pieces that work with the entire Tracks Remix system, nearly indestructible FlexTech Sound Track headbands, plus a remote and microphone. The V10 HD Sound Engines provide listeners with deeper bass, higher clarity and crisp vocals.

Each piece is completely interchangeable so people can purchase the headband, cable and sound engines separately to build headphones that mix and match with their outfits, occasions or just to change up color or pattern. I loved that they had these headphones with a collegiate twist. I would have gotten a pair of the Tracks HD headphones but they did not have the University of Miami yet! But when they do, I might buy some to show my school spirit.

So, I decided on the Amps in ear headphones. I am always looking for a great pair of earphones. I usually buy cheapo ones and they break within days or do not give me great sound. I also needed a good pair of earphones for exercising.

Here are some specs on the earphones:

• Listen In Comfort: Including four sizes of ear tips,you’re sure to get a comfortable fit and perfect seal for hours of music bliss
• Secure Fit: Using StayFit™ design, Amps are angled to fit perfectly in your ear instead of falling out.
• Wide-mouth pocket case: Our pocket case makes it easy to transport your Amps HD
• 3-Button Mic + Music Control: Lets you adjust the volume, pause/resume/skip music and answer/hang-up calls. The high clarity mic captures every word possible.
• Compatibility: 3-button mic + music control is designed specifically for full feature compatibility with recent generations of Apple devices. The audio and mic are likely to work with most devices that have a 3.5mm jack, including but not limited to, Android, Blackberry and Windows devices

I use my phone for music and have to plug it into the treadmill itself so that means I am blasting music all over the house. Not a good thing if hubby is watching TV or working. But I want incredible sound so I can be motivated to do my 2 miles. These earphones did just that.

The sound quality was incredible. I really like these earphones. And for $59-$99, they are so worth it! My hubby loves them as well because now he doesn't have to hear my salsa music blasting from the back room.

I have a pair of headphones or earphones, your choice, to giveaway to one lucky reader! These are such great quality that you will love them. Just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.

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Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Red Gold Tomatoes with Green Chiles Queso Challenge + Giveaway!

I was asked to do a taste-test challenge using Red Gold Tomatoes. I was asked to compare the Red Gold   Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies and another leading brand. You know I am all about food so I said yes.

I do love Red Gold tomatoes. I discovered them in the past year and they have become a staple in my pantry. One reason I love Red Gold is because they are a family owned company.

Here is a little info about Red Gold:  Red Gold has been around since the 1940s focusing on growing local in the Midwest where true seasons impact the flavor of tomatoes. The Midwest, while it's cold in the winter, has the perfect growing season for tomatoes, perfect angle of the sun, perfect temps -- and even the winter is good for tomatoes, as it breaks up the soil for tiny root systems. Red Gold grows its tomatoes in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

I really wanted to see if there is a difference in the type of tomatoes one purchases so I agreed to the taste test. I decided to try the Queso Dip recipe from the Red Gold site. I LOVE Queso Dip. It is one of those dishes that is just good. I could eat Queso all day long. Here is the recipe:

Recipe Overview

Servings:	12
Preparation Time:	05 minutes
Cook Time:	05 minutes

Ingredients

1	(10 ounce) can Red Gold® Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
1	pound (16 ounces) pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed

Directions

• In microwave safe bowl combine the RED GOLD® DICED TOMATOES & GREEN CHILIES and cheese. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted; stir after 2 minutes.

• Serving suggestions: Serve with hot bread sticks, tortilla chips or assorted fresh vegetables. Add 1/2 pound ground beef for a variation.

That's how easy Queso is. So it was easy to make two batches using the Red Gold Tomatoes and the Rotel variety of tomatoes. To complete the taste test, I recruited my hubby. I also took the test as well.

We tried the Red Gold Queso first then the Rotel Queso. Here is the verdict:

Hubby: He thought both were delicious. He couldn't decide which was the better one so he continued eating both!  

Me: I tasted both. I felt that the Rotel was good. The Red Gold was good as well. I preferred the Red Gold because the tomatoes were spicier. I also thought the tomatoes were sweeter. The Rotel brand was a little tinny and the green chilies were sharp. The Red Gold tomatoes had a more mellow flavor. Overall, my vote went for the Red Gold. 

There you have. One vote for Red Gold and then hubby not really caring as long as it is Queso. LOL There are brads you discover and then stick with them. I am lucky that Red Gold is a brand found in North Carolina.

I also have a treat for one lucky reader. I have a gift pack of Red Gold Tomatoes to giveaway. The pack will include several varieties of the Red Gold line. I especially like the Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano. And I am now a huge fan of their Tuttorosso Tomatoes. So if you want to win, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!

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Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Skin Care by DDF - Great Holiday Gift Idea + Exclusive 50% Off Deal!!

As I get older, I find that my skin needs so much more care than it used to. I have always had good skin because of genetics. When I was younger, my skin always looked good. I barely had to do anything for it.

But the past few years, this has changed. I find my skin gets dry and ruddy. I am seeing fine lines appearing on the corner of my eyes and lips. I am not happy about it. A friend told me a couple of years ago that I needed to start exfoliating my skin to get rid of the dead skin and to keep my skin looking fresher.

I started doing that with just soap and microdermabrasion cloth or sponge. I decided I needed something a little stronger. Last year, my friend gave me a microdermabrasion kit to try. Basically you have a little handheld gadget that you can use to "polish" your face. I loved it. It really cleaned my skin and also gave my skin a renewed look.

I suggest if you are looking for healthy, more beautiful skin to invest in one of these kits. This holiday season is the best time to start for yourself or for a friend. Microdermabrasion can instantly improve skin tone and evenness, pore appearance, fine lines, skin radiance and brightness.

Right now, Doctor's Dermatologic Formula (DDF) is having a fantastic sale of its DDF Revolve 400X Micro-Polishing System. The  DDF 400X Revolve Micro-Polishing System is a breakthrough device that delivers microdermabrasion results that are as effective as a professional treatment. During this holiday season, you can get this handy dandy machine at a 50% discount! The retail price is $98 but they are offering it at $45 with FREE SHIPPING! Wow!

The DDF 400X Revolve Micro-Polishing System includes 1 Micro-Polisher, 2 Foam Deep Microdermabrasion Exfoliators, 1 Deep Cleansing Brush, DDF Polishing Crystals and 2 AA batteries. The 400 rotations per minute allows the the DDF 400X to polish away surface imperfections without hurting your skin. The self warming DDF Polishing Crystals and the Foam Exfoliator polish away the surface imperfections and make your skin look radiant and healthy looking. The kit also includes a brush head for daily deep cleansing and to maintain results between treatments.

Since it is small and lightweight, it can be used anywhere including the shower and it is perfect for traveling. I travel with my microdermabrasion kit. These kits make a great gift! I love mine and I have noticed that my skin is looking better. And as I age, this is so important to me. So if you are looking for a great gift for the women in your life, consider one of these kits. 

Through Jan 31, 2013, you can use code: DDFMICRODERMA to get the Revolve 400x micro-polishing system for only $45 (Retail price $98) with Free shipping. So head on over to the DDF and take advantage of this great deal!


Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Blogher and P&G. Opinions in this post are solely mine.

Merci Chocolates Giveaway!! #MeaningfulMerci

Every Holiday season we should be thankful for so many things. This year, I am thankful for my hubby who keeps me sane when I am running around trying to get the holiday shopping finished. I am thankful for my family who keep me grounded and support me.

There are so many things to be thankful for and so many people you can thank this year. So this year, why not show how special these everyday thank you occasions are? The holiday season is a particularly great time to share a meaningful thank you.

Whether the person you want to thank is your neighbor who throws a great party, or your postal worker who delivers the mail with a smile, there is no better way to share the ‘Joy of Thank You’ thank with a box of Merci chocolates.


There are so many people on my list that deserve a little #MeaningfulMerci. I am sure you have quite a few as well. Not only do Merci Chocolates make a great gift but they taste great as well.

Each Merci Chocolates gift box includes 20 individually wrapped chocolates. There are 7 different flavors to choose from: Milk Chocolate, Coffee and Cream, Hazelnut-Almond, Hazelnut-Creme, Dark Cream, Dark Mousse and Praline-Creme. They are all delish.


My favorite is the Milk Chocolate but I will eat any of these chocolates because they are so creamy and tasty. I also love that they come in individually wrapped packages. These make them great to put out as holiday treats for guests or to have around the office for co-workers!

If you want to show your gratitude to someone special this holiday season, consider giving them a box of Merci Chocolates and make their holiday season meaningful!

I am going to give one lucky reader a chance to win a box of Merci Chocolates to make his/her holiday meaningful. To win, just enter on the Rafflecopter below!!

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Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

US Cellular & Janna Robinson Help You Enjoy a "Stress Free" Holiday Season + GIVEAWAY!!!

This holiday season U.S. Cellular has teamed up with Lifestyle and technology expert, Janna Robinson, host of the Hollywood Hi-Tech show on the DIY Network. Janna is lending her expertise to help you use your smartphone right and make your holiday's happier than ever.

With her vast experience in the world of entertainment, technology, and design, Janna will introduce an easy way to navigate through the new world of applications, available in the Google Play store. Finding delicious recipes, creating shopping lists, and sending all your loved one's unique holiday cards are just some of the apps you can utilize to ensure your home stays stress free in this year's app-happy winter wonderland.

Luckily, I was given the opportunity to ask Janna some holiday tech questions and she has answered them for me and my readers. Check out the video below!!



I hope you learned something new. I know I did. I will and have been using my smartphone to do my holiday shopping.

I want to thank Janna for taking the time and answering my questions. I also want to thank US Cellular for this opportunity. Check out USCellular.com for U.S. Cellular locations near you!


And thanks to U.S. Cellular, I have a wonderful gift basket for one lucky reader. This fantastic basket includes the following fun stocking stuffers:

* Robe
* Slippers
* Bath kit or shaving kit
* Google Play Gift Card
* Tea or chocolate sampler
* USB flashdrive
* Scented candle

Awesome!! To win this basket, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!

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Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Pantene AgeDefy Product Line at Target + GIVEAWAY

Exciting news if you are one of those women who find their hair thinning as you get older! Pantene has launched a new line of AgeDefy hair care products that can actually make your hair look up to ten years younger! These new Pantene products are now available at Target!!

From November 18 through the end of December, Target stores nationwide will highlight new anti-aging products that offer women hair and skin anti-aging secrets that ‘help you drop a decade or more.’ New Olay Professional anti-aging products will also be featured.

The recently-launched Pantene AgeDefy line featuring Shampoo, Conditioner, Masque and Thickening Treatment was created to counteract the seven signs of hair’s aging. To get to the root of hair thinning, Pantene partnered with experts in the field, compiling clinical data from more than 1000 women.

The result is a much better picture of age-related changes in density and diameter. Through its research Pantene discovered new truths about hair aging, including seven signs that women experience Breakage, Split Ends, Frizz, Unruly Grays, Lackluster Color, Thin look and Dryness.

The key findings also revealed the hair aging process begins before menopause, around age 35, and symptoms go beyond graying and thinning.

I am one of the lucky ones whose hair is not thinning.  But I know a few friends plus my mom and sister are experiencing hair thinning. My hair may not be thinning but my hair is definitely greying, it is experiencing breakage and it is starting to get dull and dry. I know I am going to try these new products and I am absolutely going to recommend my friends and family start using the new Pantene AgeDefy.

To celebrate Target's new ways to look younger, I have a special prize package for one lucky reader that includes:

* Pantene Expert Collection Age Defy Shampoo
* Pantene Expert Collection Age Defy Conditioner
* Pantene Expert Collection Advanced Thickening Treatment
* $10 Target Gift Card

WOW! This is an awesome prize pack!! If you want a chance to win this, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Charmin Basic 1 Roll is now available at CVS + GIVEAWAY!

Great news for CVS shoppers, CVS is expanding its assortment of Charmin by now carrying the Charmin Basic one (1) roll. Charmin Basic is 2 times stronger than the leading value brand when wet. In my opinion, Charmin is also one of the softest toilet tissue around! Because Charmin is stronger, that means you change your toilet paper roll less often so you use less. It’s also been tested and proven safe for your plumbing system.

Proven Safe for Your Plumbing 

Ever wonder what happens to your toilet paper when it’s flushed? Well Charmin created this video and evaluates its toilet paper to ensure that it is safe for all the places it might end up after flushing (drain lines, sewers, septic tanks, and municipal wastewater treatment plants). Extensive tests show that when Charmin is used as intended in a properly functioning plumbing system, it shouldn't cause plumbing problems. In fact, Charmin has been a reliable bath tissue, trusted in millions of Americans’ homes, for over 70 years.

We use Charmin at home because it is one of our favorite brands. We also shop at CVS so this is great news. To celebrate the fact that the Charmin Basic 1 roll is available at CVS, I have a special prize package for one lucky reader. The prize pack includes:

Charmin Basic 1 roll
Febreze Candle sample
Febreze NOTICEable sample
$10 CVS Gift Card

To win, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!

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Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Abuelita "Abraza Una Taza" Campaign and Giveaway!!

It's wintertime and, for me, that means nights by the fire and warm beverages especially hot chocolate. One of those beverages include Abuelita products from Nestle. I have loved Abuelita products for years. My granny used to give me Abuelita products when we would visit her.

Abuelita Granulado used to remind her of the hot chocolate her mami used to make her. Unlike regular hot chocolate, Abuelita has a spicy flavor along with the chocolaty flavor. It is so tasty and will keep you warm and cozy. It is like a hug from a loved one.

Abuelita Granulado has the same rich flavor, aroma and foaminess as the original Abuelita Tablet, but prepared in minutes! Since it's so easy to prepare, you can enjoy a delicious cup and treat your family to the hot chocolate they love anytime!

Abuelita Instant lets you enjoy the rich flavor of Abuelita anytime even if you are not at home. Now you can transform everyday moments into special ones anytime!

I know when I have a mug of Abuelita it reminds me of my grandmother and the good times we had with her before she passed. It also comforts and keeps me warm on those cold winter days!

Now you can share a warm "virtual" hug with your amigos and family. Just visit the Abuelita Facebook page and use the "Abraza con una taza” Facebook app! You can choose from a variety of special cards and write personal messages to your loved ones!  Share the “abrazo card” with your Facebook friends and pass those hugs along to everyone!

There will also be weekly giveaways on the Abuelita Facebook page! The first 500 users who create a digital “abrazo” each week from November 5th, 2012 to January 6th, 2013 will be eligible to receive a special gift basket and subsequent users will receive a coupon for savings on Abuelita. No purchase necessary!! This is such an awesome giveaway.

Now to celebrate the "Abraza con una Taza" Facebook giveaway and campaign, I have a wonderful Abuelita prize pack to giveaway to one lucky winner!! The prize pack includes Abuelita Granulado and Instant, two mugs, spoon and a scarf to keep you warm! YAY!

So remember to head on over to the Abuelita Facebook page for a chance to win and to enter this giveaway, just use the Rafflecopter widget below!

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Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.