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Wishing You A #Lush Christmas

December 24, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 14 Comments

HappyChristmasLUSH

Oh Lush! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways! You are like waking up to the sun shining in your windows as a cool ocean breeze caresses your body and your mind.

When I walk into your stores, I am surrounded by a warm comforting cloak of magical scents and colors that enchants my senses and soothes my spirit.

If you’ve been introduced to the delightfulness which is Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, whether online or in-store, then you know of what I speak. If not, what are you waiting for?

lushmaLush Store – MA

Lush makes their products from fresh, organic fruits and vegetables along with the finest essential oils. Their inventors began by visiting farmer’s markets and flower shops, bringing their fresh finds back to the labs and infusing them into their newest inventions. And, that is how things are done today.

Charitable giving is at the heart of Lush and they advocate for the environment, animals and people in need. In 2007, they invented a beautiful hand and body lotion called Charity Pot. 100% of the purchase price goes towards supporting humanitarian, environmental and animal rights causes locally and around the world.

Cruelty-Free, Compassionate, No Animal Testing! Super fun, colorful and creative!

Getting Lush products in the mail always has me giddy with anticipation, so I was particularly excited to unwrap my Lush Christmas gift this year. I received the Happy Christmas box.

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Opening this box brought me the lightness of spring on a rainy Winter afternoon, and cheered up any blues or fatigue. Fresh, clean and citrusy, this is a fabulous selection of seasonal and year-round favorites, sure to keep my showers bright and cheery as we soon enter into a new year.
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Inside!

So White Shower Gel
sowhitelotionI’m in love. This sweet shimmering shower gel smells like fresh-picked green apples and champagne! I’m not sure how they did that, but they did! So crisp you just want to sit and smell it all day! With bergamot and neroli oil, it uplifts, softens and soothes.

 

Also try: The So White Bath Bomb for fizzy fun!

 

Baked Alaska Soap
bakedalaskaThe soap is a big snowball shape when made and this is a slice of this beautiful rainbow soap with a snow crust. This soap is gorgeous and reminds me of the view inside a kaleidoscope. It is made with cheerful lemon myrtle, toning grapefruit and stress-relieving ylang ylang. I love its smooth clean feel on my skin. It has a predominantly lemon citrus scent and a good lather!

 

Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub
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Beautiful blue salty slush! Fun to use and an excellent exfoliating body scrub. It leaves my skin feeling soft and new. The sea salt in it is extra-cleansing, mineral-rich and softening. The scent is light, mimosa blossoms with a dash of lemon juice, overall an orangy-citrus with a touch of the ocean.

 

Each Peach (and two’s a pair) Massage Bar

massagebarlushMy first time trying a massage bar and I enjoyed it. Fruity avocado and mango kernel butters mixed with Fair Trade cocoa and shea butter nourish and soften as they moisurize. Just let it glide over your skin, then massage it in, especially over dry areas. It’s also great to use with your significant other.  It has lime, sweet wild orange, grapefruit and mandarin oil, but I mostly smell lemons. Leaves your skin silky smooth.

 

Santa’s Lip Scrub
santaslipscrubPerfect for softening your lips and leaving them kissable for under the mistletoe or anytime. This cherry-cola flavored sugary scrub exfoliates and coconut oil moisturizes leaving my lips super soft. Also, tastes delicious when you lick it off. When you put lipstick or gloss on afterward, it simply glides on, or leave them au naturel. Perfect for winter! Part of the delicious flavor and color comes from extract of cherries and dates.

 

Celebrate Hand and Body Lotion
celebrateI have dry skin and my skin loves the rich creaminess of Celebrate. Almond oil and cocoa butter leave my skin moisturized while the scent is fruity and soft, like a light orange mimosa. It is made with orange flower lime and cognac oil.

 

The beauty of Lush is that they have seasonal treats, but, they have wonderful products year-round as well that make every day a holiday!

With a smorgasbord of delightful scents and textures, they are my favorite pampering products and leave you with a touch of joy and magic.

 

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Disclosure: I was provided samples for review purposes, however, all opinions are 100% my own.

Wordless Wednesday: And the Little Ones Too

December 24, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 3 Comments

Christmastrees

Share the Magic of the Holidays with Candlewick Press – #Giveaway

December 23, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 32 Comments

In 1992, Candlewick Press opened its doors as an independent children’s publisher, and they remain an independent publisher today. They are 100 percent owned and operated by their employees — who include their 85 staff members in Somerville, MA and more than 155 authors and illustrators.

Candlewick Press arrived on the scene with some of the highest-quality picture books anywhere. And in the years since then, their offerings have grown to encompass all ages, from board books to e-books, high-end novelty to cutting-edge fiction. What hasn’t wavered is  their goal of excellence, and commitment to the authors and illustrators who create their books and the readers who love them.

Their books really are different, each one filled with love and magic!
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 They have some wonderful Christmas books out that would be perfect for now or for any time of year!

Here’s a particular favorite of ours!

Guess How Much I Love You (20th Anniversary Edition) (ages 1-3)

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Sometimes, when you love someone very, very much, you want to find a way of describing how much you treasure them. But, as Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare discover, love is not an easy thing to measure! For two decades, Sam McBratney’s timelessly endearing story, beautifully rendered in Anita Jeram’s exquisite watercolors, has captured the deep and tender bond between parent and child. Guess How Much I Love You is one of the world’s best-loved picture books.

Celebrate twenty years of sharing love to the moon and back with this anniversary edition dressed in an elegant new cover.


Maisy’s Christmas Tree (ages 2-5)
Maisy'sChristmasTree

Today Maisy and her pals are decorating the Christmas tree! There are lights to string, ornaments to hang, candy canes to put up, and an angel to place at the very top. After wrapping presents, it’s time to sing Christmas carols around the tree. Merry Christmas to Maisy and all her friends!

What better treat to tuck in a stocking than this sweet Maisy board book shaped like a Christmas tree?


Peppa Pig and the Day at Snowy Mountain (ages 2-5)
PeppaPig

When Peppa Pig and her little brother, George, wake up one day and see that it’s snowing, they can’t wait to go to Snowy Mountain. There’s so much to do there — sledding (using Daddy’s belly), ice-skating (George is a natural; who knew?), and of course skiing. Mummy Pig remembers how to ski. But does she remember how to stop?

It’s a celebration of winter sports as Peppa and her charming family have a day of snowy fun.


And Then Comes Christmas (Ages 4-8)
AndThenComesChristmas
From icicles clinging to roofs and houses strung with colorful lights to visiting Santa and hunting for the perfect tree, this classic-in-the-making celebrates all of the holiday’s excitement. Evoking both winter’s changes to the world outside and well-loved traditions taking place within, here is a story to encourage readers to curl up with their loved ones and bask in the magic of the Christmas season.

A lyrical invitation to watch for signs of the approaching season — and revel in the homespun rituals that warm a family celebration.



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Now, one of you lucky readers is going to win this collection of books for your family! Happy Holidays!


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Disclosure: Review books were provided, however, all opinions are strictly mine.


Win Dancing Deer Baking Company Treats for a Sweet New Year! #Giveaway

December 23, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 67 Comments

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I truly love the Dancing Deer Baking Company! I remember leaving work one day and stopping in to Whole Foods. I wanted to buy a few things and something to eat on the way home. They had some cookie samples in the bakery section that caught my eye. After a bite, I had to know what kind of cookies these were as they were full of flavor and tasted homemade. They were Dancing Deer Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies, and since then, I’ve been a frequent customer. Their Deep Dark Gingerbread Cakes are totally amazing as is the Chocolate Espresso Cake.

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I recently got a chance to sample Dancing Deer’s Traditional Christmas Bakery Gift Assortment and try some new treats!

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I’d never had the Molasses Clove Cookies, but they were soft, chewy with a nice hint of spice . I fell in love with the fudgy Chocolate Chunk Brownies which simply melt in your moouth, by far my favorites. Also in the basket I received were  Chocolate Sea Salt Stars and hand-decorated Christmas Tree Sugar Cookies which are crispy, tasty and pretty enough to be ornaments! All of it was packaged beautifully in a gorgeous burgundy seagrass basket that I will be using to decorate my home and keep track of all the little things I always manage to lose otherwise.

 

Dancing Deer Baking Company treats are known for their truly scrumptious taste, artful but simple packaging and pure, high quality ingredients. Their products are always baked from scratch and make wonderful gifts. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or want to treat yourself, Dancing Deer is one of the true joys that makes life sweeter.

 

Dancing Deer also gives back in a variety of ways with their main philanthropic efforts devoted to helping homeless families through the Sweet Home Project. Such a great cause!
Now, one of my readers will get to sample these delicious treats! Enter to win your own sampler! *Treats will be comparable and mailed after the New Year*

 

Happy Holidays from Strange Daze Indeed and Dancing Deer!

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Disclosure: I received a sample for review purposes, however, all opinions are strictly my own.

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Two Fun Apps Make Learning Math Fun!

December 22, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 2 Comments

SplashMath for Pre-K

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I really wish these apps were around when I was learning Math. I feel that interactive is the way to go. This Preschool & Kindergarten Splash Math game is the Prequel to the successful Splash Math Series Grades 1-5. This app has incredibly vibrant colors that pop off the page and a cheerful fun soundtrack. As your children move through the different games with their Hippo host, they will find themselves thoroughly engaged and delighted and that is when learning is effortless and enjoyable.

SplashMath for Grades 1-5

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This app is perfect for children ages 6 and up and you have different levels thatthey can experiment with. Splash Math Grades 1 to 5 is a collection of math problems that uses colorful graphics as well as interesting characters and sounds. It covers addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, geometry, time and number sense. You can even get a progress report weekly on your child’s successes. This is surely something they can enjoy on their own and get a head start on learning. The interactive aspect is a blast!

Join the 8 million+ users!

Download Splash Math on iTunes!

Get SplashMath for Grades 1-5
Get SplashMath for Pre-K

Or check them out on Google Play!

Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest

Enter the $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway Ends 12/31
Write a short review of any Splash Math app on the iTunes App Store. If you have already reviewed Splash Math app, simply update your review.
Send an email to giveaway@splashmath.com with your iTunes nickname and the app you reviewed.

This post was created in partnership with Mom Buzz Media and StudyPad Inc. All opinions expressed are my own.

Spend $300 on Visa or MasterCard Gift Cards at Office Max and save $20 plus an Amazon #Giveaway

December 21, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein

 

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It’s so close to Christmas, but, I’m still looking for last-minute gifts for a few people on my list.

I have certain friends and family members that are nearly impossible to shop for. Either they have everything or they are just incredibly fussy. They hate plaids, are allergic to perfume or have a strong hatred of anything with dogs on it. I’ve discovered  some of these things the hard way!

I have found that the one gift that goes over amazingly well on Christmas, and any holiday for that matter, is a gift card. I love receiving them myself. I know that I very much appreciate the chance to pick out my own gift. There are no wrong sizes, no unwelcome styles or colors.

Right now, at Office Max, not only can you get your friends, family and co-workers what they want, but you can also save $20 instantly when you buy $300 or more in Visa or MasterCard gift Cards. These are definitely my favorite cards as they are accepted everywhere credit cards are taken.

This offer ends 12/27, so, if you are still looking for a last minute gift they’re sure to love, you still have some time, but, not too much!

*Program Restrictions – Activation fees apply, please see store for details.

And, speaking of gift cards, you can win a $100 Amazon e-gift card right here!

This giveaway ends 12/27/14 and the winner will be chosen at random and notified within 48 hours.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best of luck to all! Happy Holidays!


 

 This post is a sponsored post in conjunction with Tatu Digital Media, however all opinions herein are my own.

Great Holiday Gift ideas from Best Buy – It’s #HintingSeason

December 19, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 10 Comments

 

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The smell of peppermint and evergreen fills the air. You can sense the excitement and feel the joy as families reunite and friends make extra time to be together. It’s a very special holiday magic.

We’re getting close to Christmas, but I still need those last few gifts. That’s why finding a one-stop shopping destination like Best Buy is truly paradise. Whether it’s online or in-store, I’m pretty sure I can find gifts for everyone still on my list right here and  have time to spend with loved ones!

With their expert service and unbeatable prices, these top gifts are on our family’s wishlists this Holiday season and they would make great choices for yours!

 

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XBOX

Xbox One

Xbox One was built by gamers, for gamers. With the best exclusive titles (Halo, Sunset Overdrive), the biggest blockbusters (Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty), the hottest sports franchises (Madden 15, FIFA 15, NBA 2K15) and top family titles (Fantasia: Music Evolved, Just Dance 15, Skylanders), Xbox One truly takes gaming to a whole new level.

In addition to being a great gaming console, Xbox One connects consumers unlike any other device.  Xbox One enables access to the latest TV shows and movies through your favorite apps.  With Xbox One all of your media is at your fingertips when you want it.

XBOX One at Best Buy 

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JBL Speakers and Headphones

JBL Charge 2– Between the twin passive radiators for deep bass, the massive 6000mAh battery and the hands-free conference speakerphone, the key benefit is the Bluetooth Social Mode which allows up to three different users to take their turns to play their own playlists on a single speaker.

JBL Flip 2– Aside from the dual performance-tuned JBL drivers and a built-in bass port, the key benefit of the JBL Flip 2 is the SoundClear echo and noise cancellation combined with the state-of the art microphone system to pick up calls on the speaker.

JBL Reflect Earbud headphones–  Sweat proof ergonomic design.  With a 5 hour rechargeable battery and a reach of about 40 feet, the JBL Reflect BT’s key benefit is the design of the ergonomic eartips along with the built-in magnets which keep your buds on standby without loose cables.

JBL at Best Buy 

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Garmin and TomTom

Featuring bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, traffic and weather updates.  Lane assist, Lifetime traffic and map updates.   Voice Recognition Technology.

Garmin 52LM

  •  5.0” display
  •  Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1
  •  Lane assist with junction view
  •  Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  •  Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  •  Spoken turn-by-turn directions

  Garmin 2597LMT

  •  5.0” display
  •  Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1
  •  Lane assist with junction view
  •  Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  •  Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  •  Spoken turn-by-turn directions

TomTom Go 50s

  • Lifetime TomTom Traffic: Drive with TomTom Traffic for the lifetime of your device
  • Lifetime Maps (US, Canada, Mexico): Always drive with the latest map
  • 3D Maps. See buildings and landmarks in stunning 3D
  • 5″ touchscreen with advanced lane guidance

GPS at Best Buy 

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Make Some Holiday Magic and Spread Joy! Best Holiday Ever!
The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Win $50 Amazon GC or Paypal Cash – A City Full of Santas #Giveaway

December 19, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 4 Comments

A City Full of SantasA City Full of Santas

Ranked as the #1 BestSeller on Amazon India

This Christmas is special; really special for Santa. Read this lovely Christmas tale that would re-define the meaning of Christmas.

A must read for everyone.

Just like Pooja’s other books, this book brings love, warmth, and a special message.

A story that parents would love to read to their children.

Just .99 cents on Amazon.com

PoojaAuthor Pooja Sardana

Pooja Sardana, is a mother, a teacher, an illustrator, an author, a visionary and the co-founder of PictureBookTree.

Her books and her initiative – PictureBookTree have been widely covered in Indian media and abroad. Titled as one of the Unsung Hero in ‘Saga of the Unsung Heroes of India” , she continues to touch lives of many through her books and her work.

Her picture books for children can be availed free of cost by NGOs or individuals working with Under-privileged children. If you work with under-privileged children, you can drop an email at Picturebooktree (AT) GMAIL (DOT) COM to receive your free copy.

Praise for the Book

“Such a lovely story that brings back the meaning of Christmas, one that many will want to read.”

“Parents/teachers will enjoy reading this story to their children. The children will be full of questions and want to discuss Santa’s surprise.”

“Artwork “pops” off the pages pleasantly and storyline has a great message. A fine addition to any Christmas collection and it is a children’s book that I would recommend!”

 

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Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 1/4/14

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best Buy is the Ultimate Spot for the Newest Cameras and Camcorders #HintingSeason

December 19, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 2 Comments


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I was at Best Buy this week and was really impressed with all the latest cameras and camcorders. I am hoping to get a wonderful surprise this Christmas as a high quality camera is at the top of my wishlist. Do you think that it’s too obvious to be sticking post-its with my wishlist on the fridge and home computer? Or to keep sighing and saying, “Boy, I wish I had a great photo of that.” Too much?

I mean, it is #HintingSeason.

The holidays are filled with festivities and joy to capture. I love looking through photographs and videos that we’ve taken and re-living the fun.

This season, Best Buy is featuring Nikon, Sony and Samsung cameras and all come equipped with built in Wi-Fi so that you can share amazing photos with ease. Whether you’re making mulled cider, decorating the tree, getting all dressed up for holiday parties or celebrating the joy of Christmas Morning; upgrade your camera in time to capture precious holiday memories.

Let’s look at a few of the offerings at Best Buy!

The  Nikon D5300 DSLR w/18-55mm VR Lens, A DSLR with built-in Wi-Fi so you can capture high quality photos and share them instantly.

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This Nikon D5300 DSLR camera comes with an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens that enables you to capture sharp photos and video footage. Optical image stabilization helps prevent blurring to ensure image clarity. It is also available in red or gray.

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The  Sony Alpha A6000 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera, A compact system camera with the World’s Fastest Autofocus.

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This Sony Alpha A6000 features a 24.3-megapixel, Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor that makes it easy to shoot scenes in stunning clarity. Built-in Wi-Fi lets you share stored content across devices. It is also available in white or silver.

Product Details

The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2, a digital camera that allows you to shoot, share, and use Android Apps.

DI multi Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 DI multi Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 back

This Samsung Galaxy 2 digital camera’s 16.3-megapixel, 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor allows you to capture sharp images and high-definition video footage. The 4.8″ touch screen simplifies operation, and built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing stored files easy.

Product Details

Visit the Best Buy Holiday Gift Center to see more great cameras, whether you’re giving as a gift or upgrading for yourself.

Never miss a moment. #CamerasatBestBuy

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Win Some Sweet Treats! Hot Tamales & Mike and Ike #Giveaway

December 18, 2014 By Debra Pearlstein 19 Comments

The holidays are a fabulous time for tasty treats and I’m happy to share a giveaway hosted by Ginger of My Mismatched World for  Hot Tamales and Mike and Ike Candy!

These candies are classics that Ginger and her family love. They’ll also be in their Christmas stockings.

You can check out Ginger’s review for Hot Tamales and Mike and Ike which is included in her Christmas Gift Guide.

 

Hot Tamales and Mike and Ike Candy Giveaway Ends 12/30 #giveaway #candy

 

Now you can enter to win the same delicious candy! Just enter via Giveaway Tools below. Sweet!

Hot Tamales and Mike and Ike Candy Giveaway is sponsored by Bender Group PR. Hosted by My MisMatched World. Host and bloggers sharing are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Must live in the US. Must be 18 years old or over. No purchase necessary.

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