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Milly the Pinkest Kitten Review & Giveaway

August 10, 2010 106 Comments
I can’t think of anything cuter than kittens, except maybe a PINK kitten!  And what could be cuter than a pink kitten? Milly the Pinkest Kitten!  Milly comes from  Aurora World Inc, the company behind the best selling international toy brand YooHoo & Friends. (You may recall the YooHoo & Friends Giveaway I had earlier this year.)
Ten perfectly pink variations feature Milly as freestanding plush, in dress up or even portable via scented toy pet carriers!

Milly Birthday Girl  is available in two styles, holding either a colorful cupcake or birthday balloon. Milly WannaBes are dressed as a princess, ballerina or fairy.  And Aurora has introduced a line of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry scented carriers. Milly Cupcake Carriers include a removable eight-inch Milly plush animal.

For this review, I received Milly Birthday Girl and a Milly Cupcake Carrier.  Here’s a picture of them:

Aren’t these just adorable?! Each plush kitty cat is very soft and furry, and they’re even a little bit sparkly. They have the cutest little faces, and just like theYooHoo & Friends line, they have the cutest little tails.
Birthday Milly wears an adroable pink dress and wears a shiny Birthday Girl Crown.  My particular Milly carries a birthday cupcake.  And she’s eight inches tall.  I think Milly is just about the cutest stuffed animal I’ve ever seen!  I know I would have been thrilled to have received one of these as a kid for my birthday, and I imagine any girly-girl would love her.  I certainly would give these as a birthday gift myself and would recommend her to any of you who are shopping for birthday gifts as well.
And Milly Cupcake Carrier is just as equally adorable.  This Milly kitten is a little bit smaller than Birthday Girl Milly.  And she comes in her own scented cupcake pet holder.  These come in 3 different scents.  They are chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, and the scent is said to last about 6 months.
The scent of my cupcake carrier is strawberry, and it smells just lovely!  The cupcake carrier is pink, magenta, and white in color.  It’s very soft, shimmery, and features shiny carrying handles.  And the carrier is even topped off with a little red strawberry.  Milly fits in nice and snug and is cute as a button in her cupcake carrier!

Buy it!  You can purchase Milly The Pinkest Kitten online at Aurora World Inc.

Connect! Aurora World on Facebook.

Win it! One Simply Sweet Home reader will win one plush Milly the Pinkest Kitten toy.

Giveaway closed. Congrats to Rachel of The Dalai Mama!

-Jerri
Disclosure: I was not paid to write this review.  For hosting this giveaway, I received two Milly the Pinkest Kitten plush toys from Aurora World.  They will also be providing the winner’s prize.  The opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Filed Under: Giveaways, product review, shopping, Sponsors

CoverGirl Smoky Eye Look Review & Giveaway

August 2, 2010 282 Comments

I guess you could say that I’ve always been a “CoverGirl.” Since I was old enough to wear makeup I’ve always used CoverGirl products.  Over the years I’ve tried out their various liquid foundations, pressed powders, and eye makeups.  And I’m always excited to see the new products they roll out.

Recently I was given the opportunity to try out CoverGirl’s new Smoky Eye Look kits.  These kits are designed to help you create the that smoky eye look you see on all the models and actresses out there. (You know that look that appears so glamorous on hot superstars, but if you tried it, you’d look like you just lost a fist fight? Yes, that look!)

The kits come in three varieties:  Natural Look, Glamorous Look, and Bold Look.

And each kit makes it easy to create the smoky eye look with 3 products: SmokyShadowBlast, LineExact Liquid Liner Pen, and LashBlast Volume Mascara.

For the purposes of this review I received all three Smoky Eye Look Kits, along with a makeup artist chair, bag, mirror, and tips from makeup artist Molly Stern. Of the three kits, my favorite is the Natural Look.  This kit comes with the SmokyShadow Blast in Bronze Fire, LashBlast Mascara in Brown, and LineExact Liquid Liner in Brown.

When I try new makeup, I judge it based on 4 different aspects The first is how the makeup looks on me.  I was very pleased in this area.  The makeup looked very nice, with bold yet very clean, natural lines.  It looked very glamorous without being overdone, and I felt very confident wearing it.

The second I look at is how easy the makeup is to apply.  In the past I’ve had issues with eye liner not going on as easy as I would like, so I was very happy at how easy the LineExact Liquid Liner was to apply and how quickly it dried after application. Also, this was my first time to use an eye shadow that wasn’t in pressed or loose powder form, and I found myself very surprised at how easy it was to apply as well.  As for the LashBlast Volume Mascara, I was actually using this type of mascara prior to receiving these kits for review, and I’ve always been happy with its easy application.
The third thing I look at is the one I always seem to have the most trouble with. My third area is how well the makeup holds up; that is, whether it’s going to smear or rub off, and how good it’s going to look after several hours of wear. I was (and still am) very excited about how well this makeup holds up.  With most eye shadows, the look seems to rub off or fade after a while, but several hours after application I can still see the SmokyShadowBlast eye shadow very well.  And of all the things I like about the products I received, my favorite thing is how well the LineExact Liquid Liner holds up.  I’ve had so much trouble with other liners smearing and makeup having to be fixed or reapplied.  But I have not had the problem with this eye liner. In fact, I wore it to a picnic the other day in very humid, 100 degree weather, and the makeup held up perfectly! I was so happy to look in the mirror when I got home and not find racoon eyes!
Finally, being on a budget I always have to consider the price of products. And I’m happy to report that these kits sell for just $16.50 in Wal-Mart stores and at Walmart.com.  For three great products, that price is unbeatable!

I’m so happy I had this opportunity to find this fabulous looking makeup that I can be confident wearing throughout the day! If you’re out doing some back to school shopping with the kids you should pick up your own CoverGirl Smoky Eye kit!

To help you try this makeup for yourself, MyBlogSpark has given me one $20 Walmart giftcard to give away to one Simply Sweet Home reader.
Giveaway Closed. Congrats to Doreen of Treasured Reviews!

-Jerri

Disclosure: To host this giveaway, I was given all three CoverGirl Smoky Eye Kits, along with a makeup artist chair, mirror, makeup bag, and tips from Molly Stern.  All products and the Walmart giftcard being given away as a prize were provided by MyBlogSpark. All the opinions expressed here are mine.
Filed Under: Beauty, Giveaways, product review, Sponsors

Febreze Home Collection Review and Wal-Mart Giveaway

June 22, 2010 198 Comments

Summer is almost upon us! It’s time to make your décor shine as brightly as the July sun. I can’t think of a better way to do that than with the Flameless Luminary™ or New No-Spill Diffuser from Febreze Home Collection. Both are beautifully designed and come in an array of scents.

I recently had the chance to try both of these Febreze products, and I was very pleased with their appearance, functionality, and of course, their scent!
Flameless Luminary
“Turn heads with the soft flickering glow of a Flameless Luminary. Once you have a reusable base, changing scents is as easy as changing shades.”
I absolutely love the flameless luminary!  Whenever I light candles in my home, I have to keep a very close watch on them because we have 2 cats, so a flameless luminary is perfect for us.  The cherry blossom shade is very pretty, and it smells wonderful.  The scent fills the room, but it’s not too overwhelming, and it truly does look a light a real candle is flickering inside.  I also love that the light shuts off automatically after 4 hours to help you save your batteries and also save you the trouble of turning it off and on. 
I’m also happy to report that I recieved some extra shades.  I recieved an additional Cherry Blossom shade, 2 Willow Blossom Shades, and 2 Cranberry Pear shades.  I love all 3 scents that I recieved, and I love that each scent has a different design.  This is great if you want everything in your room to match, and it’s perfect if you like to change things up in your room.
I also love that this is easy to use and clean.  And it’s great to have an air freshener that not only gives your home a nice scent but can also serve as a piece of home decor. I love that!

New No-Spill Wood Diffuser
“When you live with children and pets, accidents happen. Luckily the No-Spill Diffuser with WoodWick® ambiance makes spills a thing of the past. Good looking and thoughtful, too — it’s exactly what you’ve been looking for.”
I also recieved the No-Spill Wood Diffuser.  I’ve used several forms of air freshener before, from the plug-ins, to can sprays, to candles, automatic sprays, and so forth, but I’ve never had a wood diffuser before.  And now that I’ve got my first one, I’m sure it won’t be my last.
Again, this is great if you have pets because you don’t have to worry about it getting spilled. The Wood Diffuser I received was Honeysuckle Orchid scented.  And let me tell you, it smells divine!  I’ve placed mine in the bathroom. We always keep our bathroom door shut so that the cats cannot go in unattended, so now whenever the door is opened the first thing I notice is the soft, sweet aroma of the diffuser.
Again, I love that this is easy to set up and use, and it’s not messy.  This piece would also go great in any room, and unlike some other air fresheners, it’s actually attractive and can blend in well with your decor.
More Products
The Febreze Home Collection is available in an array of premium designs and scents.  Products include the Scented Reed Diffuser, Soy Blend Candle, Room Spray, Flameless Luminary, and No-Spill Wood Diffuser.

Connect : 
~Febreze Home Collection on Facebook
~Febreze Home Collection at Walmart

Win it! To help you to try these Febreze Home Collection products, P&G has given me one $15 Walmart giftcard to award to one Simply Sweet Home reader. 


Giveaway closed. Congrats to DaMora at Mora Piggy!

-Jerri

Disclosure: I was not paid to write this post.  This product review was based on using complimentary Febreze products provided by P&G. Bloggers also received a Walmart gift card to share with their readers. P&G does not represent or warrant the accuracy of any statements or product claims made here, nor does it endorse any opinions expressed within this blogsite. The opinions are my own.

Filed Under: decorating, Giveaways, Home/Garden, product review, Sponsors

I Love Edward! (Edward’s Pie, That is!)

June 21, 2010 4 Comments
No, this is not a Twilight post!  Sorry Edward fans!
With the Sweet Thursday Pie & Cake even coming up this Thursday, I decided to share our favorite store bought pie with you! Before I begin, I should tell you that Edward’s isn’t paying me or giving me free pie to write this post.  It’s just a favorite at our house, so I decided to share it with you! 
I’ve never tried an Edwards Dessert that I didn’t like! As a kid we always bought Edward’s Lemon Meringue pie.  To this day, it’s still one of my favorite pies.  But my husband’s favorite and the one we buy most often is Edward’s Hershey’s Creme Pie.
This thing is so good it’s almost indescribable, but I’ll try!  The base is a soft chocolate cookie crust.  And the first layer, I would call a creamy, sweet, cream cheese fluff.  The next layer is a fluffy and rich chocolate mousse.  And it’s then topped off with dollops of whipped topping and drizzled with sweet chocolate.  Sounds good, huh?

We find these in the freezer section at the store, and they’re around $6 or so, here. And if the whole pie is too much for you, they also sell singles packs which include two slices of pie. Or you can purchase a single slice at Burger King for around $1.50. (We do this often, as BK is hubby’s favorite fast food joint.)

Don’t forget to come by Thursday and link up your pie and cake recipes!

-Jerri

———————————–

I’m posting a link to this post on the following sites:
Tempt My Tummy Tuesday is hosted by Blessed With Grace.
Delicious Dishes is hosted by It’s a Blog Party
Tuesday Tastes is hosted by Crazy Jayz Place
Homemaker Mondays is hosted by 11th Heaven’s Homemade Haven.
Tasty Tuesday is hosted by Balancing Beauty & Bedlam.
Works for Me Wednesday is hosted by We Are THAT Family
Tip Me Tuesday is hosted by Tip Junkie
Tackle it Tuesday is hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom
Sharing Ideas Wednesday is hosted by The Trendy Treehouse
Friday Food is hosted by Mom Trends
Friday Foodie is hosted by Designs by Gollum
Finer Things Friday is hosted by Amy’s Finer Things
I’m Lovin It Fridays is hosted by Tidy Mom
Show off Your Stuff Thursday is hosted by Fireflies and Jellybeans

Filed Under: desserts, product review

Venus Ribbon Review/Giveaway

June 8, 2010 61 Comments
Here’s another fun giveaway for all you crafty chicks! Venus Ribbon offers a variety of fashionable ribbons for all your crafting projects.  Their stock includes ribbons of all colors, patterns, styles, and motifs.  These include polka dots, stripes, animal prints, sports themes, patriotic, checkered, plaid, solid colors, and more!  If you’re thinking ahead for the holidays, they even have ribbons for Christmas, Halloween, and Valentines.
I received a 10 yard spool of ribbon in the pattern of my choice.  I chose the reversible hot pink and white polka dot ribbon.  I was impressed with the quality of the fabric and its vibrant colors. I plan to use this ribbon on at least one fashion project, which will be a pair of flip flops.  And I’ll also be using this for other craft projects and possibly for some fancy gift ribbons.
I would definitely recommend this ribbon to anyone who makes hairbows or likes to add ribbons and bows to children’s fashions.  It would also be ideal for home decor and craft projects or your homemade gifts.  Here are just a few of the fun patterns available.  Be sure to check out Venus Ribbon for more cute and colorful ribbons for your projects!



One of my readers will win a 10 yrd spool of ribbon in their favorite style.  To enter, please visit Venus Ribbon  and leave a comment on this post with your favorite pattern and what you would make with the ribbon.


Giveaway Closed. Winner: Birdie of Birdie Says.

 

-Jerri

Full Disclosure:  I was not paid for this post. For hosting this giveaway, I received a free spool of ribbon.  The giveaway prize is provided by Venus Ribbon. The opinions here are mine.

Filed Under: crafts, Giveaways, product review, Sponsors

Yoohoo & Friends Feature & Giveaway

June 1, 2010 32 Comments
I am pleased to introduce you to Aurora’s Yoohoo & Friends!  This adorable children’s program and line of plush toys are based on animals from around the world, many of which are endangered.
Yoohoo & Friends have a new interactive world on the web.   At the website, visitors can learn about the many animals that Yoohoo & Friends are based on, as well as play games, send e-cards, download wallpapers, calendars and coloring sheets.  They can also adopt and raise YooHoo & Friends.  It requires no activation code and is targeted to children 5 to 12 years old.
Currently there are over 100 different items in the Yoohoo & Friends line.  You can buy their plush toys, keychains, and more online at http://shop.auroragift.com/ or you can check to see if they are available in your area.  And as you can see below, they even have graduation Yoohoos!
I received 2 Yoohoo & Friends toys:  Lora the Scarlet Macaw and Shooga the Sugar Glider.  These little guys are just adorable!  They are very soft and feature bright colors, big tales, and big, bright eyes! And they make cute noises.  Oddly enough, both the cartoon and the toys themselves remind me of Shirt Tales from the 80’s.  (Love them!) These toys are sure to be loved by children and collector’s alike!
One Simply Sweet Home reader will win a 5 inch plush Yoohoo & Friends Toy that makes a noise when you squeeze it. 


Giveaway Closed.  Congrats to our winner, Candice of Penny Pinching Pixie!
Disclosure: Product samples and giveaway prizes are provided by Aurora.  The opinions expressed here are my own.  If you’d like to have your product featured on Simply Sweet Home, please see my PR Page for details.
Filed Under: Giveaways, product review, Sponsors

Sense Prelude 5 Review/Giveaway

May 24, 2010 34 Comments

I was excited when Shonda, an associate for USANA Health Sciences and a fellow blogger, who writes at The Knowlton Nest and Milk N’ Honey Learn and Grow, contacted me about reviewing the Sensé Prelude skin care products from Usana.

Sensé beautiful science® skin-care products offer an innovative approach to skin care. With groundbreaking, patented Self-Preserving Technology, Sensé™ products contain no added chemical preservatives—meaning they stay fresh naturally—so they are more gentle and healthy for even the most sensitive skin. And all the products include antioxidant complexes and ingredients proven to revitalize skin cells, leaving skin looking younger and more radiant.

Filed Under: Beauty, Giveaways, health, product review, Sponsors

Marcal Small Steps Review/Giveaway

April 27, 2010 78 Comments
This may shock some of you, but I’m not the most environmentally friendly person.  I do hate it when people litter….it literally drives me up the wall! (No pun intended.) And I do reuse all my plastic bags, and I  recycle aluminum and tin cans at my house.  And I’ve recently started saving glass jars and other containers so that I can use them for crafts or other purposes.  And I generally try to conserve water and electricity so my husband doesn’t faint when we get the utility bill.  Okay…maybe I am environmentally friendly!  However, I must confess, I do not use the term “green.” Though green is one of my favorite colors, the environmental term “green” drives me nuts! (Sorry!! I’m just being honest!)
But I care about environment (as per my examples above).  And I’m always willing to try “environmentally friendly” products.  Recently I introduced you to an environmentally friendly cleaning and personal care product company, and now I have the pleasure of introducing you to a company that specializes in 100% recycled paper products!  
“Marcal Paper Products was established in 1950.  They pride themselves on being the first environmentally friendly paper company.  In 2009, Marcal Manufacturing introduced the Marcal Small Steps line of 100% recycled bath tissue, towels, napkins and facial tissue for both home consumption and to distributors for commercial use. These products deliver strong performance without the typical “green premium” cost. The name Small Steps signifies the small and easy steps toward making a difference in the world that you can make by using these recycled paper products.”
Small Steps line of paper products are:
•100% premium recycled paper
•Hypoallergenic
•Virtually Lint Free
•Free of Dyes and Fragrances
•Manufactured without Chlorine Bleaching
Recently I was given the opportunity to try some of the Marcal Small Steps products. I was excited when a large box was delivered to my house.  Inside was array of products: paper towels, facial tissue, two-ply bathroom tissue, one-ply bathroom tissue, and some napkins.
My favorite products were the napkins and paper towels.  We usually use paper towels for everything, but I think napkins are good for parties or for when you have people over, so I like to have them on hand.  The Marcal napkins were of a good quality, and I liked the texture.
I also liked the paper towels.  Personally I’ve never been very particular about paper towels.  We usually just buy whatever brand is on sale.  I like the thick, cloth-like, paper towels, but sometimes they are very linty, and I just don’t think they’re worth the extra money.  The Marcal Small Steps paper towels did a good job.  They had little hearts in the texture which I thought was cute.  And my favorite thing about them was the small size.  We usually use paper towels at meal time, and I find most of the time, we don’t really need a whole paper towel, so it’s good to have this smaller version, because you can always tear off more if you need it, and you don’t waste as much.  This is also great when it comes to cleaning.  Again, I’d find myself tearing off a traditional paper towel and thinking, “What a waste this is.  I only need about half of this or a third of this!”

Overall, I liked the Marcal Small Steps Products.  I liked that they were virtually lint free, and I was satisfied with the overall quality.  And the fact that they are made from 100% recycled paper is great plus!  Want to check them out?  Find a Store in your area.  You can also see how many trees you and your family can save by looking at this Tree Calculator.

Win it! One Simply Sweet Home reader will win a $25 Marcal Small Steps Starter pack! Your pack will include paper towels, napkins, toilet paper, and facial tissue. 

Giveaway Closed. Thanks for entering!

-Jerri
Full Disclosure:  I was not monetarily compensated for this post.  I was provided with several products from Marcal to review for this post.  The opinions posted here are mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways, product review, Sponsors

ecoStore USA Review/Giveaway

April 7, 2010 73 Comments

I actually haven’t tried a lot of organic products, but the organic lines that appeal to me most are the cleaning and healthcare product lines, so I was very excited when I got the chance to try some products from ecoStore USA.  Ecostore NZ was founded more than 15 years ago in New Zealand.  Their products are plant based and contain “No Nasty Chemicals” (that is, no synthetic petrochemicals, dyes, perfumes, etc.).
Their health & beauty aid product line includes soaps, shampoos, and conditioners for babies, adults, and even pets.  And their Household line includes laundry detergents, dish cleaners, toilet cleaners, and other household cleaning products.
The folks at ecoStore USA let me pick out 2 products for this review.  I chose their Natural Antibacterial Spray Cleaner and their Plant Based Auto Dishwash Powder, and I was pleased with the performance of both products.
I always like to use natural spray cleaners because I have 2 curious cats that I have to look out for.  What I loved most about the antibacterial spray cleaner is that it’s citrus based.  I use my spray cleaners a few times a week to clean the kitchen and the bathrooms, and the thing I don’t like about traditional cleaners is that it is very irritating to the senses.  I simply cannot tolerate breathing in the smell of those chemicals for a more than a few minutes at a time, and if you’ve ever known anyone with allergies, asthma, or lung disease, you know that the use of certain chemicals can cause complications and make cleaning unbearable for some people.  So I was very happy that this company offered a natural citrus spray cleaner that is unharmful and leaves your home smelling fresh and clean. 
I also tried the Auto Dishwash Powder.  I wasn’t sure how I’d like this product because I usually use gel or liquid detergent in my dishwasher, and I’ve tried powders in the past that didn’t do a good job.  But I decided to give this powder a shot and I was impressed with the results I got.  Upon opening the detergent bottle, the first thing I noticed was the scent.  It was a very clean and pleasant scent.  And I also liked that this was a super concentrated product, which meant that you didn’t have to use a lot of the product at a time.  In fact, the instructions tell you to use only a tablespoon of the powder at a time. Wow!  I don’t know about you, but I use more than a tablespoon of the liquid cleaners, and I certainly have used a lot more than a tablespoon of the traditional dish powers.  And I was excited when I opened the dishwasher and found everything shiny and clean! 
I would definitely recommend the antibacterial spray cleaner and the auto dish powder to you.  Not only are they safe and free of harmful chemicals, but they are very effective cleaners.  And if the other products at Ecostore USA are as good as these, you are sure to love this company.
Connect with ecoStore USA:
-Follow ecoStoreUSA at their blog and subscribe to their newsletter for future updates, coupons, deals, and more.
-Follow ecoStoreUSA on twitter.
-Follow ecoStoreUSA on facebook and take their facebook quiz.

Win it! One Simply Sweet Home reader will win a $25 gift card to ecoStore USA.  To win visit ecoStore USA, then come back and tell us a product you’d like to try.
Giveaway Closed.

-Jerri

Full Disclosure: I was not monetarily compensated for this post.  ecoStore USA provided the products for review.  The opinions are my own.

Filed Under: cleaning, Giveaways, product review, Sponsors

Sweetheart Hats from Lulu & Charlie: Feature & Review

January 19, 2010 1 Comment
Today I’m happy to tell you about a fantastic etsy shop that I found. Lulu & Charlie features blankets, hats, and nursery items for babies and toddlers. Everything is handmade by Jennifer in California, and all of her items are just fantastic! You’re sure to find something here for your little one.

I had the honor of receiving a Sweetheart Hat from Lulu & Charlie to review. Let me start by saying that these are just plain adorable! The hats are crocheted and have earflaps and braids. They are made with 100% acrylic yarn, and there are two color combinations to choose from.

The hat I recieved is pink, red, and white. When I took it out of the package, I immediately fell in love! The colors are so warm and bright, and they go very well together. The hat was obviously created by an expert crafter. It was brilliantly designed and carefully crafted together with quality in mind. And the material is very soft and sure to be comfortable to your child.

The look of the hat is very cute and sweet. Actually if the hat was simply pink without any embellishments at all it would still be adorable, but the red heart crocheted on the front just seals the deal, making it cute as a button. And the white border around the edges, and cute little red, white, and pink braids are proof of the quality and attention to detail work that goes into the products at Lulu & Charlie.

Jennifer also has this hat available in silver blue, white, and espresso brown. This one was designed with your little boy sweetheart in mind (but I know the little girls would love it too).

There are several sizes available ranging from 0-3 months (14″ around) up to 2-4 years (19-20″ around). The hat size I chose was the 2 to 4 years size because I have a niece or cousin that falls into that age range, and if all else failed, I could save it for our baby. Now, this will probably make you laugh, but oddly enough when I got the hat I thought to myself, “I think I can wear this!” So I tried it on, and it actually fit me. So if you have a child older than 4 years old, they may still be able to wear one of these hats. Just measure around their heads before ordering.

Obviously I loved this hat and would absolutely recommend it to all you mothers out there. It would be a perfect Valentine gift for your little Sweetheart, keeping him or her cute and warm all winter long!

-Jerri






Filed Under: product review, Valentine's Day
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