General Mills "Cereal Box Prize" Review and Giveaway

Growing up I remember fighting with my brother over who got the toy in the Cereal Box.  I don't remember how we worked it out but I recall having my fair share of prizes.  

Right now each participating brand of General Mills cereals is offering a free Mega Bloks car with a set of Hello Kitty and Power Rangers stickers and instructions to cut out a pattern to construct a cardboard jump from the cereal box. This car is COMPLETELY customizable.   Let the arguments commence!  

When we received our sample, Miss E. opened the box and found the toy.  At first she was upset because the car was completely bare.  I explained that she could decorate the car - she then noticed the "Hello Kitty" stickers and her eyes lit up.  We are both big fans of Hello Kitty :)  Within minutes we had a completely jazzed up car!

Oh, and a great way to prevent those pesky arguments?  Buy two boxes!

This promotion is running through Monday 12/01.  While you are out holiday shopping this weekend, don't forget to stop for groceries!  Make sure to pick up a box of your favorite General Mills Cereal.

Participating Brands:
- Honey Nut Cheerios
- Reese’s Puffs
- Cocoa Puffs
- Lucky Charms
- Golden Grahams
- Cinnamon Toast Crunch

For a little fun, check out the video below!  General Mills partnered with Maker Dad – Mark Frauenfelder – to rev up the breakfast table with a Rube Goldberg style contraption seen in this video made entirely of General Mills Mega Bloks cereal boxes. http://bit.ly/Fandamonium 

Thanks to General Mills I have a giveaway for my readers - One lucky, random winner will receive a a $50 Target gift card, an exclusive Mega Bloks collective car kit and participating Mega Bloks cereal boxes. 

If you would like to enter to win, please follow the prompts in the rafflecopter form below:




Disclosure - I was provided with products to review as well as a prize pack for my readers.  I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2014 NC State Fair Fun

We came.  We saw.  We conquered.

For the first time in SEVERAL years I attended the North Carolina State Fair (October 2014).  We actually had a great time and I was glad that I was able to document most of it.  Here are some of the highlights.



We marveled at the elaborate balloon display:

We salivated over the fabulous food exhibits:

HONEY

APPLES

GINORMOUS PUMPKINS

THE CUTEST VEGGIES AT THE FAIR!

We oohed and ahhhed over the adorable farm animals:
 

We went on rides (even me!):

We played games:

 We went "people watching":

We ate YUMMY food:

FRIED OREOS

AND....  dun dun duuuun....  We won Blue Ribbons!
I entered 2 rubber stamping categories in the Novice Category for Rubber Stamping - Card Making.  Next year I will qualify for the "Professional" category if I choose to enter again. 

Novice Category / Rubber Stamping - Embellishments:  First Prize

Framed at for temporary display at home in my craft room / art studio:

Novice Category / Rubber Stamping - Layers:  First Prize AND Best of Show.  The layers and detail were hard to photograph.  I will share the techniques in a later post but I would like to get a better photo so the layers are more visible.  

Until next year....

Key West Health and Beauty - Review Holiday 2014

Recently I was asked by Key West Health and Beauty to review two of their products - Raw Shea Butter and Retinol Face Cream.  I think it is important to try new skin care products so I am usually open to reviewing new items.  As we age, our skin needs change.  I personally have found that my skin is much drier now that I am older, especially in the fall and winter, so I was looking forward to testing these items.

Retinol Night Cream - I was interested in trying this cream because I have problematic skin.  The main thing I have noticed with this cream is that it is very rich and emollient but is also very absorbent.  Some of the benefits per the Key West website

• Diminishes or removes age spots, hyper-pigmentation, sun damage and more
• Unclogs and deep cleans pores
• Restores brighter, more youthful skin
•  Boosts collagen production which:
   - Firms, plumps and tightens your skin
   - Eliminates fine lines and wrinkles
  -  Diminishes large pores

I have not been using it long enough to determine any long term results but so far I am enjoying the product.  The night cream is what I would consider a higher end / high quality product and has an ARV of $79.99.  It currently (November 2014) can be purchased at 50% off of retail.  At $38 this is an affordable luxury.

Organic Unrefined African Shea Butter - I have reviewed several skincare products through the years.  I have been blogging since 2008 and have been fortunate to work with several companies - small independent brands to large corporations.  I have reviewed a variety of skincare products and always post an honest review but I do not typically compare products.  Obviously some products I will prefer more than others and I do have to say that the African Shea Butter one of the BEST skin care products I have used... ever!.  I love it.  My entire family loves it - even my daughter with super sensitive,m eczema prone skin.   We will be purchasing this body butter regularly.

In the winter my skin does tend to get dry, especially on my legs, hands and feet.  I have used it primarily on my feet and hands - a little more liberally to my feet though.  On my hands I found that just a small dab is enough to moisturize. Too much and it will be a little too oily.

The key to applying is to thoroughly rub between the hands as it is semi-solid out of the tub.  The rubbing motion melts the butter to where it is smoother in consistency and both  easier to apply to the skin and easier for the skin to absorb.

I always wanted to try Shea Butter but did not know much about it outside of hearing how great it moisturizes.  I am embarrassed to admit that I did not even know what Shea Butter was.  Apparently Shea Butter is extracted from the nut of the African Shea Tree.

What do you get?  Close to a full pound of Shea Butter (14 oz).  This is a lot especially as a little bit of shea goes a long way!  This typically retails for $39.95 but can currently be purchased now (November 2014) for only $14.95.  That is SO affordable and such an incredible value.  At this price I really think this would make such a great gift for anyone on your holiday list.

Thank you to Key West Health and Beauty for this wonderful review opportunity!  

Disclosure:  I received a product for review purposes.  I was not required to write a positive review.  For more information on this blog and posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy at the bottom of this page.  Posted prices are effective the date posted.  Prices are not guaranteed and are subject to change.

Polish Pottery from Artisan Imports - Holiday 2014 Review

I have always loved art glass and various types of pottery.  A recent find at goodwill of a Bristol leaf pitcher from The Wizard of Clay was one of my thrift store success stories.  (I remember touring his studio outside of Bristol NY in the late 80's).    I also love Italian and Polish pottery but it would be a little bit more difficult logistically to tour studios that produce authentic pieces unless I was planning a trip to Europe.  I was recently given the opportunity to review an authentic piece of Polish Pottery of my choice from Polmedia however.....  Polmedia imports goods from overseas - in this case from Poland.

Polmedia is a family owned business that has been in business since the wall came down and free enterprise was allowed (post communism).   You can find out more about the company HERE. 

What I find most impressive about Polish pottery and what I feel sets it apart from other types of pottery is the intricacy in the designs.  Most Eastern European countries have similar types of design - very detailed and colorful, typically painted in cobalt blue.   You can find out more about Polish Pottery HERE.

 www.artisanimports.com 

I absolutely love the stoneware plate we received.  It is a little smaller than a salad plate but larger than a saucer.  The detailing on the painted design is wonderful.   Retailing at under $28, this is a great value.  Some ideas:
- Purchase a variety of plates in different patterns and use for your daily dinnerware
- Use for entertaining.  Simple appetizers or a small dessert would look lovely displayed on one of these plates
- Use when preparing food - I have used my plate as a spoon rest or to set small diced veggies during food prep.

With the holidays approaching, this would make a beautiful hostess gift or present for the person who has it all! The selection on the artisianimports.com site is immense and there should be a design to accommodate all tastes.  Who would not appreciate a beautiful, unique handmade gift?  This would be a memorable and appreciated gift!   

Thank you to Polmedia for this review opportunity.




Disclosure:  I received product for review purposes.  I did not receive any monetary compensation nor was I required to write a positive review.  For more information on this blog and on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy at the bottom of this page.

Blast From the Past "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Natural Soaps" review

Due to a technical issue, earlier posts on this blog were deleted. These posts are being re-shared with Momanthology.com readers on a daily basis. This blog post was originally published on November 6, 2011

I was very, very happy when I was contacted about reviewing The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Natural Soaps by Sally Trew and Zonella Gould. I have always been interested in making my own soaps but everytime I tried to research how to do it I felt buried in information.  There are different types of soap, different ways to make soap, different formulations, etc.  and it was overwhelming to figure out where to start, what to buy and what do do.

The very beginning of the book gave a brief overview of how soap is made, and what materials are needed and how to store the finished product.  There was a strong emphasis on safety and what measures are.

The next chapter covered Oils and Butters and what is appropriate for which varieties - some are lathering, others are moisturizing and others have medicinal benefits.  There are also different forms for certain varieties  of oil depending on how refined the material is. 

Chapter 3 covers fragrance oils - not all oils are good for the skin.  Find out which ones are wonderful for your skin and what properties they will bring to your soap. 

The rest of the book focuses on making the soap - learn how to use molds, the difference between hot process and cold process soap making.  From calculations to curing, you can quickly and easily learn the ins and outs (and do's and don'ts).  You can even learn how to make liquid soap or whip up a batch in your slow cooker!

"Soapmaking has always been a popular craft with a dedicated group of followers, but with the explosion of urban homesteading and people looking to go green, noncrafters are now joining in on the fun. Whether it's making natural soap to live greener, give as gifts, save money, or make money, The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Making Natural Soaps has everything the new soap maker will need to create organic, natural soaps of all kinds. 

Includes recipes to make a wide array of molded, poured, and liquid soaps"

Part I - The Basics of Natural Soap-Making
1 - Introduction to Soap Making
2 - Oils and Butters
3 - Fragrance and Essential Oils
4 - Hello to Soap Calc
5 - Soap Molds

 Part II - Making Cold and Hot Process Soaps
6 - Cold Process Soap
7 - Hot Process Soap
8 - Cold and Hot Process Soap Recipes
9 - Goat Milk Soap
10 - Liquid Soap

Part III - Getting Creative with your Soap
11 - Coloring Your Soap
12 - Taking Your Soap to the Next Level
13 - Fun with Melt and Pour Soap.

Overall I really love this book and cannot wait to try out natural soap making!  These women are obviously experts and through their trial and error experiences, even beginners can learn what works and what doesn't. 

ARV is listed as $14.95 USD but is is currently on sale for under $10.  This would be a fantastic gift to the crafter, DIYer or eco-conscious recipient on your gift list.  Even better, buy it for yourself and make fabulous soaps for those on your gift list!   Either way this book will be well-loved and well-read :)

Disclosure - I did not receive any compensation for this post.  I did receive a book for review purposes.  For more information on this blog and on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy at the bottom of the page.  

Blast From the Past - "Harvey Prince Eau Flirt and Eau Fling Fall Giveaway Festival Giveaway" (ended)

Due to a technical issue, earlier posts on this blog were deleted. These posts are being re-shared with Momanthology.com readers on a daily basis.  This blog post was originally published on September 16, 2011

I have worked with Harvey Prince a few times over the last couple of years.  Read my reviews:
Ageless 
Eau Flirt
Eau Fling

A few things that are interesting about Harvey Prince:
- Their products are crafted locally in the USA, using the finest essential & natural oils from around the world.
- Their products are 100% Cruelty Free. They use absolutely no animal testing, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, benzene, GMOs, or triclosan.

 I really love these beautiful fragrances!  Harvey Prince is taking an innovative approach to fragrance.  If you are a woman who likes people, places and things that are unique one of their scents should surely speak to you!  If you are unsure of which selection you would prefer, for a small cost you can order samples on their website.
As part of the Fall Giveaway Festival event, I have a fun giveaway sponsored by Harvey Prince! Two lucky winners will take home1 of Harvey Prince's best selling bottles - one individual will win Eau Flirt and the other will win Eau Fling.  (ends 09/30)


To register simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below! Easy Entry!

GIVEAWAY ENDED
Disclosure: I received the opportunity to provide a prize pack to one of my readers through a PR firm. I did not receive any compensation for my reviews or for this giveaway. For more information on this blog or on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy at the bottom of this page 

Blast From the Past - "Tropical Traditions - Fall Giveaway Festival Review and Giveaway" (ended)

Due to a technical issue, earlier posts on this blog were deleted. These posts are being re-shared with Momanthology.com readers on a daily basis.  This blog post was originally published on September 16, 2011

As part of this giveaway festival, I am again partnering with Tropical Traditions, a regular sponsor on momanthology.com.  I love working with Tropical Traditions because they offer high quality natural and organic products on their site.  Not only do I work with them on reviews and giveaways - I am also a customer.  I recently ordered the Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil that I had reviewed previously.  Consider me a Coconut Oil convert!!!

For the Fall Giveaway Festival I had the opportunity to review both the Tropical Traditions Hair Oil and the  Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for Hair.

"Tropical Traditions has formulated three different hair oils using our organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil along with other high quality organic oils known to nourish hair. Along with the base of organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, we included organic jojoba oil, organic macadamia nut oil, organic rosehip oil, organic shea butter, and organic carrot seed oil in each formulation. Two of the formulations are scented with the highest quality organic essential oils available, imported from France: Rosemary and Lavender. There are no other ingredients besides these high quality organic oils: NO SILICONES, NO SULFATES, and NO ALCOHOLS".

Available scents:
Unscented
Lavender
Rosemary



MY REVIEW:
 I have extremely dry, brittle hair but the scalp can tend to get oily.  I am fortunate that my hair "expands" when going from wet to dry so it looks thicker than it actually is.  The flip side of having this texture is that as it dries, my hair tends to get very frizzy and kinky in some areas; this makes it much more difficult to manage when dry and prone to breakage.  Another challenge is that through the years my hair has lost a great bit of curl and thinned (due both to age and to alopecia). 


Women of different ethnicities will often have different hair care concerns.   Taking care of specific ethnic hair types may need to be approached differently.  Even though I am Italian, my hair is has many of the same traits of African American hair and I face many of the same challenges that African American women do.  As such, after quite a bit of research, I have adopted some of the recommended hair care practices for taking care of African American hair, including using oil treatments, for taking care of my own hair. 

 I have tried other oil treatments but with mixed results finding that I have to literally dispense a "perfect" amount of product.  If I don't put exactly the right amount on I either do not see a difference at all OR my hair looks greasy and the thinning is accentuated from the excess of product.  I was interested to see if using coconut oil would perform any differently....

When I received the package from tropical traditions I took it out of the box, squirted a quarter sized amount in my hand and then rubbed it evenly from ends and worked my way up.  After I did that I went into the bathroom to look at the mirror and was very happy with the results. 

• No greasiness
• Frizzy hair tamed
• Smoother, silkier texture

I was shocked actually.  Now granted, it did not get rid of ALL of the frizziness, but it definitely worked, more so that any other products I have tried.  I think what was most impressive was that it made a NOTICEABLE difference.  I am really looking forward to seeing what happens with long term use.

I tried the lavender scented product.  I have used the Tropical Traditions lavender scented soaps and found that these had more of a true lavender scent.  The hair oil seemed to have a combination lavender - coconut scent which was not unpleasant, but it was not what I was expecting either. 

I am not sure why the coconut oil works differently than other oils other than it is easily absorbed by the hair.  Having noticed this myself, I confirmed my suspicions by googling....  For some reason coconut oil is absorbed more easily into the hair shaft instead of clinging to the outside like other oils can tend to do.   I am not sure if this will work for everyone but it is recommended for all hair types.  (I also cannot confirm that you will have the same results that I did, but it cannot hurt to try.)

I am such a huge advocate for Tropical Traditions Products.  I really think that their products are of excellent quality and are of great value.   If you are on the fence about purchasing from Tropical Traditions, read over their testimonials, the great information posted on site and compare the prices to other retailers.  For example, on my last order I priced the coconut oil.  I found that Tropical Traditions offered the best value for what I was looking for (natural, organic coconut oil in a larger package).  The people behind Tropical Traditions are also a passionate advocate for living a natural, organic and sustainable lifestyle and want to share that passion with their customer base.   I will continue to regularly use their products and hope that you will consider doing so. 

I have one Tropical Traditions Hair Oil product to giveaway to one of my readers.  This is a $28 value!  Enter using the Rafflecopter form below!  Also, when I announce the winner I will post an update about the Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil which I am also reviewing :)

GIVEAWAY ENDED
Disclosure: I received the opportunity to provide a prize pack to one of my readers through a PR firm. I did not receive any compensation for my initial review or for this giveaway. For more information on this blog or on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy at the bottom of this page.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Blast From the Past - "VTech InnoTech Prize Pack Fall Giveaway Festival" (ended)

Due to a technical issue, earlier posts on this blog were deleted. These posts are being re-shared with Momanthology.com readers on a daily basis.  This blog post was originally published on September 16, 2011

You may remember my initial VTech InnoTech informative post - VTech's InnoTech is an electronic tablet for children ages 4 - 9.  This post is loaded with information including product specs, product capabilities, pictures and video content.

As part of this event, I have a fun giveaway sponsored by VTech.  I have one VTech InnoTech prize pack to giveaway to a lucky reader.  The prize pack includes a children's t-shirt (S, M or L), flash drive and crayons (ARV $30 USD).

To enter for a chance to win simply follow the instructions below on the Rafflecopter form.  Easy entry!

GIVEAWAY ENDED







Disclosure:  I received the opportunity to provide a prize pack to one of my readers through a PR firm.  I did not receive any compensation for my initial post or for this giveaway.  For more information on this blog or on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy at the bottom of this page.

EARLIER REVIEW PUBLISHED 08/27/2011

Love your tablet?   I love mine too!  I actually have to fight my kids for it.  If you don't own a tablet yet, it is very likely to be high on your wish list.  Well not to be left out in the cold, VTech has jumped in a created a Tablet for the younger tech set!

VTech. More to Love.   InnoTab. The Learning App Tablet

Here is some helpful information on the InnoTab that I received from VTech:

About InnoTab.......
• The InnoTab is a cutting-edge, multi-function tablet for children 4-9. Packed with fun, the InnoTab offers interactive and animated e-books, learning games, creative activities and more – all in one compact, durable tablet. Pull it out of the box – and it’s ready to go for hours of play
• The InnoTab features:
- A 5” brilliant color touch screen LCD (industry’s first?)
- A sleek, kid-tough and compact design to take on the go
- Animated e-books, learning games, music player, video player and so much more,
- A cartridge library that features kids’ favorite characters
- A tilt-sensor for game control
- 100 downloadable titles (by the end of the year)
• While adult tablets costs $600, the InnoTab is $79.99 – a smart purchase for kids. You can give your kid a tablet designed just for them for less than your family’s monthly cell phone bill.

If you are more of a visual person, check out the informative videos below and see how the VTech InnoTab is educational, interactive and fun!

InnoTab Overview Demo from VTech

Behind The Scenes: Behind The Scenes with VTech's InnoTab




Behind The Scenes: InnoTab's Touch Screen & Motion Games

This is a Smart Purchase/Investment: 
• The InnoTab provides hours of play that lasts for years; long term this is an excellent value.
• The InnoTab is multi-functional ; kids can play games, watch videos, play music, read ebooks and more

• More for the child as they develop; This is a gadget that grows with your child!
• Great Price; For a fraction of the cost of a "grown-up" tablet, this includes age-appropriate applications that your child will actually use.


INNOTAB FEATURES AND DETAILS
1. E.Reader
2. Motion Games
3. Art Studio
4. Coloring
5. Organizer
6. Music
7. Videos (sold separately)
8. Photos (sold separately)
9. Downloads

Product Details:
· 5" color touch screen and tilt-sensor for educational gameplay
· E-books, educational games, creative activities, learning apps, and more available on cartridge or as downloads from VTech Learning Lodge Navigator website
· 4 different media players: E-Book reader, MP3 music player, photo viewer and video player
· 64MB onboard memory and SD card slot for memory expansion
· Learning toy connects to PC/Mac with included USB cable
· 4AA Batteries Required
· ARV is only $79.99 USD

Looking for a fabulous b-day gift or already beginning holiday shopping?  You can Pre-order InnoTab at your favorite Retailer:

Toys R Us

Walmart

Amazon
Kmart

For more information you can also check out the Innotab from VTech on facebook and youtube.

Disclosure - I received information on the InnoTab from VTech through a PR firm.  I did not receive a product to review nor did I receive monetary compensation.  I will be able to give an InnoTab prize pack to one of my readers.  For more information on this blog and on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy posted at the bottom of this page.

Blast From the Past - "ShaToBu - Fall Giveaway Festival Review and Giveaway" (ended)

Due to a technical issue, earlier posts on this blog were deleted. These posts are being re-shared with Momanthology.com readers on a daily basis.  This blog post was originally published on September 16, 2011


I was thrilled when ShaToBu contacted me - this is actually an ironic story.  I work from home 1 - 2 days a week and go into the office 3 - 4 days a week.  Our dress code at work is professional casual.  I usually wear black slacks (I have about 6 pairs!), a nice shirt or sweater and heels. 

I cannot stand "panty lines", seeing the outline of someones thong or clothes that look ill fitting.   Because I prefer the clean lines, when wearing slacks I always wear a shaper.  I have 3 shapers - I love 2 of them and the other I only wear if either of first two are being laundered.   I also can stand to lose more than a few pounds.  Shapers do help give a slimmer appearance to a certain extent. 

Unfortunately the two shapers that I love have seen better days and I realized I needed to buy a new one. I have tried inexpensive shapers and they do not withstand much use so I am willing to spend considerably more to get one that will last for quite some time. I was literally planning to go out and buy a new one later that in the day when ShaToBu contacted me asking me to review their product.   Talk about good luck!

When researching the product I learned that ShaToBu is different than your every day shaper.  What makes their product different is that it is designed to work your muscles through resistance bands that are sewn into the garment itself.

  "ShaToBu - The Workout You Wear - is the revolutionary shaper that helps women shape, tone and burn more calories during everyday activities. The benefits go beyond ordinary shapewear - ShaToBu instantly gives a sleeker silhouette, but women can also see and feel a difference in their bodies with regular use over time. By incorporating resistance bands right into the garment, muscles work a little harder and more calories are burned during daily activities."


 Check out the informative video below:




I selected the Waist to Knee Shaper - this retails for $48 USD.   Through the years I found that if a shaper is too small, it will be binding and uncomfortable but if it is too large it does not do as effective of a job.  Because of these reasons, it is important to select the appropriate size.  I was at the end of one size and on the cusp of another so ordered up to make sure that I had a good fit.

I received this VERY quickly.  I opened immediately to check it out.  The ShaToBu shaper does look noticeably different from the others that I have used.  It has a defined waistband, a tummy panel and resistance bands in the thigh area.


My Review:

- I noticed that the ShaToBu is very lightweight but heavy duty (solidly constructed).  I think I will need to be careful not to snag the lighter nylon-wovenparts of the garment when putting on; once on however it does have the heaviness of wearing an extra garment.  Becuse some of the areas are lighter weight than others and more susceptible to snagging, I will be hand washing to preserve the longevity of the shaper.  

- Even though I ordered a size up, I found that this was a very tight fit.  Once on it was surprisingly not uncomfortable at all, but I will admit it took an extra minute to get on.  

I am shorter and most of my weight is in the butt, thighs and hips (pear shaped), so if you have a similar body type I would recommend ordering up a size.  Otherwise I would suggest taking measurements and using your own discretion.  

- The length was longer than my other shapers which is nice - for me this meets at the knee instead of mid thigh.  One of the concerns with the shorter length is the lines at the end.  Since the ShaToBu meets closer to the knee where the pant fit is looser than the thigh area, this concern is eliminated.  

- I definitely felt the resistance when walking but it was not at all uncomfortable of debilitating.  I really look forward to using it when I am at work!

If you are in the market for a new shaper, I recommend checking out the ShaToBu as it provides some of the benefits of a workout (resistance) through every day activities.  

Thanks to ShaToBu, I also have one shaper to give to one lucky entrant in their choice of style, color and size.  For details please refer to the Rafflecopter form below.   Please note that this is open to Canadian and US residents!  Ends 09/30/2011.


GIVEAWAY ENDED


Disclosure:  I received the opportunity to provide a prize pack to one of my readers through a PR firm.  I 
did not receive any compensation for my initial review or for this giveaway.  For more information on this 
blog or on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy at the bottom of this page

Blast from the Past -" Everyday Minerals Fall Giveaway Festival Giveaway" (ended)

Due to a technical issue, earlier posts on this blog were deleted. These posts are being re-shared with Momanthology.com readers on a daily basis.  This blog post was originally published on September 16, 2011

As part of this event, I reached out to Everyday Minerals. I have transitioned to using mineral makeup and have tried many brands. I found out about Everyday Minerals on a different blog promotion and have been a customer of theirs since. You can find out more about the company HERE.  You can also browse the glowing testimonials posted on site.

Everyday Minerals offers high quality mineral makeup at a fraction of the cost of other premium brands. I have used both expensive brands and non-expensive brands . Everyday Minerals is a fine cosmetic line at a mid-range price point. I have stopped using the more expensive brand because Everyday Minerals offers a better value for the money without compromising quality.

Recently I purchased the following - all of this was well under $100!:

"Art Girl" eye shadow set

"Wish You Were Here" Shimmer Eye Powder

Medium Matte Sampler 
(FREE Sample with every order! Simply add your choice to your cart)

Medium Matte Base from the Everyday Minerals Bases section

Mint Color Corrector  

 
"No Makeup" Makeup Kit

  

Finishing Dust

"

Multi Intensive Concealer "Big

I also purchased a small sampler set of everyday shine powders.  Unfortunately these can no longer be found on the website because the "try me free" promos change every week!

These are such a great value and at the Everyday Minerals website you will find a variety of finishes and shades to meet different skin types and skin tones.   Thanks to Everyday Minerals I have a small set of cosmetics to giveaway to one reader.  One winner will receive a full size blush, shadow and lippie plus a sample!  

To enter, simply check out the Everyday Minerals website and then fill out the rafflecopter form below:

GIVEAWAY ENDED

Disclosure:  Everyday Minerals will be providing one prize pack to a random winner. I did not receive any compensation for my initial review or for this giveaway.  For more information on this blog or on my posting practices, please refer to the disclosure policy at the bottom of this page