It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart. – Rainer Maria Rilke
I’m Loving the Victoria Jackson No Makeup Makeup! #LoveVJC
“When women embrace self-confidence, they learn the key to success, and liking who they are in the mirror is a powerful first step in that transformative process.” – Victoria Jackson
Beauty, to me, is about self-confidence. It’s about how we think of ourselves in relation to the world around us.
I’ve always enjoyed makeup, but, not too much makeup. Every once in a while, I love putting on the glam for a night out, but, for every day, I like to have makeup that doesn’t look or feel like makeup. After trying Victoria Jackson products, I’ve found a look I love!
The One2One Network was kind enough to send me a bundle of Victoria Jackson products to test, including their Foundation Duo in Medium, Here Comes the Sun Bronzing Powder, Lush Mascara and Perfect Everyday Blush in Sparkling Rose.
I liked all the products I tried and look forward to using the Bronzing Powder in Spring and Summer as I’m a bit pale from Winter right now. All the products are quick and simple and uncomplicated which is exactly what I want in the mornings. The mascara feels good on, didn’t flake, clump or smear, and wears well throughout the day. I keep it in my purse along with the other products for quick touch-ups. The containers are just the right size to take on the go.
The blush is a beautiful shade (Sparkling Rose)that I believe would look great on just about anyone.
It’s silky and mineral-enriched and gives you that light flush and healthy glow like you’ve just come in from the fresh air. It also has Vitamins A, C & E to help protect cells from free radical damage. I’ll be using this often!
My favorite is the Foundation Duo in Medium. To me, foundations are often too oily or drippy and powders too dry, but, this is right in the middle. It’s a light creamy foundation that is oil free, sheer and light so it doesn’t clog your pores or look heavy. At the same time, it does a great job of coverage. I love that it has two tones that you can use alone or blend together to get a perfect match for your complexion.
I used the lighter shade under my eyes as I never seem to get enough sleep!
So what makes me feel beautiful? Eating healthy food and drinking lots of water, that buttery soft t-shirt and jeans that fit just right, going barefoot in summer, kind words, a bath with the scent of oranges and spice, the glance of a handsome stranger that he doesn’t think I see, and makeup that doesn’t feel like makeup but lets my natural beauty shine through. Thanks, Victoria Jackson!
Now, you can try these great products for yourself and get a beauty bargain! Victoria Jackson is offering an exclusive 25% discount off the entire site using promo code LOVEVJC. Valid until 4/4/15.
Connect!
I participated in this sponsored campaign on behalf of Victoria Jackson® and One2One Network. All opinions stated are my own.
ECamps Summer Sports Camps – A Fun Experience!
The eCamps Summer Sports Camps Network was developed in 2000 in response to the growing demand for quality sports instruction in a fun, positive, and secure environment. Our formula for happy and satisfied campers has stayed the same after all these year; provide the highest quality coaches, surrounded by talented energetic counselors, at schools with top-notch facilities.
In this time, we are proud to have coached over 75,000 young athletes who came to camp eager for a summer of fun and improvement. Enroll today to save $30 off the price of camp by using coupon code “USFAM15”. Choose your sport and register at www.eCamps.com
Win a Beanhead Ceramic Burr Coffee Grinder! Mix It Up In March!
This blog hop is one of my favorites! Cooking and creating food and drinks for family and friends is something I enjoy immensely. Best of luck to all!
Welcome to the 2nd annual Let’s Mix It Up in March Giveaway Hop Event, hosted by Lindsey Blogs and Viva Veltoro. We’re mixing up March, with a bunch of awesome bloggers, by bringing you fun (and in some cases delicious) giveaways in this Food and Kitchen themed Giveaway Hop! Be sure to hop around to them all and don’t miss the wonderful Grand Prizes – a Born Free Bottle Genius™ on Lindsey Blogs and a Step2 Mixin’ Up Magic Play Kitchen at Viva Veltoro!
Here at Strange Daze Indeed, the prize is a Beanhead Ceramic Burr Coffee Grinder! I had recently received some amazing smelling coffee beans as a gift but I was unable to use them as I did not have a grinder! When given the chance to try Beanhead’s new coffee grinder, I was more than happy.
I love my coffee whether it’s first thing in the morning to help wake up or shared with a good friend, some chocolate croissants and a good story!
Beanhead Coffee Company knows that coffee isn’t just a beverage. It’s a ritual, an experience, a process to achieving perfection.
Brewing that perfect cup of coffee is a science. The coffee enthusiast (aka. Beanhead) knows that creating the best cup of coffee is not only in the quality of the bean but how it is prepared. That’s why Beanhead Coffee Company strives to bring you quality equipment to aid in your pursuit of perfection.
What’s the big deal with manual grinders?
Manual grinders are the superior alternative to electric grinders because they:
*do not heat the beans during the grinding process which can negatively impact the flavor and aroma of your grind
*encourage you to grind in smaller amounts ensuring the freshest cup of coffee every time
*are much quieter
*travel easily ie. you can take it camping
*are easier to clean and store
Features:
*Unique Dual Bracing Arm Technology for a more consistent grind
*High Grade Stainless Steel – No glass means no breakage => Durability => Save $$$$
*Oversized solid S/S nut on top of grinder offers easy adjustment without disassembly
*Sturdy and foldable grinding arm for easy storage and travel; take it anywhere
*Lidded hopper – keeps beans from jumping out when grinding
*Sleek contemporary design without sacrificing strength or durability; Looks great on the countertop
*Wide base for extra stability. Ergonomic design for an easy and comfortable grip
I like this grinder. It’s sturdy, with a wide base and a comfortable grip. The grinding arm is foldable, making it easy to store or to carry with you if travelling. The container of the grinder is high grade stainless steel which is durable and strong and the design is modern. With no glass, there is no chance of breakage or chipping. It’s also very easy to clean.
The only minor issue I have with it is getting the exact grind. There is nothing to set, so basically it was trial and error for me the first few times. Now I know how many turns until it’s perfect for what I need and I am very happy with it. I love saving money and getting more taste out of my coffee!
Here is a helpful tip:
When you fill the hopper with the coffee beans and are reattaching the lid and arm back on with the knob, once it is almost fully closed, turn the grinder upside down, give the arm a quick jiggle and tighten the knob further. This gets rid of any coffee bean bits left in the burr if there are any at all. Then turn the knob the number of times that you like to achieve your perfect grind size and then grind away.
Amazon Link for the Beanhead Grinder
If you would like to win your own Beanhead Ceramic Burr Coffee Grinder, please enter below! Cheers!
Disclosure: I was provided a coffee grinder to facilitate my review, however, all opinions are strictly my own.
So Easy Being Green, Viva Veltoro, and the Mix It Up in March participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations. 
#Win $100 Paypal Cash or Amazon GC – FIERCE Book Blast!
I’m happy to share with you another wonderful Book Blast! Please enter below for the chance to win $100 in Paypal Cash or an Amazon GC! Good luck!
Grab your copy now for just .99 cents!
FIERCE: Sixteen Authors Of Fantasy with Mercedes LackeyFor a limited time only!
Join epic fantasy legend Mercedes Lackey and fifteen additional New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling authors on the adventure of a lifetime!
Over one million words and sixteen realms of fantasy brought together for your reading pleasure. Discover courageous characters fighting for justice and order. Journey between kingdoms of dragons and lands of anarchy as tales of magic and mayhem unfold.
Grab it today, before it’s gone!
AMAZON * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Google Play * iBooks
Find out more information about the bundle on novelbundles.com!
About the Authors and Titles:
Mercedes Lackey – Moving Targets
Stuck watching over four Herald trainees on circuit, Elyn is at her wits’ end—and that’s before a town asks for help with a ghostly infestation.
Michael G. Manning – The Blacksmith’s Son
A journey to discover the secrets of his past reveals a magical heritage and embroils Mordecai in a deadly battle for the future of mankind.
K.F. Breene – Chosen
Prophecy has foretold that when war threatens the world, the Chosen will appear to help the Shadow Warriors reclaim their stolen freedom and lead them out of the Land of Mist.
Morgan Rice – A Quest of Heroes
Thorgin, an outsider and a dreamer, fights to become a warrior in an epic quest that finds him at the center of a maelstrom of royal plots and counterplots that threaten him and everyone he loves.
Michael James Ploof – Whill of Agora
When Whill learns the truth of his lineage, he sets out to face his father’s murderer, but what he learns along the way will change his life—and the realm—forever.
Daniel Arenson – Requiem’s Song
Weredragons, men call them. Monsters. Cursed ones. People who can turn into beastly reptiles. Together they will forge a nation.
Kate Sparkes – Bound
When a young woman accidentally saves the life of an enemy Sorcerer, she finds herself drawn into a world of magic that’s more beautiful, more seductive, and more dangerous than she ever imagined.
David Adams – The Pariahs
Two sellswords—a half-elf and a half-orc—find their war over before it even begins. But trouble is stirring on the home front, conflict which threatens more than just their lives.
Amy Raby – The Fire Seer
Taya must use her fire visions to investigate a series of murders, but the Coalition of Mages has partnered her with her old nemesis, the man who used to bully her when they were young.
C. Greenwood – Magic of Thieves & Betrayal of Thieves
In a province where magic is forbidden, young Ilan, born with the powerful gift of her ancestors, has only one hope for survival—concealment.
David Dalglish – The Weight of Blood
When half-bloods Harruq and Qurrah Tun pledged their lives to a death prophet, they only sought escape from their squalid beginnings. Instead, they become his greatest disciples, charged with leading his army of undead.
K.J. Colt – Bear Heart
In the savage lands of Ruxdor, young Klawdia must fight the champions of four rival clans to defend her future as the first female chieftain.
Shae Ford – Poison
A bandit girl is taken from her home and thrust into a complex world of lords and ladies, where she learns that she must kill to survive.
Endi Webb – The Maskmaker’s Apprentice
Masks of legend. Masks of power. Those who dare to wear them trifle with the old powers and risk ruin and mayhem. But a young apprentice maskmaker cannot contain his curiosity, and accidentally unleashes a deadly terror upon an unsuspecting world.
Michael Wallace – The Dark Citadel
A slave boy and a young queen lead an alliance of spies, servants, and merchants to stave off the encroaching armies of a dark wizard.
Terah Edun – Blades of Magic
As an unstoppable war breaks out, a young girl enlists in the military to unravel the secrets surrounding her father’s execution.
Grab it today, before it’s gone!
AMAZON * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Google Play * iBooks
Book Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 3/15/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
FitSnack Healthy Box #Giveaway
Here at Strange Daze Indeed, I love to share giveaways that feature healthy snacks that taste great! Sometimes it’s hard to find both so I appreciate subscription boxes that do the curating!
Hosted by: Queen of Savings, Tammie’s Reviews Giveaways & More, Lazy Homemaker, Deliciously Savvy, Dorky’s Deals, The Social Commerce Mom, Giveaway Lovers & Grow It Girl
Sponsor: Fit Snack
Prize: Fit Snack Delicious, Healthy Box
Each month Fit Snack sends you a delicious, healthy box of 7 – 10 amazing
full-size and deluxe sample items that support your active lifestyle!
Dates: 3/7-3/21
Open to: US Residents 18+
Enter to win using the widget below. Good luck!
Disclosure: Strange Daze Indeed did not receive compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize fulfillment.
Win a Handmade Emerald Calcite Pendant from Amanda Self #Giveaway
Welcome to the [3rd annual] Under the Rainbow Giveaway Hop Event, hosted by the Lindsey Blogs & Viva Veltoro.
Is there a pot of gold under the rainbow? Do wishes and dreams really come true?
I’ve got together with a fantastic group of bloggers who are offering some wonderful prizes for you, waiting to be found under the rainbow. So, take your time and hop along to as many as you like in the giveaway hop linky below and have some fun! Don’t miss the Grand Prize too – if you have 1 or 2 children, you’ll find the gold under the rainbow is an amazing Fold N Go Double Stroller from Combi USA! You can enter to win the Grand Prize here.
Here at Strange Daze Indeed, you know that I love to introduce you to and feature my favorite artists. I am very pleased to be working with my friend Amanda Self, a wonderful artist who creates beautiful jewelry with crystal and gemstones. These creations are not only lovely, but also healing.
About Amanda (in her own words)
My love of gemstones began over a decade ago when I walked into a gem store in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I totally fell in love with their beauty and calming energy. Over the years I have discovered crystals and gemstones to be wonderful healing gifts from the Earth. They are here to help us in so many ways. I have thoroughly enjoyed using them in my Reiki practice to help ground and balance energies. In 2006, I decided to create a way to both utilize their powers and enjoy their incredible beauty through jewelry.
I have been cultivating and expanding my jewelry line over the years and I am totally in love with my work. It gives me great joy to see my jewelry light up the lives of others!
With Love,
Amanda
For this event, Amanda has picked the perfect stone and pendant, a beautiful handmade one-of-a-kind Emerald Calcite.
About Emerald Calcite
Emerald Calcite is ideal for those who have manifested disease due to self-directed anger or resentment, resulting from difficult emotional experiences from the past. Emerald Calcite helps one to resonate with love energy and to express compassion and goodwill toward others. It brings a sense of renewed purpose and vitality and a desire to make positive change. Emerald Calcite engenders forgiveness of oneself and others. It is helpful in recognizing where self-improvement is needed and gives one the willingness and energy to change.
This Pendant is 2 1/4 inch long by 7/8 inch wide and it comes with a black satin cord.
One lucky reader will win this gorgeous pendant. Just enter via Giveaway Tools Below and Best of Luck!
If you would like to have a custom made piece by Amanda, contact her at amandaselfjewelry@gmail.com or you can reach her at 917-903-5425.
So Easy Being Green, Viva Veltoro, and we Under the Rainbow participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations. 
Free Educational Apps from Kids Academy
● Mom Buzz Media Approved Blogger ●
Connecting Bloggers & Brands in Perfect Harmony
Educational Apps from Kids Academy
Available on iTunes & Google Play Free for a limited time!
Kids Academy Educational Apps are high quality and among the best out there. I am happy to share the updates and also introduce new users to the company. It’s never to early to start learning and Kids Academy makes education fun!
Preschool & Kindergarten Baby Books, Songs, and Early Reading Toddler Games
With this app, you can turn your iPad or iPhone into a learning center for your kids. This fun app is based on the proven Montessori approach and opens the door to the exciting world of children’s stories and songs.
Kids Academy always has high quality apps that help make learning fun for your kids. This app was recently updated and improved with beautiful graphics. There are a few books that are free and it’s really wonderful how the app reads to your child. This is a fantastic way for kids to learn on their own. You can upgrade to get more selections, but, this is a good introduction to see if your children enjoy it and if it will keep them entertained.
Great graphics and really cute characters! Download this game for FREE on iTunes
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123 Tracing Numbers: Montessori Math Game for Kids
This app keeps kids busy and helps them learn useful skills. 123 Tracing is a quality app by Kids Academy. It teaches basic math through fun play. This app teaches your child to trace numbers. When the numbers are correctly traced, their jar will fill with fireflies. You can personalize the app for each of your children. It’s great to get a head start in Math!
Download this game for FREE on iTunes
Free for a limited time! Normally $3.99!
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ABC Preschool Games for Kids
ABC Preschool Games was expressly designed by professional education experts to meet your children’s needs. It heavily relies on the proven Montessori method to help them develop all the necessary preschool skills through playing games.
This app teaches letters, numbers, shapes, colors, develops fine motor control and promotes new vocabulary.
We found this to be a wonderful learning resource! Research has shown that children learn most when they are enjoying themselves and this app is very engaging. Children learn to trace letters and numbers and have a blast doing it!
Download this game for FREE on Google Play
Free for a limited time! Normally $2.99
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About Kids Academy
Kids Academy develops mobile apps for preschool education. Covering all major platforms their apps are designed to help kids of 5 and under to master all of the preschool educational skills from letters to numbers and vocabulary. Having passed the ten million installs mark, Kids Academy continues to deliver quality apps for iOS, Android and Amazon devices.
This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media. The reviews above are my own opinions and are not influenced in any way.
My Little Pony #Giveaway
My Little Pony Giveaway
Feb 24 – Mar 4, 2015
Open to US
My Little Pony has an interesting charm that makes it stand out from the rest and a very large fandom. Now there is My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic! I’m happy to share this giveaway with you.
If you are a fan of My Little Pony and have been following the developments in Equestria, you would love this new Cutie Mark Crusaders adventures on both DVD and new App! All is up for grabs in this cool giveaway with 3 winners.
Bringing You Moments To Celebrate
Sponsored by Little Pony
Organized by Celebrate Woman Today
Featured by Strange Daze Indeed
Adventures of the Cutie Mark Crusaders is becoming one of the popular movies to watch and to interact with!
PlayDate Digital has announced the new Cutie Pox Storybook App. When Apple Bloom becomes impatient waiting for her cutie mark, she decides to take things into her own hooves! In this interactive story book, follow Apple Bloom and the fillies as they learn that taking the easy path toward your goals isn’t always the best way.
Enter the world of Equestria in this storybook adventure full of excitement, humor and friendship! The release of “Cutie Mark Crusaders” marks the first of a series of planned collaborations between PlayDate Digital and Shout! Factory to cross-promote My Little Pony Friendship is Magic stories and media.
The fans of the Little Pony do know that every Little Pony is looking for the sign to obtain her own Cutie Mark that is unique and can be used to make a difference for those who live in Equestria. Guess what, this new My Little Pony – Friendship Is Magic: Adventures Of The Cutie Mark Crusaders DVD would tell you all about those cutie marks and how little ponies are getting them!
This amazing DVD is being released on February 24, 2015, in the U.S. and Canada from Shout! Factory Kids in collaboration with Hasbro Studios. With each DVD, there’s a bonus offered : A Sing-Along and Coloring Sheets.
Here’s the official DVD description to ignite your further interest:
In EQUESTRIA, obtaining a CUTIE MARK is an important coming-of-age moment for a young Pony. After all, Ponies acquire their CUTIE MARKS only after they discover a unique characteristic about themselves, setting them apart from all other Ponies. So when Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom meet, they instantly become friends and make it their mission to find their CUTIE MARKS! They are The Cutie Mark Crusaders!
Take a look at the official trailer, kids would love it!
1st Prize – My Little Pony DVD + Cutie Pox Storybook App
2nd & 3rd Prizes – Little Pony
Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.
Refer your friends using your Unique Link inside Rafflecopter to earn even more entries to win.
Ends at 11:59pm EDT on March 4, 2015
Sofia the First #Giveaway
Sofia the First Giveaway
Feb 27 – Mar 4, 2015
Open to US
There is nothing like a child’s imagination, and, as we encourage them to exercise and expand it, we provide a great foundation for future creativity. I’m happy to share this wonderful giveaway with you!
Bringing You Moments To Celebrate
Organized by Celebrate Woman Today
Featured by Strange Daze Indeed
Play is an important part of the day for our children. During the play, they learn to think, to communicate, and develop their social skills. Feeding their imagination by providing the right type of activities and toys is one of the top priorities as our parents, caregivers, instructors and mentors.
With Sofia the First, our kids would have amazing opportunity to exercise their thought process while having a lot of fun with their imagination!
• Decorate Your Own Mirror Set
• A Stationery Set
• A Puzzle
• A Sofia the First: The Curse of Princess Ivy DVD
What not to like? Your kids would love you for winning it.
COME BACK FOR DAILY ENTRIES!
Prize – Sofia the First: the Curse of Princess Ivy Play Kit
Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.
Refer your friends using your Unique Link inside Rafflecopter to earn even more entries to win.
Ends at 11:59pm EDT on MARCH 4, 2015