PRETTY by Elizabeth Arden Eau de Parfum Spray

• Top Notes – Italian Mandarin Orpur, Orange Blossom, Peach Nectar
• Middle Notes – Star Jasmine, Petalia, Pink Iris, White Peony
• Dry Down – Fluffy Musk, Jacaranda Wood, Creamy Amber

PRETTY – Created by international perfumer Claude Dir of Givaudan, Pretty is described as a spirited floral fragrance of exceptional charm. The floral heart is surrounded by a mélange of fruits, wrapped in a well-rounded background of serene woods. At its core is a premiere ingredient, Petalia, a creation and patent by the house of Givaudan.

My take on Pretty:

How appropriately named, for all women in this world aspires to feel pretty in their own way.  Pretty first attracted me with its name. The pastel colour package that it came in hinted at a soft, floral scent – which was the type of perfume that would appeal to me. I was not disappointed and fell in love with the scent immediately when I tried it. Pretty has this sweet smell of a well-balanced floral bouquet – simply irresistable and feminine. It will definitely make the perfect addition to my spring/summer collection.

BUY IT : Pretty is the type of fragrant that is suitable for everyday use without the worry of being overwhelming. It is available as 1.0 fl. oz., 1.7 fl. oz and 3.3 fl. oz Eau de Parfum.

I am a huge fan of mineral makeup because they are made from naturally ground minerals from the earth,  non-pore clogging, provide long lasting weightless coverage through out the day and doesn’t irritate the skin. In fact, they are the perfect solution for women with sensitive and mature skin. Thus, when I was offered the opportunity to review Elizabeth Arden’s latest mineral makeup - the Pure Finish Mineral Foundation SPF20, I jumped at the chance!

I had chosen the the Pure Finish 3 shade and the mineral powder foundation came equipped with its very own portable grinder compact to create a fresh layer of microlight mineral makeup for each application. Just remember these simple instructions – Twist, Swirl, Tap and Apply. I absolutely love this innovative feature as it allows the powder to remain pure and fresh over time plus there’s no wastage or mess. (For full details of how to use its built in innovative grinder feature, click this application link here!)

Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation SPF20 is also enriched with anti-oxidants, natural skin smoothers, non-drying ingredients and an UV protection, SPF 20 and PA++. I am personally a strong advocate of using products with SPF and PA++, to the extent that I  will never go outdoor without such coverage. So, this product definitely scored extra points from me.

When I first tried it, I was amazed at how  comfortable it felt over my skin. The mineral powder was lightweight and blended smoothly and evenly. Unlike traditional liquid foundation, it doesn’t cake but instead, easily lasted all day without any retouching.  After 5 days of using Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Foundation SPF20, I am now a firm believer that once you have tried it, you will not want to go back to traditional liquid foundation.

BUY IT : If you’re looking to keep your skin beautiful and problem free, Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Foundation SPF20 is the smart alternative to chemical laden cosmetics that most of us are used to. For a look of pure perfection that’s non-drying, skin brightening and comfortable to wear every time, paying only $37.50 is definitely a worthy investment. Go and grab one of the nine shades available for yourself. You can thank me later.  

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

TOKI is the first natural collagen drink clinically shown to reduce fine lines and age spots. Introduced to the United States by way of Japan in 2002, TOKI has become a leader in the field of natural beauty aids. TOKI was used in Japan to support the joints, thanks to its combination of potent active collagen and glucosamine but soon after it was introduced clients began reporting an overall improvement in the texture and appearance of their skin.

TOKI reintroduces a youthful look and feel to skin with an extraordinary ingredient base that includes the moisture-rich retention of Hyaluronic acid in a mucopolysaccharide complex. The mucopolysaccharide complex replenishes skin from within, and combines with Collagen Peptide and Vitamin C to restore a more youthful quality. When modified with HAI™ Amino Acid Extract from Hijiki seaweed for enhanced absorption, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may be dramatically reduced. Your skin tone, moisture level and resiliency are revived. In as little as 45 days, skin texture starts to become smoother and tighter and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may be diminished.

BUY IT : Price: $175 for a 30 day supply. To order, visit www.888ageless.com.

WIN IT : If TOKI sounds like an awesome product, here’s your chance to win it:

• Let me know why you want to win this product. One winning entry will be picked based on the best “want to win” reason.
• Giveaway is open to US and Canada shipping addresses only
• Giveaway closes on 21st March 2009.
• Remember to subscribe so that you will be updated with the contest result.

International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on the 8th March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women.

Governor Tim Kaine, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, issued the following statement commemorating International Women’s Day:

“On International Women’s Day people around the world take time to honor the contributions of women in society as mothers, daughters, sisters, caregivers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and so much more.  We also acknowledge the continued oppression and discrimination women and girls face in their daily lives.
 
“For years one of the Democratic Party’s most important goals has been to empower women and support women leaders at all levels of government.  On International Women’s Day, we reaffirm this commitment and our support for President Obama’s stated agenda to empower women, to honor them for their significant achievements, and to right the injustices facing them both here at home and abroad.”

So, to all you women out there “Happy International Women’s Day. Be Proud of Who You Are“.

As you know I wrote a post awhile back about Heidi Klum being Diet Coke’s heart health ambassador for the Heart Truth campaign. Just thought some of you, fans and readers alike will be interested to see Heidi being interviewed for this webisode as part of her effort to spread the word about women’s heart health. Click Heidi Klum’s Webisode to view the interview.

I’m also taking this opportunity to include some healthy heart tips to share with you all:

• Go for whole grains. Eat at least three ounces daily of whole-grain foods such as whole-grain cereals, whole-wheat bread and pasta, and brown rice.
• Get hooked on fish. Eat omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, trout and herring at least twice a week.
• Load up on produce. Enjoy colorful fruits and vegetables — their fiber, vitamins and minerals are great for your heart and blood pressure.
• Go a little nuts. Choose modest portions of foods with unsaturated fats such as vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.
• Focus on fiber. The fiber in oatmeal, barley, fruits, vegetables and beans is good for your heart.
• Exercising is a must. Ensure you have proper outdoor clothing and shoes that are comfortable for the type of exercise activity that you chose.

Congratulations to the following 4 winners:

 1. gena dalton

2. mott

3. Carolyn Gonzalez

4. Sherry Gibbs

For winning a Crystal replica of Klum’s charm each.

I am also excited to add that supermodel Heidi Klum wore the Red Dress charm at the recent Academy Awards. I hope you are proud of the opportunity to join Klum’s cause-related fashion look with a Crystal replica of the Diet Coke Red Dress Charm – because nothing is more beautiful then a healthy heart!

Please email me your shipping address by using the Contact Form here. If the prize(s) remain unclaimed by

 28th February 2009, it will be forfeited.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

1. Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of American women?
2. Are you aware that one in four American women dies of heart disease?
3. Has it ever occurred to you that midlife is a time when women tend to develop factors that increase their risk for heart disease, and having just one risk factor doubles the risk of heart disease?

If you answered NO to even one of the above question, you are not alone. The unfortunate truth is that one in three women underestimates her own risk of heart disease. There is no quick fix for heart disease but women can help reduce their risk by as much as 82 percent through a heart healthy lifestyle, including: eating right, being physically active, not smoking, and keeping a healthy weight. 

In support of National Heart Health Month, supermodel and accomplished jewelry designer Heidi Klum has unveiled the Diet Coke Red Dress Charm.  Inspired by the Red Dress symbol, the national symbol for women’s heart health, Klum designed the charm in the shape of an hourglass to remind women that time is now to take care of their hearts.

For the second consecutive year, Klum is the Diet Coke heart health ambassador as part of their support of The Heart Truth, a national effort sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to educate women about the risks of heart disease and ways they can protect their heart health. As part of this awareness campaign, ten lucky winners will receive a ruby and diamond encrusted replica of the Red Dress Charm which Klum will be wearing on the red carpet at the Accademy Awards® on February 22, 2009.  People can enter the Red Dress Charm Sweepstakes at www.DietCoke.com, where they’ll also find tips on achieving heart health and ways to get involved in The Heart Truth campaign.

From the Red Dress Fashion Show on February 13th, to The Heart Truth Road Show making stops nationwide, to more then 6 billion packages of Diet Coke bearing the Red Dress symbol, The Heart Truth campaign aims to motivate women to protect their heart health.

WIN RED DRESS GIVEAWAY : Let’s join together to help raise awareness of this important women’s health issue.  I am giving away 4 Crystal replicas of Klum’s charm to 4 lucky readers. To participate here’s what you need to do:

• One entry - Provide one healthy heart tip in the comment above;
• Three additional entries - If you blog about this giveaway and link back to this post (please leave post url in the comment section);
• Three additional entries - If you subscribe to this blog via email (button on top right side bar. Please use the same email address in the comment section)

Giveaway is open to everyone and closes on 20th February 2009. 4 winners will be drawn using the Random.org

Congratulations to the following 3 winners:

 1. Janet Fricano

2. Lisa Smith

3. Laurie

For winning two 16oz Naturally Acai Xtra bottle each

Please email me your shipping address by using the Contact Form here. If the prize(s) remain unclaimed by

 8th February 2009, it will be forfeited.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Recently, the Açaí berry has become all the rage with celebrities and health experts alike. Thanks to endorsement from Oprah Winfrey,  it is now known as the number one superfood in the world.

Indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, the Açaí, despite the recent surge in demand, is still somewhat allusive to the every-man. The good news is, Agrolabs has recently launched Naturally Acai Xtra to bring the benefits of the Amazon directly to the consumer.

Agrolabs Naturally Acai Xtra is loaded with the natural properties of the Açaí berry to promote energy, healthy digestion, cholesterol management, a strong immune system, and even a healthy, youthful complexion.

BUY IT : Pick up a bottle today to receive all the benefits of this illustrious superfood. Naturally Açaí Xtra is available at Costco for $18.99 (16 oz) or $23.99 (32 oz), and AgroLabs recommends one ounce per day to better health.

WIN IT : Thanks to www.agrolabs.com, THREE lucky readers will win two 16oz Naturally Acai Xtra bottle each. Here’s how to enter this giveaway:

• Visit Agrolabs and tell me in the comment section below one benefit of this supplement
• Three entries – if you subscribe to this blog via email (button on sidebar)
• Three entries – if you stumble this post (please state your SU id)
• Giveaway closes on 30th January 2009. Winners will be selected using the Random.Org.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

How to Be a Geek Goddess
By Christina Tynan-Wood
December 2008, 344 pp
ISBN 9781593271879, $24.95 USD

If you are a woman who feel that you are technically challenged, this is a book that you MUST READ simply because it is written by a woman in simple, easy to understand, everyday language that we, women communicate with. None of those confusing acronyms (Thank God!) and technical jargons which makes you roll your eyes and wonder “What the heck is that?”

Mind you, the author, Christina Tynan- Wood is also one knowlegeable chick in the field of Technology. She has published hundreds of articles on technology, parenting, and education in her 15 years as a working writer. Christina has written for Family Circle, Parenting, This Old House, USA Weekend, Edutopia, Working Mother, Scholastic Administrator, Family PC, and Popular Science and has contributed regular columns to both PC World and PC Magazine. She has also won multiple awards for business and investigative journalism. You can visit her at www.geekgirlfriends.com (Yes! She’s a blogger too!!!)

My Take On The Book

I find How To Be A Geek Goddess witty, easy to understand, with some tinge of humour added. I especially enjoyed the foreword written by Christina’s other half, Dan Tynan. I thought that was a pretty smart “special touch” which would probably garner some interest from male readers. I am confident that those new to the world of computers will find this book to be a comprehensive guide. There are practical advice on buying computers, shopping for a cell phone, information regarding the world of internet (including blogging) and more.

My only dissatisfaction is in the presentation of the book - I thought the cover was boring! Being a woman, I wished it was more colourful and attractive looking – afterall, we do not want to stereotype technology books too, do we?

WIN A COPY!

To enter yourself in this Blog Giveaway for a copy of How To Be A Geek Goddess, here’s the requirements:

1. One entry – Tell me why you are interested to win this book
2. Three additional entries – Subscribe to this blog via email (button on the right side bar)
3. Three additional entries – If you add me to your blogroll
4. Giveaway closes on 23rd January 2008. A winner will be selected using the Random.Org number generator.