How would you like to win $500US cash? How will you spend it? Thanks to ContestChest.com, here's your chance to win this awesome prize! The giveaway contest is open WORLDWIDE.

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Don’t let the summer sun cause you to loose sight of what’s most important – your health. Sue Devitt has the perfect on-the-go products with SPF to keep you protected all summer long.






Microquatic Bioluminescence Illuminating Concealer SPF 20 ($25): Bioluminescence Illuminating Concealer SPF 20 with Microquatic™ Age-defying Complex offers exquisite coverage, creating a youthful and radiant complexion. The light-reflecting properties of photo-luminescent microspheres visibly reduce the appearance of dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles, and minimize imperfections.




Gel Bronzer SPF 40 (37.50): This gel based radiant bronzer with SPF 40 Protection gives warmth and color to the skin in a new lightweight, hydrating formulation that glides on effortlessly. Made with restorative Algae Extract that prevents collagen and elastin degradation and preserves elasticity, it also has protective antioxidant benefits from Babao Seed Extract, while Sunflower Seed Oil is deeply moisturizing.






SpaComplexion™ Hydrating Marine Minerals Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 ($40): Achieve a healthy, radiant spa-treated, natural complexion. This lightweight, mineral tinted moisturizer with SPF features extraordinary hydrating and refreshing properties of the sea, encapsulated in a proprietary delivery system that increases skin’s moisture level and vitality. Its sheer, fluid formulation with SPF 15 coverage also offers antioxidant benefits while protecting the skin from harsh environmental exposure and premature photo-aging.




Sue Devitt Microquatic Blue Anti-Aging SPF 30 Primer ($48): This luxurious anti-aging primer offers skin powerful protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays through SPF 30, infused with soothing Blue Algae Extract to combat redness and naturally formed anti-irritant crystals sourced from the coast of Spain. Protect the future of your skin by stimulating skin's natural collagen production with this skin primer's high performance anti-aging ingredients Ceramide 2 and Matrixyl.


To purchase and browse more products, visit SueDevittBeauty.com

Don’t forget to protect/rejuvenate with Sue Devitt and Nutritionist, Tanya Zuckerbrot’s ingestible beauty product – the IO Beauty Booster!



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

What an amazing purse!! Are you ready to own this Kate Spade?

This Navy Kate Spade purse is valued at $425!

One lucky reader will WIN it!

**Powered by Madame Deals and Slop Swap**

Thank you to our hosts for helping run this great event:

Become a Coupon Queen, Deals In Heels, Coupons For Your Family, Shopping Tips and Tricks

**Enter your OWN VERBIAGE here**

Giveaway will run April 30 12:01 am EST - May 10 11:59 pm EST

You have a lot of chances to WIN! Complete the mandatory entry and unlock the bonus entries.

Bonus entries are Facebook likes.

Wait for the Rafflecopter to load and enter below:

Day 120 of Project 366 (April 29, 2012) 
My main purpose of this visit was stopping by the Nine O'Clock Gun to see the Nine O'Clock Gun, the cannon that fires with a very loud report at 9:00pm daily at Stanley Park in Vancouver. This is my second attempt with the photograph when the moment the gun fires. On my first attempt here, I missed the shot. This time, I used a lower ISO of 100 and a higher aperture of f/16 with 30 second shutter. It was actually dark out and the sky was black/greyish, but the long-exposure seem to make it look very blue (kinda like the sun was still up).




Flickr Album

 Yes, we are doing it again! This time Acadiana's Thrifty Mom has teamed up with SaleCamel to bring you a super-duper giveaway for 3 amazon.com gift cards! Tha'ts right, 3 lucky winners will each win a $200 Amazon gift card! Be sure to complete all entries to increase your chances of winning!  This giveaway is sponsored by SaleCamel and hosted by Acadiana's Thrifty Mom and Baby Coupons & Stuff.  GIVEAWAYChosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to US ONLY & 18+ (ends May 21, 2012 at 11:59pm EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. This giveaway is, in no way, affiliated with Facebook.

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WELCOME TO THE KITCHEN AID MANIA GIVEAWAY 

I am participating in this event with other fellow bloggers to bring you this exciting giveaway. It's the perfect Mother's Day gift for those who love to bake or simply just being in the kitchen! This giveaway event was made possible by Bay Area Mommy, American Family and many other wonderful bloggers!

KitchenAid KSM150PSWH Artisan Series 5-Quart Mixer
* Retail Value: $349.99 US
* Color: White
* 325-watt mixer with 10 speeds
* 5-quart stainless steel bowl
* Tilt-back head for easy access to mixture
* 1 piece pouring shield with large chute for adding ingredients
* Includes flat beater, dough hook, and wire whip
* Measures 14 by 8-2/3 inches by 14 inches
* 1-year warranty



GIVEAWAY
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a KitchenAid KSM150PSWH Artisian Series 5-Quart Mixer. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to US ONLY (ends May 9, 2012 at 11:59pm EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize.

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With spring in full swing and everyone looking to clear the clutter around the home, why not cleanse the mind and body, as well? Dr. John A. Robinson, author of the brand new book, "The Hormone Zone", would love to share his 5 tips on how to spring clean your health and get your body ready for summer!

1. DIET: Eat as close to nature as possible and eat a variety of foods.
"Let thy food be thy medicine!" When foods are less processed and abundant in variety, you will get more valuable nutrients to help prevent disease and live your best!

2. EXERCISE: Boost metabolism with short durations.
Exercise does not have to be long and boring! Keeping the intensity high and the sessions short has been shown to be the best way to increase your fat burning hormones leading to a slimmer waist line and a happier you!

3. LIFESTYLE: Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse!
Spring cleaning applies just as much to your body as it does to your house. Gentle cleansing a few times per year helps to increase your energy, mental focus, and keeps your organs happy and healthy!

4. MENTAL HEALTH: Keep the mind Sharp!
Research has shown again and again that meditation reduces stress and stress related hormones and improves your mind and your ability to think clearly. Meditation helps you focus your mind to find solutions to your problems. Try modified Yoga for start.

5. SPIRITUALITY: Have a purpose driven life!
Studies agree that people who have a sense of spirituality and who have an active spiritual practice, such as a being a member of a religious group or spiritual community, live longer and are healthier. Your spirituality is predicated on your concept of your true purpose in life and how this relates to helping yourself and others.



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Growing up in Berkeley, Calif., Mexican food was Chef Jonathan Waxman's ultimate comfort food. Blending French cooking techniques, Mexican accents and a love for Italian food (he's currently manning the kitchen at the renowned Barbuto in Manhattan’s West Village), the Top Chef Master contestant constantly whips up inventive and memorable dishes.

One example? Pulled beef brisket tacos flavored with jicama, habanero, charred onions and an unexpected sweet crunch—pomegranate seeds. So where did his love of cooking first come from? We asked the chef and then salsa-ed our way into the kitchen to whip up his take on tacos (currently on the menu at Rosa Mexicano, where he serves as culinary advisor).

"I remember one clear 'a-ha!' moment," says Waxman. "In 1971, I took a cooking class from Richard Grausman. He made cooking seem exciting, and very elegant. I was enthralled. I'll never forget that he made beef bourguignon and chocolate mousse—I loved every minute of it. He made me really want to get out there and cook."

Now it's your turn! Follow the recipe and our step-by-step photos below.


___________________________________________

Beef Brisket Tacos
Makes 16 tacos






What You’ll Need
16 ounces of cold, leftover brisket
1 cup of leftover beef sauce from brisket (or use chicken or beef stock)
2 cup peeled and diced carrots
1 onion, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
1 cup of julienned jicama
1 habanero (stemmed, seeded and minced)
1/2-cup pomegranate seeds
1 lemon (juiced)
1 orange (juiced)
2 ounces olive oil
16 sprigs of cilantro
16 (4 inch) corn tortillas

What You’ll Do:

STEP 1: Slice briskets while cold into thin strips, keep cold.

STEP 2: In a saucepan heat left over sauce, add carrots, cook for 5 minutes.

STEP 3: In a black iron skillet, heat to medium high, add the onions with no fat and char gently until wilted. Add the onions to sauce.





STEP 4: Add the habanero chili. Cook for 20 minutes; keep warm. Sauce should be quite reduced, if not reduced enough cook a bit more.


STEP 5: In a bowl toss the jicama, pomegranate seeds, the citrus juices, olive oil, and add sea salt.



STEP 6: In the black iron skillet add the remaining oil, and when hot, sear the brisket strips, in batches. Add the strips to sauce.



STEP 7: Heat the tortillas, spoon in the carrot, onion brisket mixture, and top with jicama-citrus. Garnish with cilantro.



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Thanks to A Bullseye View. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Smashbox Summer 2012 Shades of Fame Collection has officially launched! The hottest hues for eyes and lips to create a strikingly unforgettable look. Unleash your inner screen siren with just a swipe of the perfect eye shadow and lip gloss. Smashbox Cosmetics introduces SHADES OF FAME, a summer collection featuring smoldering, bold colors guaranteed to get you noticed!

Eye Palette ($48): Create an iconic, alluring look with this palette, featuring favorite summer shades handpicked by Smashbox Cosmetics studio artists. The colors are arranged in trios to make mixing and matching effortless. Use the brighter hues to add a pop of color for daytime glam, then layer on the sultrier, darker shades to create a captivating look to flaunt during hot summer nights.





Reflection High Gloss Lip Gloss Set ($29): Every rising star needs the perfect pout. With this travel-sized collection of five lip glosses, you’ll have all the shades you need to get noteworthy lips, from delicate pink to bold fuchsia




Where to buy: Smashbox.com 




Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Buy a crease ease emulsion and get a crease ease gel free

Mom deserves to look her best, especially on Mother’s Day. Allow her to turn back time with emerginC’s crease ease emulsion and crease ease gel. This promotion is valid from May 5th to May 12th with promotional code "MOM" at check out.



crease ease emulsion is an intensive, active, no-needles “line relaxing” cream that targets fine lines and creases all over the face, instead of paralyzing them. This emulsion safely rebalances hormonal activity in the skin, and improves hydration, lipid content, elasticity and roughness. Other active ingredients include sweet almond, witch hazel, allantoin, green tea, licorice, centella asiatica, gingko biloba and sage. ($145)

crease ease gel is an intensive, active gel formulated to target fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area and above the lip, as well as creases in the forehead. This gel has been re-formulated with Skin Tightener ST, designed to instantly firm and smooth skin. In addition, Sodium Hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) was added to help plump skin by increasing moisture content and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. ($135)





Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Warner Bros. Pictures is proud to announce the release of the hit romantic comedy New Year’s Eve on DVD and Blu Ray May 1st! This all-star comedy stars Ashton Kutcher, Michelle Pfeiffer, Katherine Heigl, Sofia Vergara, Hilary Swank, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zac Efron, Jon Bon Jovi, and Josh Duhamel!

April is a perfect time to think about all those resolutions you made that may have been placed on the backburner. With the New Year’s Eve Resolution Reset Blog App you can double check and make sure you are on the right path to making your resolutions come true!

• Take The Quiz!  Are you on your way to making the most out of 2012? Take this quiz and find out if you are a Resolution Renegade!?
• Personal New Year’s Eve Tips! We want you to make your resolutions come true, so to help you achieve your goal we will get you some awesome tips to jump-start your resolution this year!
• Get Social! Spread the word about the New Year’s Eve. Tweet using the #ResolutionReset hashtag!

GIVEAWAY
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a copy of New Year’s Eve on DVD. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to US & Canadian residents (ends May 14, 2012 at 11:59pm EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize.

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Smashbox recently launched a new breakthrough Facebook app that lets you become the star of the latest Smashbox Cosmetics BB Cream Video by visiting bbcreamapp.smashbox.com! Smashbox Cosmetics is offering fans the chance to star in a video as the brand’s newest flawless face via its new cutting-edge Facebook application. Winners will receive a year’s supply of BB Cream, which primes, perfects, hydrates and protects your complexion, plus more favorite, best-selling products from Smashbox Cosmetics. All it takes is a few clicks to see yourself in the spotlight.





Here’s how it works:

• Visit bbcreamapp.smashbox.com and answer a few basic questions about yourself: describe your skin tone, what city you live in and then upload five photos of yourself (make sure they’re your favorite camera-ready moments).

• Click “View Your Video” to create your personalized video, which shows your visit to the Smashbox studios – from your pick-up at the airport to your Flawless Face BB Photo Shoot.

• Share your studio experience with your friends via Facebook, share the link in an email or even embed the video into your own personal blog.

• Each week through the end of May, a winner will be selected based on whose video receives the most votes.





Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm/Company to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.

My Review:

There are so many skincare products out there and a lot of them are similar and hoping to find the right one for my skin. I was given the opportunity to try out Skinn Cosmetics DermAppeal Microdermabrasion Treatment. I wanted to try something like an exfoliant or microdermabrasion that would help my skin feel softer and look younger.  I started using the product the first day I received it. I opened the jar and was mesmerized by the lovely peppermint scent.  I told one of my friends about this product because coincidentally she's been looking around for microdermabrasion products. The first thing she noticed was the refreshing peppermint scent too.  That minty scent was so refreshing and my skin felt revitalized. After a few days of using the product, I did notice my skin looks visibly smoother as well as diminished pores. I'd recommend this to anyone to try this "at home" beauty treatment.

Note: You may also experience a healthy pink glow and slight peeling up to two days after treatment. These are all normal and part of the regenerative process. For sensitive skin, use no more than once a week.



Product Description:

This amazing, aluminum oxide free resurfacing and revitalizing treatment utilizes a naturally occurring mineral from the Dead Sea along with Papaya and Pineapple Extracts to give you all the benefits of a professional microdermabrasion treatment at home.  Use once or twice a week for a softer, smoother, less-lined, no pore look.  It contains natural botanicals including rosemary, tea tree, peppermint, lavender, and enzymes from papaya and pineapple.


 
ABOUT DIMITRI JAMES

Dimitri James is a professional make up artist whose work has graced the runway and the red carpet as well as national and international television shows and magazines. The author of Becoming Beauty, Dimitri is also the creator of Skinn Cosmetics, a line of premium skin care formulas and color cosmetics.

WIN IT
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a DermAppeal Microdermabrasion Treatment that I have reviewed. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org through Rafflecopter and is open to US & Canadian residents (ends May 26, 2012 at 11:59pm EST). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Mandatory entry is require to unlock the optional entries.

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Disclosure: I received the above mentioned product from the company/PR Company in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Create Miniature Versions of Your Favorite Meals

Introducing Muffin Tin Chef, a cookbook featuring 101 recipes with 65 stunning full-color photos of adorable appetizers, enticing entrees, and delicious desserts that will help you create miniature versions of your favorite treats.

The muffin tin is undeniably a cookware overachiever. In this little kitchen staple, you can make Peach-Stuffed French Toast, Lasagna Rolls, Taco Cups, and No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes.

Other Recipes include...
- Parmesan Hash Browns
- Two-cheese Smokey Chicken Cups
- Cheddar
- Sage Biscuits
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Spinach Pesto Bacon Pizza
- Sweet Potato Brownie Bites ... and much more!


With faster baking times to keep cooks on schedule, smaller portion sizes to keep waists trim, and a tasty appearance to keep guests impressed, these scrumptious bites are perfect as finger foods, kids’ party snacks or unique dinner treats.


My Review:
I never really thought that one can make many creative recipes and treats using muffin trays. The only thing comes to my mind are cupcakes and muffins when I think of muffin tin or muffin tray. I'm really impressed with the idea and wanted to try all the recipes that are packed in this book.  I'm always excited to try something new.  My family also enjoys it. When I first looked at the book, I find that it is well-written and the photos are amazing. I also love the quality of the pages of the book with glossy paper. This has now become my new favorite cookbook!


From crowd-pleasing appetizers and enticing side dishes to mouth-watering entrees and delectable desserts, this book serves up a wonderful variety of delicious and fun dishes.

Where to buy? The book is available for purchase at Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Kadey is a registered dietitian, freelance nutrition writer, recipe developer, and travel photographer based in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. His nutrition, recipe and travel articles have appeared in various publications including Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Shape, Men’s Journal, Vegetarian Times, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Eating Well, and Fit Pregnancy. You can find Matt at www.muffintinmania.com where he continues to cook many of his meals using the muffin tray.

As a photographer myself, I love the nature photography in Matt's travel gallery.


Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of the mentioned book from the PR Company/Publisher in exchange for my review. The opinions expressed in my review are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

We’re celebrating the release of Cami Checketts’ novel Dead Running with a huge fitness giveaway.

Prizes Include:

* Experienced and beginner yoga packages from Hugger Mugger

* Two MIO Global Active Watches

* Three months online personal training from Fitcore Fitness

* Three Lebert Stretch Straps

* Fitness Apparel from Running Chics

* One pair of running shoes from Altra Zero Drop

* iFrogz Earbuds and Armbands

* Six month adult membership: Smithfield Recreation Center

* One month membership: Crossfit UAC

* Autographed copy of Dead Running by Cami Checketts

Win one of these amazing prizes simply by following this blog or liking my Facebook page and leaving a comment below. Please visit each of our sponsors’ websites to learn more about their products and decide which one you’d like to win. While you’re at their site, like their page or follow their blog to show our gratitude for their donation to this fun blogfest. You can enter on as many different blogs as you like, a list of the participating blogs is featured at the end of this post.

Hugger Mugger Yoga
Experienced and Beginner Yoga Packages - Value: $325.00

Hugger Mugger Website

Hugger Mugger on Facebook

Two MIO Global Active Watches - Value: $239.98

MIO’s Website

Sign up for My MIO

Like MIO on Facebook

MIO is the number one brand in strapless Heart Rate monitoring

with features like calorie management systems, all day steps counting,

distance tracking, and fitness assessment tools.

Fitcore Fitness - Three months online fitness training - Value: $150

Fitcore Website -- Fitcore on Facebook

Three Lebert Stretch Straps

Value: $48.49 each

Lebert Fitness Website

Like Lebert Fitness on Facebook

Flexibility and mobility are two vital components of fitness.

The Lebert Stretch Strap™ is a simple, innovative tool that will

allow you to stretch more comfortably and hold that stretch longer!

Two $50 Gift Certificates to spend on Running Chics fitness apparel.

Running Chics Website

Running Chics on Facebook

Whether you're running a race or just running around town, you should feel comfortable.

And there's no reason you shouldn't look good, too!

We're Running Chics...just like you,

and we know that fashion and performance can go hand-in-hand. 

Altra Running Shoes - Value: $109.99

Altra Zero Drop Website - Altra Running on Facebook

Altra Zero Drop Footwear features the world's first ever line of

fully cushioned Zero Drop™ running shoes

designed to improve form and reduce initial impact.

iFrogz Armbands and Earbuds - Value: $175.00

iFrogz Website - iFrogz on Facebook

iFrogz is native to Cache Valley and offers awesome

accessories for your iPods, iPhones, and iPads.

Smithfield Recreation six month adult membership - Value: $157

Smithfield Recreation Website - Smithfield Rec. on Facebook

Crossfit One Month Membership - Value: $90.00

Crossfit’s Website - Crossfit on Facebook

*Available in Cache Valley only

 Dead Running

Autographed Copy

Donated by Cami Checketts

Buy Now only $3.99 Kindle

$14.99 Print

Cassidy Christensen is running.

Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.

Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.

Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.

With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she’ll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

Follow this blog or like Cami Checketts' Facebook page and leave a comment below to enter to win one of these great prizes. Please list the top three prizes you're interested in with your comment. An entry will be chosen from each of the participating blogs. Prize winners will be posted be on Cami’s Blog.

Contest closes: May 18, 2012

Open to residents of U.S. and Canada.

Thanks for stopping by!

The blogs involved in this giveaway are some of the top fitness, running, book, and Mom blogs on the internet. Have fun checking out their content and entering the fitness giveaway on each of their sites:

Running Diva Mom

Caution: Redhead Running

The Sassy Pear

The Book Bug

Book Journey

Tall Mom on the Run

I Have Run

Secrets of a Running Mom

Janet Jensen

Cheryls Book Nook

Rachelle Writes

If I Can't Convince You I'll Atleast Confuse You

Just Trying is for Little Girls

Socrates Book Reviews

Diony George

Miss Mae

Lo Johnston Writing

The Balanced Writer

Pams Wild Rose Blog

Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author

Fitness for Mom

Jill Will Run

Good Clean Reads

Jen's Blog of Random Thoughts

Happy, Healthy, Successful

Rachel Ann Nunes

Mom and More

Reading with Monie

Sarah's Blog of Fun

A Book Lover Forever

Always Training Trio

Charity's Writing Journey

Love. Pray. Read.

Just Me and My Running Shoes

Running Rachel

Princess Runs

Larissa Milano Fitness

Raketer Mama

Amber Argyle
Hungry Runner Girl
Make it Simple Sister
A Journey in the Shoes of a Foodie, Athlete & Wife
Sexy Moms Running Club










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