Mother's Day Colossal Giveaway

The "mother" of all Mother's Day giveaways! 

I'm so excited to be able to bless one very lucky mother with a boat load of prizes this Mother's Day!

Blessing others is so important to me, and I am so very grateful for all the wonderful vendors who donated their time and products for this giveaway! Thank you all so very very much!

Also, a HUGE thank you to Give Oh Giveaway and Diary Of A Not So Wimpy Mom for co-hosting this giveaway!

One very lucky lady will win everything you see below!!!

The Limitless Gratitude Ultimate Gift ($169.99)

The Limitless Gratitude Ultimate Gift is an expression of timeless elegance and grace. Bringing together some of our most extravagant gifts, this package includes a bouquet of 9 pink roses accented with 11 pink Peruvian Lilies with a clear glass vase, a 19-piece box of Godiva® Chocolates, a 1-5/8" genuine amethyst pear drop sterling silver pendant, and a spa set in the scent of soothing lavender.

Click HERE to visit FTD Flowers

Cents Of Style E-Gift Card ($50.00)

Click HERE to visit Cents Of Style

Rodan+Fields By Tracey Cecchetti Independent Consultant 
Personalized Skincare Set ($193.00)

 A custom set according to your personal skin type. The kit includes a wash, toner, treatment/moisturizer, and sunscreen.
Rodan & Fields are the creators of Proactiv.  They have developed these pharmaceutical grade skincare regimens to address the anti aging market.  

Click HERE to visit Rodan+Fields by Tracey Cecchetti Independent Consultant

 Kuhn's Jewelers
Sterling Silver 5-10mm White and Grey Freshwater Cultured Pearl with Rock Crystal with 8" bracelet. ($175.00)
Explore your identity with chic mixtures of Sterling Silver, Freshwater Pearls and Gemstones with our Skinny Jeans Collection. 

Click HERE to visit Kuhn's Jewelers

Unwined Candles 3 Candle Gift Set ($65.00)

  Unwined Candles will be giving away a 3 candle gift set to one lucky Mom! A Grapefruit, Summer of '69 and a 5O'Clock Somewhere candle will come to you in one of our rustic inspiredgift boxes. Made from reused wine bottles, all-natural soy wax, and infused with relaxing scents, Unwined Candles are sure to please! "Everyday is a great day to Unwined".
Click HERE to visit Unwined Candles

Lendperk Unlimited Dress Rental Month ($49.00)
Lendperk allows you to discover new fashion brands and rent their dresses for a monthly fee. Lendperk's prize is a free month of unlimited dress rentals!
Click HERE to visit Lendperk

Mary Kay TimeWise Trial Miracle Set ($44.00)
The set offers:
  Step 1) 2 oz bottle of  3-in-1 Cleanser,
Step 2) .5 oz bottle of  Day Solution,
Step 3) .5 oz bottle of  Night Solution &
Step 4) .75 oz bottle of  Age-Fighting Moisturizer
Click HERE to visit Mary Kay Stacie Ennis Independent Beauty Consultant  

Scentsy (by Natalee DeYoung) Mother's Day Warmer and Sugar Cookie wax bar ($40.00)
Mother's Day Premium full size warmer :  Give Mom a gift as elegant and warm as she is. The understated curves and soft mauve finish of Mother’s Day are topped by a luxe medallion of interconnected silver hearts, spangled with sparkling rhinestones.
Click HERE to visit Scentsy (By Natalee DeYoung)

Talk To The Heel Tokyo "Passport To Happy Feet" Kit ($19.50)
Contents:
• Non Skids 2 pair • Heel Protector Strips 3 pairs • Heel Hero 1 pair • Ball-Of-Foot 2 pair
Click HERE to visit Talk To The Heel

SebaMed Sensitive Skin Care System ($51.96)
- Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash
- Sebamed Moisturizing Face Cream
- Sebamed Hand & Nail Balm
- Sebamed Moisturizing Body Lotion
Discover the #1 German skincare brand and the science of pH 5.5.  Every Sebamed Product is meticulously formulated to a pH balance of exactly 5.5- precisely the pH of healthy skin. This is essential in maintaining your skin's natural hydrolipid barrier against environmental stress. Any other pH level, such as found in soap may leave your skin open to break-down an deterioration. Discover what 150 clinical studies have already shown- pH 5.5 is vital for healthy skin.
Click HERE to visit SebaMed

Toxic Sass Gift Card ($50.00)
Click HERE to visit Toxic Sass

12 Pair of Eyedews Under Eye Gel Pads ($40.00)
Gentle and natural, this all-in-one single-step regimen effectively corrects all that plagues your delicate under-eye skin. Eyedews are nutrient rich jelly pads of Natural Marine Collagen Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Chitosan and Vitamins C & E  to combat free radical imbalance, sun damage, discoloration, dry skin and wrinkles in the troubled skin under your eyes.  This single use under eye treatment will soothe and smooth your beauty woes, and relax and return you to a more energized, youthful state.
Click HERE to visit EyeDews

Maddyloo Mini Heart Box ($15.00)
The Maddyloo Mini Heart Box is the perfect gift for that someone special on your list.  Available in fourteen different color themes, each adorable heart-shaped box contains seven hair ties guaranteed to make your heart skip a beat.   The Maddyloo no-crease hair ties are the cutest solution for pulling your hair back with enough elastic to keep a ponytail in place, but wide enough to not leave a dent. From camouflage and metallic to rhinestone and tie dyed, Maddyloo has found a way to marry function with beautiful eye (or wrist) candy.   A heart-warming gift this Mother’s Day season, the Maddyloo Mini Heart Box is a great way to show how much you truly care; it’s a gift after her own heart. 
Click HERE to visit Maddyloo

Velvet Pearl Gift Card ($25.00)
Velvet Pearl has searched near & far to create a unique collection of apparel& accessories to tickle your fancy.
7 for all Mankind
Audrey 3 + 1
Citizens of Humanity
Flying Tomato & many more!
Click HERE to visit Velvet Pearl

1 Wrap by It Works! Wraps Jeneid Independent Distributor/It Works Global ($25.00)
The It Works Ultimate Body Applicator is a non-woven cloth wrap that hasbeen infused with powerful botanically-based ingredients that make up aformula that delivers maximum tightening, toning and firming where applied to the skin. You can expect "ultimate" results from this applicator within 45 minutes!
Click HERE to visit Diamond Wraps

 Bomshell Boutique Beaded Turquoise Set ($42.00)
Click HERE to visit Bomshell Boutique

Nest Boutique Gift Certificate ($30.00)
Click HERE to visit Nest Boutique

 

Entangled Bliss Custom Hand Stamped Mother Necklace ($32.00)

Click HERE to visit Entangled Bliss

Toppik Hair Building Fibers and Spray Applicator ($66.90)
Toppik Hair Building Fibers is made of all natural, colored keratin protein, in which the fibers blend perfectly with your existing hair, instantly making it look fuller. Toppik blends naturally with hair and conceals scalp, thinning hair, balding spots, etc. It is rain, wind and sweat resistant.
 Toppik Spray Applicator allows precise application of Toppik into thinning areas. Ideal for the hairline, which allows a controlled, fine mist that will diffuse naturally  over the hair and scalp.
Click HERE to visit Toppik

Vantel Pearls by Jen Will 18" White Strand Pearl Necklace ($189.00)
Vantel Pearls by Jen Will is honored to treat a mom to such a wonderful piece of pearl jewelry!!!
 If you have never experienced opening an oyster to find a pearl inside, you're missing out. Jen does home parties where you get to open oysters and then choose a setting from the catalog to have your special pearl mounted! This is an amazing experience, and all while shopping, Vantel Pearls is giving back to our community and making a difference in someone else!
Click HERE to visit Vantel Pearls by Jen Will

8 x 8 x 1 1/2 inch canvas by Lisa Leo on Etsy ($45.00)
This is an 8 x 8 x 1 1/2 inch canvas you can hang on the wall or set on a shelf, mantel, etc. Collage includes vintage page from an art students journal, feather, Egyptian stamp. The background is painted and layered with some textured detail and also lightly antiqued.
Click HERE to visit Lisa Leo on Etsy

Steeped Tea with Allison Tea Set ($29.00)
The original tea collection. 6 of the original teas sold plus an infuser and perfect measuring spoon.
Click HERE to visit Steeped Tea with Allison

Bella Grace Boutique Monogrammed Necklace ($69.99)
18" GF necklace with your monogram engraved.
Click HERE to visit Bella Grace Boutique

Thirty-one Thermal Tote in Painted Floral Print ($18.00)
This Thermal Tote is perfect for taking your lunch to work, snacks on the run or keeping a couple drinks cold during a day on the town.  Valued at $18, it will keep your food cold (or hot) throughout your busy day.  You don't have to hide this thermal bag - it's cute enough, you might just decide to carry it as your purse!'
Click HERE to visit Thirty-one with Rebekah Nolt

Perfectly Pink Paisley Wooden Earring Holder ($18.00)
Click HERE to visit Whimsy Woodcrafts

Deco-Rate It Deco Mesh Wreath ($46.95)
Click HERE to visit Deco-Rate It

City Lips Advanced Lip Plumpig Formula in "Sundiego" ($40.00)
CITY Lips Advanced Formula Lip Plumper offers the most effective technology and patented ingredients available for increasing lip volume, reducing lip lines and wrinkles and delivering immediate visual results! Fast and painless, ourunique scientifically developed formula with an exclusive, proprietary combination of ingredients starts working right away to enhance natural collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin production in your lips. Over time, powerful peptides activate skin’s natural repair system to dramatically restore collagen and elastin, increasing moisture and adding volume to improve the contour of the lips and increase their fullness. HA Plumping SpheresTM, in combination with specific collagen peptides, is proven to be the most effective formula for instant and long-lasting results--and you can only get it from CITY Lips!
Click HERE to visit City Lips

Grand $ Total: $1,639.29!!!!!

This colossal giveaway is open to all US residents, ages 18 and over.

One winner will be chosen randomly by the Rafflecopter widget.

The winner will be notified via e-mail, so make sure you provide the correct address. The winner must respond within two days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another replacement winner will be chosen.

Giveaway ends at midnight EST on May 10, 2013. The giveaway winner will be announced May 12, 2013 (Mother's Day).

Make sure to let the Rafflecopter widget fully load below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Adventures at Pretend City!

I'm always looking for fun places to take my kids on the weekend. Some place where everyone (even the teenager) can enjoy the day and have a good time. My 9 y/o son wanted to go Pretend City. He's been there once before and has been begging me to go back! How could I say no, right? I mean, he's the only boy amongst 3 sisters and a mom. Let the boy have his birthday where he wants! So, last Saturday, that's exactly what we did. We headed down the 5fwy exited Bake in Irvine and arrived at Pretend City. I didn't reserve their party room since there were only a few of us going. Although, I might do that for the next party. YES, I'm going back!

Anyway, once we arrived and got our tickets, the kids took off and scattered. The staff or "Pretendgineers" as they call them, were so great. Everyone was super friendly and especially helpful in the arts and crafts room. Below are a few (okay fine, SEVERAL) pictures of our day there.

Welcome to Pretend City

Getting help in the Art room




Oh my, that's paint! ahhhh



The staff was SO helpful



It's a mini Ralphs! How cute is this?!



Jenna inside Ralphs being the checker.



 

Lifting 'weights'

  

It's the birthday boy. A strong one too!



This is the full serivce Pizzaria. Jenna is serving her cousins and older sister. Jacob, my 15 y/o nephew is Autistic and he LOVES the enviroment Pretend City provides

  

 

Cute little farm where you plant "pretend" veggies and fruit.

What? Big kids can have fun too!





See! Even big kids can have fun too =)



She would kill me if she saw this! haha (evil laugh)

They have a stage where kids can create their own music
and put on a show!

They have a gift store so you can bring the imagination home

This is SO cute! They do a parade right before closing.
They collect all the instruments and play music and walk
around Pretend City. Matthew go to be the line leader since
it was his birthday.



Building area



Every city needs a post office.

We had such a great day at Pretend City. The staff is great, the place was clean and resonably priced and above all Matthew had an awesome birthday! To follow them on FB or to get a list of events go to their Facebook page: Pretend City on Facebook

Cleansing, fasting and living on veggies and fruit juice

I know, it's sounds extreme and in actuality it was. The idea of not eating for more then a few hours was a lot to take in, let alone DAYS! So how did I come to this decision you ask? Well it started with me seeing a post from my friend on FB that he was doing this cleanse. I've seen them before and of course I never thought I could do one. Not only that I couldn't do it, but that I thought they were unhealthy and just a quick weight loss thing and once you went back to eating normal you would gain it all back. I soon proved myself wrong.

This one was different. You actually have SO many micro nutrients (I just learned that fancy health word...lol) that flood your body it's nearly impossible to think you're starving or depriving yourself. Did I miss food? Yes, a little, but not to the point where I wanted to run out and eat a cheeseburger. Even coffee and diet soda, 2 things I LOVE weren't going to be part of my daily routine anymore. I was actually happy about this. I had always told myself that if I could quit smoking that I could do anything. That was the hardest thing I've done.

So, I did my research and watched "Fat, sick and nearly dead" www.fatsickandnearlydead.com on Netflix. You can find it on Hulu too if that's easier. I was immediately inspired to try this juicing and help rid my body of harmful toxins, cut cravings for sugary carbs, coffee and fast food. I had also watched a few videos from Dan McDonald "The Life Regenerator" www.regenerateyourlife.org on Youtube. I just love Dan; he's great! I highly recommend watching both of these before starting your cleanse. They're both inspiring and gave me a lot of info about juicing and raw foods.

I ended up doing my fast (or cleanse depending on what you call it) for four days. Here's a basic idea of how each day went. Oh, and let me add that I started introducing  juiced veggies and fruit into my daily diet a few days prior to the fast. To me, or at least in my own head, this was preparing my body for what was coming.

Day 1 - Saturday morning

I started on a weekend that I didn't have my three younger kids. I did this on purpose because I didn't know how I was going to respond.

I didn't get my normal 24oz coffee with 5 creamers and 2 Splendas. Instead, I drank water and headed over to the juicer I had just bought a week prior. I was excited, nervous, hopeful and honestly a little confused on how in the heck this thing worked!

I gathered my apples, kiwi, broccoli, carrots, celery, kale and spinach and laid it all out. Once I figured out how to put all the pieces together I just started putting stuff in one at a time. I would stop and test it along the way to see if I thought it needed more of something and if it did I tossed it in the tube and pushed it down the hatch!

Green veggie juice

  The day went pretty well until about 2pm when the caffeine withdraws took over. This is when my headache from hell started in. I had been out at the mall shopping for a dress for my oldest daughter all day. By the time we came home I wanted to crash. I wasn't out of energy really, but the headache was enough to make me want to lay down. Long story short....I took some Advil, drank more juice and water and laid down. I continued to drink another cup of juice while we watched movies and then went to bed. That was that. I survived day 1!! Whooo hooo I was thrilled!

Day 2 - Sunday

I woke up Sunday morning and felt very relaxed. I can only think that must have been from the lack of caffeine in my system. It was very surreal actually; not something I'm normally used to.
Again, I was up and ready to hit the juicer. This time I made some green tea to help reduce any headaches I might get during the day. I basically juiced the same fruits and veggies again and drank about 3-4 16oz containers throughout the day. I had made plans to go to my sisters that day to visit her and my mom. I was really worried about what might happen being at someone else's house. Especially my sisters because she has soooo many good snacks! I'm happy to report I made it through the visit and drank only my juice!

That night I went home and juiced more veggies and fruit for the next day. Since I had work on Monday I wanted to make sure I was prepared. At this point I was still feeling pretty good. I was struggling a little with missing food. As I've come to realize it was never really about the food but I'll get into that a bit later. I had made it through day 2 and was feeling good. I was however worried about day 3. Most everyone I had talked to about this cleanse and who had done it themselves, warned me about day 3. They said it was the hardest day. That if I just got through day 3 I would be good to go.



Beet and greens juice


Day 3 - Monday

Monday morning I woke up feeling great again! Rested and ready to take on the day. Well, sorta...I was still a little freaked out thinking something awful was going to happen on this dreaded day 3. I got up, got ready, made my juice and out the door I went. The morning part felt pretty much the same as day 1 and 2. The afternoon is where I started feeling a little funky. By funky I mean out of it, spacey, euphoric, calm. It was almost like this floating feeling. It's really hard to put into words if you haven't felt it before. Regardless, I drank on! Had my veggie juice and even some really delicious pineapple, carrot and apple one I made. It almost felt like a little treat. Day 3 is when I was really starting to notice the lack of actual food and how much my body was having this internal battle with my mind and emotions. I felt as if I was in this constant argument of having to shut off my mind and ONLY listen to my body. Believe me, listening to your body is not the same listening to your emotions. That night, before bed, I was being tempted in so many ways. Why couldn't I have a little something? No one would know but me? But that's the thing, I would have known and that would have devastated me to know I gave in when I had come so far. I prayed. I prayed a lot. Then I went to bed so that I was tempted anymore.

Day 4 - Tuesday

I made it!! I completed all 3 days I committed to. I was happy and feeling great! Day 4 pretty much consisted of the same fruits and veggies as the first 3 did. As great as I felt I was excited to eat again. It wasn't like I was thinking "I can't wait to get my hands on a slice of pizza!" it was more "How can I transition to healthy food?


Day 5 - Wednesday

So the fast is over with and today I started to introduce solid food back into my diet. I had salad with grilled chicken. I also had 2 avocados throughout the day along with my juice. It was kind of an odd feeling to chew the first time. I know it was only a few days but still! It was long enough for my mouth to be like "Oh we're chewing again?"

I will continue to juice (as I have the last two days) along with making healthy eating choices. I can't stress enough how amazed I was that I had lost all my cravings. I didn't want the bread, snacks and fast food crap. I didn't even crave my coffee anymore. I don't plan on going back to that or soda either.

Helpful hints:

* Drink lots and lots of water

* The first two days your bowels will be moving and grooving. Be prepared

* Day 3 & 4 it will slow down. You might need to drink some  Apple Cider Vinegar to keep  things moving.
    (A friend of mine liked a tea called "Smooth Move")

* Women - I don't recommend starting this a week before your  menstrual cycle or during

* Banana's don't juice, they puree

* Buy a decent juicer and enough fruits and veggies to last you 3-5 days  
  (spinach doesn't seem to keep as long as broccoli and kale)

* Pray/meditate/chant or whatever it is you believe. This isn't only about cleansing internally but you'll feel a need to cleanse emotionally as well. Ask for strength and clarity while cleansing.

What I learned:

Even though this wasn't a 5 day, 7 day or even two week cleanse I learned some valuable stuff about myself. I've always known I am an emotional eater. I eat to celebrate, when I'm stressed (man am I a huge stress eater), when I'm bored, when I'm lonely and when I'm sad. Food is supposed to nurture us, not protect us from the things we don't want to face. I said to my aunt "why can't apples be comfort food?" and it's true. I don't know about you but I would much rather reach for a snickers then some apple! Like I mentioned above, one of the hardest things for me was having to compete in a battle of will between my body and my emotions. Physically I felt great; I had everything I needed. I didn't feel starved or deprived. I was actually getting more nutrients then my body has ever had. My mind and emotions however felt deprived. How was I supposed to comfort myself with celery juice?! "Damn it emotions just shut up and let my body do it's thing for once!" I guess when you go without your "pacifier", which in my case happens to be peanut m&m's or Taco Bell, you're forced to feel those emotions. Let me tell you, it ain't always pretty. All in all I got through it. Today I feel great. I feel empowered and excited to continue to do this every day. I've been telling everyone I know how great this is and hope they can give it a try when they're ready.

Of course, all of the things I've written are my experiences with this cleanse. You might find it harder/easier then I did. I would always check with your doctor first before starting anything like this. Do your research and learn as much as you can through blogs like this and so many others.

For those of you who have questions for me about what I juiced please feel free to contact me here or on my FB page.

The River

After miles of walking, tired and cold

He dropped to his knees realizing he was all alone

His heart is broken and his will is gone

Trying to move on with one foot in front of the other

Never letting anyone know just how hurt he was

The road grew longer and his strength weakened

Falling deeper into the despair he had created

Not sure how long he could carry on

As he continued this journey a new path appeared

At the end was a light, so bright he could not ignore

The mystery intrigues him and drew him closer in

Not knowing what uncertainties lied ahead

At the end was a river, a river that seemed to run for miles

The sun skipped off its surface, so radiant he could only smile

He sat by the bank and relished in its grace and perplexity

For days he would visit the river and ponder its movement

Some days the water was undisturbed and soundless

Others it flowed rapidly with anger and disappointment

Every day he would come back and sit by the bank

To reflect on the journey he had traveled thus far

This river that shines brighter than any heavenly star

Making him feel secure, a feeling so ordinary and rare

He sat near the side of the bank to watch the water flow

Knowing the river would always be there

No matter which direction he would go

Watching the suns glowing reflection, feeling the warmth on his face

He longed to be immersed by the waters embrace

Afraid of his own direction and where he would be taken

“Do I have the endurance to sustain its rapidly changing pace?”

Then he remembered the road he had traveled

The one which brought him here from the start

He remembered the mystery and glow that healed his broken heart

He knew the river would always be there

No matter which direction he would go

Reaching over with one hand, his feet firmly planted on the shore

He took a leap of faith and welcomed the cool waters against his skin

Each day he returned, reaching a little further

Facing his fears and uncertainties

The water gently surrounded him, careful not to move too fast

He could feel the kindness throughout his body

His mind at rest and his soul being swept away

Radiant as the suns light that danced across the surface

Just as beautiful as the day he first laid eyes on the waters vastness

Bringing his life a whole new purpose

Who say's face painting/body art is just for kids? Read about my awesome face painting/body art session.

So awhile back ago a mutual friend informed me they knew someone who was starting her own business for face painting. How fun I thought! She asked if she could use my 2 younger daughters as models to put up pictures on her website. Again, how fun right? My girls love dressing up so this was a perfect fit.

A couple of weeks later we met at a local park along with a few other parents and their anxious little ones. Each of the girls was given a colorful tutu, matching fairy wings and a cute flower for her hair. I already knew this wasn't going to be your average face painting gig. We were greeted by Jasmine Starr McKay of  Starryfaceart. We spent the next hour getting the kids all gussied up and ready for photos (which came out great, but of course I'm a little biased)

This got me thinking...how fun would it be to have this done too? I know, I'm 33 y/o and should act like it; not like an 8 y/o girl. But, but why not? Just because I've added a few years to this awesome face and figure (that *might* be a slight exaggeration) why not add some color?! So I reached out to Jasmine and made an appointment for MEEE! I'm not sure what I was expecting really; I just thought it could be fun to 'be a kid again' and have a little fun!

Jasmine was GREAT! when I arrived I told her "Have add it! Do whatever you like!" Needless to say you give any artist (and what a fabulous artist she is) a blank canvas and their creative wheels start turning. She went for an avant garde look which honestly I didn't really know what that would translate to on my face. Luckily, it seemed translate well.

I know, pretty cool huh?! She did such a great job. I wasn't expecting this AT ALL!

I love how she brought it down the side of my neck and across my shoulder.

After this she wanted to show me what she refers to as "Girls night out" with a simple yet fun look.

 It was so much fun to get all "dressed up" in a not so traditional way =)

I think it's important for ALL women (not just moms) to go and have some creative fun! Who says a day at the spa is the only way to let loose and have a good time? How awesome would it be to reinvent the classic slumber party and have a "Girls night out party" with drinks and body paint? I can only IMAGINE the designs that would be painted. LOL

Jasmine has been creating amazing looks all over the Los Angeles and Orange County area for the last few years. She's been featured at the LA County Fair, charity and corporate events and of course countless birthday parties! 

Her prices are VERY reasonable AND she travels! Doesn't get much better then that!

Here are a few more photos from various events. For more you can visit her Facebook page or website.

 

Perfect for Halloween

Beautiful Unicorn

 This reminds me of CATS!

 Love the Tribal look!

To make an appointment or contact Jasmine you can find her on

Facebook www.facebook.com/jasminestarr#!/StarryFaceBodyArt

email liljaestarr@gmail.com 

by phone 626.222.9889