Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Giveaway Comments/Rafflecopter

Hi, everyone!

I just wanted to pop in and give a quick update.  Our latest giveaway with Clairvoyant Beauty has ended, as of last night at 8pm EST. 

I'll be picking a winner soon, but Blogger seems to have decided our comments don't need to be numbered anymore.  I'm playing around with the coding to try to get it back so I can use Random.org and pick winners our usual way, but so far, no luck.  Any ideas? 

If I can't get it working, I will just print the comments, and do things the old fashioned way, cut them out, put them in a bowl, mix 'em up, and pull three winners that way.  If that's the case, I think I will switch to using Rafflecopter for future giveaways.  How do you all feel about Rafflecopter?

Sooooo, yeah, just wanted to give you all an update and let you know I'm working on this and will have winners picked as soon as possible!

Have a great day!


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Clairvoyant Beauty - Review and Giveaway!


Right before the holidays this year, I was introduced to a company by the name of Clairvoyant Beauty.  I've always loved trying new beauty products, and I've been especially interested in new fragrances lately, so I was more than happy, and even a bit excited to be able to work on a review for their products.  With the stress of the holidays showing in my skin, the opportunity could not have come at a better time.

Clairvoyant Beauty believes that every woman has a natural, inborn glamour that shines from self-confidence.  They believe that glamour arises from kindness, and the self-acceptance that puts others at ease.  What a great philosophy, and so true!  Self confidence does so much for the way the world sees a person. 

Inspired by creator, Lexie Masterson's grandmother who encouraged and helped her granddaughter to create natural, soothing skin care products out of herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, Clairvoyant Beauty wants to celebrate natural beauty.  Because of that, they have put priority in finding natural and organic ingredients from the purest and most powerful plants to enhance your natural beauty.  Calming Lavender, skin-softening Rose, astringent Hibiscus Flower, healing Cucumber and Aloe Vera...why shouldn't we harvest the power or nature in our beauty care routines?  Not only does it work to keep our skin balanced and in harmony, but it's a joy to the senses to use these natural botanical in our skin care.  Clairvoyant Beauty prides itself in creating products that are 100% natural, organic, paraben-free, and that contain no chemical preservatives and no synthetic fragrances.  How refreshing!

Clairvoyant Beauty has made it their mission to be able to provide for all of your skin care and fragrance needs.  They have created cleansers, facial scrubs, toners, serums, moisturizers, eye creams, delightful fragrances...  and to know that they are natural products, is such a comfort!  I've been browsing through their collection, and I must say, my skin is going through a rough patch recently.  With the general holiday busy-ness finally behind me, I'm still dealing with dry skin from the winter weather, and some hormonal breakouts.  While I received a lovely selection of products for review (which I'll tell you all about in just a bit), I'd love to try out the Exfoliating AHA Scrub, the Lavender and Sea Minerals Toner and the Skin Rejuvenating AHA Cream.  They just sound so nourishing and refreshing!  I love that on their website, you can click on common skin issues and find just the right products for you all together in one section.  You won't be left out, they cater to all skin types.  I like that several products do double duty as well, great for skin issues like mine which tend to be dryness and enlarged pores/blackheads, and resulting redness from all of these issues.


The lovely selection I received consisted of the signature Fragrance, Simply Rosewater Toner, Rosewater Eye Cream, and the Simply Roses Cream.

I was a bit worried at first, as I know I've said here before...I'm just not a fan of the scent of roses.  A little is fine, but it can quickly become overpowering.  I did not at all have an issue with the scent of these products being overwhelming.  Much to my relief!  I always want to focus on the positive in products so I was worried that the fragrance might be overwhelmingly rosy, to me.  Not at all. 

One of the first things I noticed, upon receiving the package from Clairvoyant Beauty, was that their packaging is gorgeous.  It's so elegant, with a slightly vintage feel.  That really captures beauty, to me.  Even the inside of the boxes are pretty!  These are products that I *want* sitting out on my vanity because they're so beautiful.  I love when companies not only take care to make excellent products, but take great care in the appeal to the eyes as well.  I want to get a little mirrored tray for my bathroom vanity just to display beautiful bottles like these.  Not to mention, that in keeping with the natural theme, the packaging is recyclable, and containers are biodegradable.  Packing is even Forest Stewardsip Council certified and made from Rainforest Alliance Certified paper.  Love it!

I have to say, of all of the products, my favorite is the Simply Rosewater Toner, so I'll talk about that first.  I've used a similar toner in the past, and I really think that roses are just amazing for the skin.  According to the information on the package, Rosa Damascena/Bulgarian Rose has been used for centuries to promote health and beauty.  Roses have skin softening qualities, that are especially amazing for mature and dry skin.  The light scent has also been known for it's uplifting and aphrodisiac properties.  Interesting!  And so true!  This toner is very gentle on my face, and leaves me feeling hydrated, soft, and refreshed.  You wouldn't think that a toner would work as a toner, and yet still leave skin without irritation and feeling moisturized.  I *love* it!  Using a toner is such an important, and often overlooked part of skincare routines.  I know I personally don't use them very often simply because my skin ends up dry, irritated, and angry with me when I do.  That's not the case at all when I use a Rosewater Toner, and this one is excellent.  I use mine at night...you're supposed to use a cotton ball/pad but I just use a clean wash cloth, and wipe it over the face and neck. It really softens the skin, exfoliates, and helps to make sure that all traces of makeup are gone before I go to sleep...and the light scent is really nice as well.

The Simply Roses Cream is just lovely.  Please ignore the cream's appearance in my photo, this was taken right after I received these items and the cream just looks so much nicer now after use and being swirled around a bit by my fingers.  This cream just screams luxury.  It's so thick and well, creamy!  It applies smooth, and light.  It doesn't feel greasy or heavy as it moisturizes, it just leaves skin soft and comfortable.  You can, and are directed to, use this cream on the face and neck.  As someone who's dealt with acne problems for as long as I can remember, it's just a little thick for me to use on my face and scares me a bit, so I use this wherever I have "tougher" dry skin, like elbows, heels, and knees.  It feels amazing worked into the legs as well.  It contains Bulgarian Rose to soften skin and give off that lovely soft, rose scent.  There is also jojoba and coconut oil for gentle moisturization, glycerin to attract moisture to the skin, and vitamin E to protect skin. 


I had a bit of an issue with the Gentle and Healing Rosewater Eye Cream.  It seems delivery was a bit too rough (to be fair, I received this just a few days before Christmas...I think at that point, most deliveries are a bit too rough on products as the delivery personnel are just so overloaded).  The product seems to be bumped around a bit too much and leaked (you can see the reside on the little pot in the photo), leaving just a small amount in the container.  I can tell by the small amount that it smells lovely, but I wasn't really able to use it.  Too bad!  I've never used an Eye Cream before, and while I don't really have any aging issues with the skin around my eyes yet, it would be interesting to see if there were any benefits for me.


Last, but certainly not least, I received a bottle of Clairvoyant Beauty's new signature fragrance.  These are handcrafted in small bathes, using only the finest wild crafted Natural Essences possible.  It's completely natural, and based with organic corn alcohol.  I received a .33 ounce bottle, which is just the right size for my travel or to keep in your purse. I keep mine on my vanity.  This scent is seriously intoxicating.  I find myself having trouble describing it, but it's a scent that keeps bringing me back for more.  Clairvoyant Beauty states that this fragrance is infused with a little mystery!  I'd have to agree with that.  For a more in depth description of the fragrance notes, I'll let Clairvoyant Beauty take it from here:

Crisp floral-green top notes of bergamot and lime leads you into an exploration. Bulgarian rose middle notes blend with jasmine and ylang ylang to relax the senses and enhance your own natural harmony and beauty. Warm, lush, inviting base notes of tobacco, fir and green cognac suggest a subtle sexiness…the mystery and possibility of being a Clairvoyant woman.

Top Notes: Bergamot and Lime
Middle Notes: Rose, Jasmine, and Ylang Ylang
Base Notes: Tobacco Absolue, Fir Absolue, and Green Cognac

It's really quite lovely!  Perhaps a gift idea for a Valentine?  I love that this fragrance is designed for layering.  You can apply a little, and keep adding more to get the level of scent that your mood calls for, or you can even apply a little and then wear another of your favorite fragrances with this, to create your own signature scent.  I have a few Demeter Fragrance and Auric Blends perfume oil roll ons that I've used with this and it's fun to see what I can come up with. 

If there's something at Clairvoyant Beauty that you'd like to try, or perhaps you'd like to make a gift of their delicious fragrance, we're excited to be able to offer you a code for 20% off here at Flip Flop Reviews!  Very excited, 20% is fantastic!  Just use code FLIP20420 at checkout.  This is only valid for the next 20 days (from today, though Monday, February 6th, 2012) , so hurry and get those orders in!

As if that's not fantastic enough, we're also able to offer a giveaway for not just one, but THREE of Clairvoyant Beauty's Winter Essentials Collection!


I am SO excited to be able to offer this collection to three lucky readers!  With a value of $238, this collection includes six products made to combat the challenges that winter poses for our skin.

Seasons change and so does our skin's need for nourishment. This is Lexie's personal winter solution for beautiful skin. She scoured the globe to find the purest and most effective natural and organic ingredients and used them generously in all the Clairvoyant Beauty formulas to create the most naturally beautiful skin possible for every woman.


Products Include:

  • Detoxifying Clay Cleanser with DMAE
  • Simply Rosewater Toner
  • Exfoliating AHA Scrub Skin Rejuvenating
  • AHA Cream Nourishing
  • Meadowfoam Serum
  • Gentle & Healing Rosewater Eye Cream


US and Canada only! 

Simply leave a comment for each entry.

Mandatory Entry:

Visit http://www.clairvoyantbeauty.com/, and leave a comment here, telling me (at least) one product that you think would be wonderful for your skin.

Extra Entries:

-Like Clairvoyant Beauty on Facebook.

-Leave a comment thanking them for the giveaway here @FlipFlopReviews, or anything else you'd like to say.  As per Facebook's rules, this is not required, but if you do, leave me the link here for an extra entry!

-Follow Clairvoyant Beauty on Twitter @cbeautynyc.

-Tweet the following and leave me the link to your tweet.

I just entered to win a Winter Essentials skin care collection @FlipFlopReviews! Thanks @cbeautynyc! Enter here: http://www.flipflopreviews.blogspot.com

-Follow Flip Flop Reviews (publicly) on Google Friend Connect. If you already follow us, great, let us know.


-Follow Flip Flop Reviews with Networked Blogs. (check the sidebar)

-Follow Flip Flop Reviews on Twitter @FlipFlopReviews.

-Subscribe to Flip Flop Reviews via email.  Be sure to verify!  You can find this option in the right hand sidebar.

-Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in a comment.

-Leave a relevant comment on another blog post here at Flip Flop Reviews.

-Enter one of our other current giveaways and let me know which one you entered. (Feel free to leave one comment for each giveaway entered)


This giveaway will end on 01/24/2012 at 8pm EST. Any entries after that will not count. Please make sure that you leave an email address or some way to contact you in your comments. If we can't figure out how to get in touch with you, you can't win! :o) Good luck! 







*I received one or more of the products mentioned above for the purposes of this review through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency. In the event of a giveaway, the prize is shipped by the sponsor and I hold no responsibility. Thank you for reading!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Take Surveys - Earn Cash and Rewards!


I have been doing surveys for years. I think I started when I was still in high school. It's something I can do a few minutes here and a few minutes there, and on my own time, and I actually make enough to cover most gifts for holidays and even put a little something into savings.

I get asked all the time what survey companies I use, so I thought I'd compile a list of the companies that I work with:


I also recommend YouData, where you get paid to view ads.  They PayPal you payment every week! 

And don't forget about Swagbucks!  Not only can you earn points for searching with them, but also for watching videos and completing surveys as well.

Are there any that you have had good results with?  I'd love to hear about them!


Friday, January 13, 2012

Walgreen's Express Scripts Program

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

After quite a long break from using coupons the way I used to, I have finally started to get back in the game, so to speak.  I spent a good part of my day yesterday out and about, getting some really great deals.  Of course, you know I had to shop at Walgreens!  There are some great deals to be had there this week, and while I spent a little more than I planned due to some impulse purchases, I still have $7 in Register Rewards to use next week!  Woohoo!

As I was leaving the store on my "coupon high" I glanced back and saw a sign in the window with information about Walgreens and Express Script.  I was curious, but didn't have time to go back in and find out.  So, today I was reading up on things and what happened was, that Walgreens has been trying to come up with a solution to keep the Express Script program at their pharmacies, but things just did not 'work out and they are no longer an Express Scripts pharmacy provider.       

I t seems that Walgreens did everything they could to work to keep the contract and keep their customers happy.  Despite things not working out as they would have liked, Walgreens wants to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible for customers who prefer to stay with Walgreens.  They understand that customers have long standing relationships with their pharmacists, and that is important to them.   Fortunately, only certain  prescription insurance plans managed by Express Scripts have been effected.   Be sure to check with your local Walgreens to find out where you stand.  You can also quickly check your insurance card, and know that if it does not say Express Script, you're not effected. 

If this new change does effect you, Walgreens wants to help.  They are offering a special discount on the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club.  For just $10 a year, a family membership covers everyone in your family.  This includes your spouse, dependents 22 years of age and under, and even pets!  Individuals also have the option of joining for just $5.  When you join, you receive discount prices on prescriptions, as well as savings on over 8,000 brand name and generic medications, discounts on flu shots, nebulizers, diabetic supplies, and even pet prescriptions.  Plus you may receive bonuses for purchasing Walgreen's brand products and photo finishing services.   

You can stay updated and show your support, by liking Walgreens on Facebook, and following Walgreens on Twitter.  I was already following on Facebook, and I'm about to head over to Twitter now.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Friday!




1. The last thing I ate was a peanut butter granola bar.  Quick breakfast while getting my little girl ready for school.

2. The last song I listened to was Taylor Swift - Enchanted (my girls LOVE her).

3. Using the letters in my name I can spell (Danielle) in, dill, ladle, need, and, dial, alien, dell, all, laid, deal, aid, aide, allied, lad, ale, an, end, denial, die, dine, eel, lane, nail, idea, ideal, idle, lid, lean...

4. If I had to dress in one color for the rest of my life I would pick black.

5. If you were to look in my bag right now you'd find lip gloss, wallet, reciept, gum, coupons, gloves.

6. When I finish filling in the blanks I'm going to try to resist the urge to go lay in bed under the covers.  It's COLD today.

7. My all time favorite song to dance to is Dance Magic Dance!  :P




Photobucket


I Confess...that I was REALLY tempted to hit that snooze button a second time this morning and maybe not even get up at all.  :X

I Confess...
that I stole a sweater from my husband's closet this morning.  Big and COMFY!

I Confess...
that I should probably be cleaning and organizing (and unpacking :X) rather than playing around on here.

I Confess...
that we ate cereal for dinner last night because I was out shopping and playing The Coupon Wars until almost 7 last night.


Sunday, January 1, 2012

The Best Present

Guest written by our friend Trent Horton
My son, Bobby, has wanted nothing more than a TV for his room ever since he could start talking. My husband and I don’t think it’s a good idea for kids to have TV’s in their rooms because then we can’t monitor what they are watching. We also don’t allow him to have a computer in his room for the same reason. This has made us the “uncool” parents for many years, but we have stuck firm with our decision. We have been so pleased with our son. He is now on the varsity football and basketball teams, and he makes straight A’s, so we decided to go ahead and let him get a TV for his room. Not only that, but we got it for him for Christmas, complete with a satellite subscription fromDirect TV Mobile. He’s so excited, and it was fun to watch his face when he got this gift he has literally wanted forever! Whoever said it was more joyous to give than to receive must have had a child with the look on their face that my son said when he opened that box!




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*I received one or more of the products mentioned above for the purposes of this review through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency. In the event of a giveaway, the prize is shipped by the sponsor and I hold no responsibility. Thank you for reading!