Winners Announced!!! {Ancient Stones Nurturing Naturals Giveaway}

And the 5 lucky winners of the Ancient Stones Nurturing Naturals' Ancient Elixir Setting Spray and Super Soft Focus are....

1.) Laura O.
2.) Sister Tipster
3.) Jennifer of "A Glimpse of Our Life" {I'll need your email, sweetie. Thanks!}
4.) Tina Roberts
5.) Desiree Heath

Congratulations, ladies!!!! Send me a quick email with your mailing address and your prizes will be on their way. Enjoy! :)

A big "thank you" to everyone who entered! Thanks for making this the best contest/giveaway my blog's ever seen! Woohoo!!!

Review & Giveaway: Ancient Stones Nurturing Naturals Mineral Makeup

Like many women, I'm really picky when it comes to makeup. I have super sensitive skin that takes an instant dislike to nearly everything on the market, so instead of going sans makeup {something that'll never happen in a million years!}, I prefer to use mineral cosmetics.

Yet, finding the right mineral makeup --one that provides great coverage and stellar color matching--all at a decent price, is something I struggle with. Enter this next review product...


Ancient Stones Mineral Makeup is fast becoming one of the top competitors in the mineral-based cosmetics industry. Ancient Stones uses only pure mineral sources that contain absolutely no fillers, additives, preservatives, dyes, perfumes or talc. {You know, the ingredients that can cause reactions and breakouts. Ick!}

Foundation:

Their foundation is finely milled and feels light as air against your skin. It contains titanium dioxide ~ nature's very own sunscreen {even during the winter months, a girl can never be too careful!}, and comes in 25 different colors, making it easy to select the perfect shade that's right for you.

I received a sample of "Jean's Jewell" and was amazed by how accurate it is to my skin tone. I mean, that's a huge deal, folks! I can't begin to tell you how frustrating it is for me to find the right color, without having to mix two colors together. So to have it be exactly right--right out of the box? Wow.

Equally impressive is the fact that the foundation is light enough to allow for multiple layers of application without leaving you looking like a cakey mess!

Super Soft Focus:

If you're looking for additional solar protection, you've got to check out their Super Soft Focus. This white powder contains a whopping SPF 50+ and is applied before your mineral foundation and gives the skin a soft, airbrushed look. Although it's not a concealer per se, it does effectively tone down any irritating red marks or blemishes without giving you a pasty face in the process. {Trust me -- it's amazing!}

At first, I wasn't sure how well I liked the idea behind Super Soft Focus. It felt a bit redundant considering the foundation already had an effective SPF to it. But then I realized I could use Super Soft Focus on other sun-exposed areas like my neck, collar bones, shoulders -- without having to use up my foundation or apply a tacky feeling lotion! Bliss...

Eye Shadow:

I'm not normally an eyeshadow person but every once in awhile, a girl needs to add a little more "pizazz" to her peepers! ;-) Just like their foundations, each of Ancient Stones' eyeshadows is 100% natural and free from all the irritating junk. I received samples of Sheba's Sigh and Butter Cream to try and loved how shimmery they both were and was duly impressed by their coverage. Not only that but it somehow left my eyelids feeling softer after a few uses. {Bonus!}

Ancient Elixir Setting Spray:

Once you've applied your soft focus, foundation and eyeshadow, it's time to "seal the deal" with a few spritzes of Ancient Elixir Setting Spray. This patent-pending formula contains silver and copper, which provide antibacterial and elasticity enhancing properties to the skin. {Ooo la la!} Not only that, but it's a great way to "wake up" first thing in the morning {squirt squirt!} or refreshing perk after a workout. :)

I'll admit I was worried the Elixir would wash my makeup right off! But it's really not that powerful at all. Just a little bit goes a long way and leaves your makeup looking fresh and intact for hours. Awesome!

And now...The BIGGEST Giveaway This Blog's Ever Seen!!!

The super-generous folks at Ancient Stones Nurturing Naturals are offering five (count 'em!) F-I-V-E lucky Got Chai? winners their very own bottle of Ancient Elixir Setting Spray and jar of Super Soft Focus, just because you're all so incredibly fabulous! How cool is that?!

All you have to do is:

• Leave a comment telling me what your current makeup brand is along with your email address so I can contact you in case you're the winner. That's IT!!!

Bonus Entries:

• "Like" Ancient Stones on Facebook {counts as 2 entries}
• Mention this contest on Facebook, Twitter and/or on your personal blog {counts as 5 additional entries!} Be sure to come back and leave additional comments for these!

Contest closes on Tuesday, January 25th. Five winners will be chosen at random from all entries and bonus entries received. Prizes will be fulfilled by Ancient Stones Nurturing Naturals.

What are you waiting for? Leave your comments and tell all your friends to check out Ancient Stones Nurturing Naturals today. You won't be disappointed! :)


*As a member of Business2Blogger, I received the above products for free from Ancient Stones Nurturing Naturals in exchange for an honest review. No additional compensation was provided and the thoughts/views expressed in this review are my own.*

There's Still Time! Enter to Win a Free Bag of Tipu's Chai Tea

Seriously, how can anyone resist a delicious cup of sweet, spicy chai??? I know I certainly can't! :)

If you're a chai-aholic like me, then you'll want to enter my giveaway for a FREE 4 oz bag of Tipu's Instant Black Chai.

Click here for details! :-)

Review & Giveaway: Tipu's Chai

Okay, let's just cut to the chase. Everyone here knows how much I love, and am extremely picky about, chai tea. {If you have any doubts, please refer to the title of this blog.}

While I enjoy a few commercially prepared chai latte mixes, they're all laden with milk derivatives, tons of sugar, and a few barely pronounceable ingredients--the former being a sworn enemy of my digestive system {Thank you, lactose intolerance}. I'm not too keen on the chemicals either, but the sugar I consider a necessary ingredient. {Just not to the same degree as the manufacturer.}

So because of my--and my tummy's--pickiness, it's difficult for me to find a good quality chai latte mix that I can get along with.

That is, until I tried Tipu's Instant Black Chai. {Insert "Hallelujah" chorus here}

Tipu's Instant Black Chai is an authentic Indian chai tea that delivers a truly delicious, spicy, peppery kick! This prized family recipe has been handed down through three generations and has traveled across three continents before making it into my cute little Princess mug. :o) 

As I drank my first cup of my newfound "liquid heaven", I was highly impressed by its intoxicating aroma and the fact that Tipu's is the only instant chai made without chemical additives. {Something I obviously cannot say about my current favorites. *Ahem*} In addition, Tipu's Instant Black Chai is designed to be mixed with whatever milk or milk substitute you choose {like vanilla almond milk}, and sweetened according to personal taste. This allows you to make your perfect cup of chai, every time! How cool is that?!

Additional facts:

• Tipu's Chai is 95% soluable, meaning there's just a little bit of its flavorful awesomeness left at the bottom of your cup, which I was surprised to learn, is the "mark" of real chai.
• Made without chemicals, preservatives, milk products or sweeteners. {Woohoo!}
• Organic tea and non-irradiated spices {Awesome!}
• Gluten-free
• Vegan

As you can probably tell, I really -- and I mean really -- like this chai! In fact, I like it soooo much, that I'm willing to share. {In a manner of speaking that is! *Hee hee*}

The kind folks at Tipu's Chai are generously awarding ONE of my fabulous blog readers their very own 4 oz. bag of their Instant Black Chai! Woohooo!!! {Insert showers of confetti and balloons here}

To enter, you must do each of the following:

• Follow Tipu's Chai on Twitter
• "Like" Tipu's Chai on Facebook
• Leave a comment with your contact email so I can notify you in case you're the winner.

Bonus Entries:

• Tweet or Facebook about this contest once a week for the next two weeks (through December 31st)
• Post about this contest on your blog with a link pointing back to this post.
• Each of these is worth 3 additional entries! ;-)

Nitty Gritty Details {aka Official Rules}:

One winner will be selected by a random number generator based on all entries received. Contest runs from December 18th - December 31st. Prize will be distributed by Tipu's Chai. The winner must confirm within 72 hrs of prize notification. If in the event confirmation is not received, a second winner will be selected at random.

Fellow Chai fans, get ready to be amazed! Enter now for your chance to win! Good luck, everyone. :)

*Disclosure: I received a free sample of Tipu's Chai in exchange for this review and giveaway opportunity. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review, nor was I monetarily compensated in any way, shape or form. Last but not least, the thoughts and views expressed in this review are my own.*

Coolest Contest Evahh! {The Little Man in the Map Teaches State Capitals}

As you all have discovered through my personal review, my kids and I absolutely LOVE The Little Man in the Map, and had a blast reading his latest geographic adventure, The Little Man in the Map Teaches the State Capitals.

Further endearing himself to my family (and thus securing his place on my holiday card list), Mr. E. Andrew Martonyi--fabulous author extraordinaire--has extended a most gracious offer to my fabulous readers. (Are you ready? *Grins*)

One lucky-ducky winner will receive their very own free copy of the brand new, hot off the presses, Little Man in the Map Teaches State Capitals! Woohooo! (Are you excited or what?!) :o)


To enter, you must do each of the following:

• Follow Schoolside Press on Twitter
• Friend or "Like" The Little Man in the Map on Facebook
• Leave a comment along with your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner.
• Extra entries: Re-post this contest on your blog, Facebook or Twitter (counts as 3 extra entries each!)
• PS: If you don't have a Twitter or Facebook account, that's perfectly fine. You can still enter with just a comment. :)

The lucky winner will be chosen at random from all entries received by Friday, August 27 at Noon (PST). Please note that in the event the winner cannot be contacted within 48 hrs, an alternate winner will be selected.

Thanks for entering and GOOD LUCK!!!! :o)

Awesome Giveaway for Dog Lovers

One of my favorite friends Heather of Faith, Family & Fun is hosting a fabulous giveaway for fellow dog owners. If you've got a "talkative pooch" or one that just loves chewing on stuffed "babies", then you'll want to check this out. :) Click here to find out more!

Win & Give Fruit Snacks Winner!!!! :)

Ladies and Gents, we have a winner!

According to Random.org the winner of the two free boxes of Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks and a $25 donation to One Laptop Per Child in their name is...(drum roll please)

The Crazy Mom!!!!! Wooohooo!!!!

Congratulations Crazy Mom, I'll be emailing you shortly for confirmation. I hope your brood enjoys them! :)

Thank you all for entering. This was a lot of fun!

Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks "Win & Give"

If your children are anything like mine, they enjoy:

• Winning
• Eating fruit snacks
• and sharing with their friends

With the latest promotion from MyBlogSpark, they can engage in all three activities!

When you purchase specially marked boxes of Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks--including Gushers, Fruit Roll-ups, Fruit by the Foot, and Stickerz and Shapes--from now until May 30, 2010, your child could win a free laptop! (Woohooo!)

And get this--for every U.S. winner, one laptop will be donated to an African child through One Laptop Per Child, "an organization that creates educational opportunities for the world´s poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning."  The power of winning and giving, all in one great swoop! :)

To enter, simply enter the unique online code found printed on participating packages on WinOneGiveOne.com



Now, as a special bonus I'll be giving away 2 boxes of Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks, courtesy of MyBlogSpark, to ONE lucky winner! MyBlogSpark will also make a $25 donation to OneLaptopPerChild on the winner's behalf. :)

To enter, simply leave a comment telling me what you do to encourage your children to help others and/or what your child's favorite experience has been with helping others. By posting about this giveaway on your blog (with a link back) you'll receive an additional entry. :-D Be sure to leave a valid email so I can contact you in case you're the winner!

All entries/posts/comments must be received by midnight on Monday, February 22nd. I'll announce the winner on Tuesday! :)  Prizes will be fulfilled by MyBlogSpark.com.

Good luck!!!!!! :)

(*Betty Crocker--through MyBlogSpark--provided me with 2 free boxes of fruit snacks, product/promotional giveaway information, as well as a $25 donation to One Laptop Per Child on my behalf, in exchange for this blog post/review. No additional compensation was provided.)

Blog Disclosure Policy

~ The Official "Got Chai?" Blog Disclosure Policy ~

The following information is for PR, Media, Advertisers and my uber-fabulous Readers:

This blog is authored by Mrs. Denise Opper. I write about family, homeschooling, saving money, couponing, freebies, fitness, health, nutrition, and the dance world. I may share personal information in my posts. I may also share advice, tips, and encouragement, as well as the occasional humorous rant. I do not receive gifts, money or compensation of any kind from these posts, and the thoughts and views expressed are completely my own.

I also provide product reviews for the following companies:

• Reviews for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine: I have been a proud member of their TOS Homeschool Crew since the 2008 / 2009 school year. I post a disclosure prominently within each of these reviews. This is a volunteer position which only requires an honest review in exchange for free products. I do not receive additional compensation of any kind.

• Reviews for Vala Dancewear: I am employed as the Media Relations Liaison for Vala Dancewear. The company is a division of Class Act Tutu. Part of my job description requires reviews of local dance performances as well as interviews with professional dancers. These reviews and interviews are clearly marked as such and are the same as those posted to the Vala Dancewear/Class Act Tutu blogs. I am not paid by the dance companies themselves for my reviews, however I am compensated by Vala for these work hours. Dance companies often provide me with free press passes (tickets) to these performances.

• Reviews for Book Publishers: I receive free books from a variety of publishing companies including Tyndale, Bethany House and Thomas Nelson. I am required to read these books and post my opinion. A disclosure is also noted in each post. I receive no additional compensation from any of these companies.

• Reviews for Other Companies: I am currently a BzzAgent and member of MyBlogSpark and the General Mills' Psst Program. I may receive free products through these companies, in exchange for sharing my opinion or posting a notice. I clearly state within each of these posts where the products come from and which product I received. No additional compensation is provided.

Product Reviews and Giveaways

I am more than happy to consider your product for a review. This brings a lot of traffic and attention to your company. If you have a product you would like me to consider, please email me at deniseopper (at) gmail (dot) com. I ask that you provide one item for our family to use and keep. When possible, it would also be great to include a second item to be used for a giveaway. I will required all entrants to visit your site prior to entering the contest. It is best (but not required) if the second item is shipped directly from you to the winner. The winner will be selected by a random number generator unless otherwise noted.

Affiliates

I'm currently an affiliate with SwagBucks and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Additional like-minded affiliate opportunities are welcome. Please submit inquiries to deniseopper (at) gmail (dot) com.

Paid Advertisements

I gladly accept paid advertisements from like-minded companies. Banners or buttons will be placed along the sidebar for easy viewing. Please contact me regarding price and or more information at deniseopper (at) gmail (dot) com.

This disclosure policy is in effect as of January 29, 2010. Updates to this policy will be made as needed.


Copyright 2010 by Mrs. Denise Opper

Book Giveaway!

Mrs. White over at The Legacy of the Home is hosting an excellent book giveaway! One lucky blogger will win a copy of The Housewifery Journal by Connie Hultquist. From The Legacy of the Home:

“Housewifery Journal” is a 105- page book written by Mrs. Connie Hultquist (Mother of 6 grown children). Her articles have been published in Above Rubies Magazine, Crowned with Silver and Sarah’s Promise. Mrs. Hultquist offers tremendous wisdom for old-fashioned homemakers.

The book is a combination of personal stories and godly advice. Through 77 journal entries, we read about old time mothers, submission, wayward children, gardening, old fashioned kitchens, the danger of feminism and much more. Each journal entry was a “morning visit,” full of moxie and courage, now recorded in this treasured book."

 Click here to visit her blog and enter for your chance to win! :)