Women

A Special Cutting Board

May 2, 2012 By Robin Leave a Comment

I enjoy cooking, so kitchen gifts are always appreciated, but like many people who are avid enthusiasts of most anything, I already have a good amount of equipment for my favorite pass time. One way to ensure the gift you give, will stand out and not be something they already have several of, is to make it unique to them.

Personal Creations has a wide array of personalized Mothers Day gifts available, including the bamboo cutting board shown above. Yes, I do have cutting boards (granted most are in shoddy condition), but none which were custom made for me, so this is special. The custom engraving was done quickly, and shipping was very prompt. There is no reason you can’t get mom a unique gift in time for Mother’s Day, this year.

Here are a few other offerings from the site, which might interest you.

Media sample provided. All experiences and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Shopping, Women Tagged With: kitchen equipment, Mother's Day, review, Shopping

Live Plants for Mother’s Day from ProFlowers

April 25, 2012 By Robin Leave a Comment

This lovely live orchid was delivered this afternoon, from Proflowers. It arrived in a large box, delivered by my regular UPS man. Inside the box, the planter was securely wrapped in plastic, and a triangular inner box protected the flowers from damage. As you can see the packaging was quite effective.

Mother’s Day is the perfect holiday to have live plants delivered as a gift. The weather is not harsh, so delivery risks are minimal, especially when well packaged. ProFlowers has a large selection of Mother’s Day plants and flowers available. Something is sure to suit your mom’s taste, and ProFlowers usually has discount codes available.

Here are just a few selections from ProFlowers, that mom is sure to enjoy.

Media sample provided. All experiences and opinions presented here are my own.

Filed Under: Shopping, Women Tagged With: Mother's Day, review, Shopping

Meaningful Beauty Test Drive Results

March 19, 2012 By Robin Leave a Comment

It has been about 4 weeks, since I started the Meaningful Beauty 5 -Step skin care routine. It is a kit set up to work together to fight common skin care issues of women. It is meant to brighten, soften and moisturize your skin, while fighting wrinkles.

Although 5-steps may sound time consuming, it really wasn’t. I did stick to the regime, for the most part. Other than a few missed applications, I did as directed. About a week into it, I missed doing my once or twice a week Glycolic peel, but them realized they had sent a small sample box of Glycolic pads, as a bonus with the kit. They seemed to do pretty much the same as the peel I had been using, so all was well in the world…lol.

Results

While the product works just fine, in my personal case, I did not notice a dramatic difference. This is most likely due to the fact that I was a frequent applicator of eye cream, prior to starting, and regularly applied quality moisturizer with sun screen. As mentioned above, I also used a Glycolic peel on a regular basis too.

I like the addition of the Crème de Serum. It did seem to have the fresh dewy effect it promised, and the regular moisturizer from the line goes over it. The daily moisturizer felt like it tightened thing up, and has an SPF of 20, so it is a good choice. It also like the cleanser, and thought the addition of a decollete cream a great feature. The neck and bosom are often overlooked in skin care regimes. The only part of the kit, that I wouldn’t buy again is the eye cream. I still prefer my old brand for that.

Overall I would say the Meaningful Beauty line is a good buy. It is effective, and reasonably priced ($39.95 plus s/h for 30 day supply or $119.85 with free shipping for 90 day supply). I would suggest buying a 90 day kit like this one, then tweaking your regime, once you are familiar with the line. The glycolic pads would also be a product I would suggest adding to your routine.

You can learn more about the Meaningful Beauty skin care product line, as well as order, right on the Meaningful Beauty website. (They are doing a 30 day supply with bonus products, plus free shipping for $39.95 right now.)

I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf Meaningful Beauty and received a 5-step treatment kit to facilitate my review, a second 5-step treatment kit to giveaway, and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Filed Under: Beauty & Fashion, Women

Sportline Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer Review (Great Father’s Day Gift)

June 1, 2011 By Robin 1 Comment

I have been doing a lot of walking, as well as, glider workouts lately. The Sportline Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer I was sent for review has really come in handy. It has been great for walks in the park with my daughter, and has shown consistent distances for the same paths. I also use it on my Gazelle (air walker/glider), and on there it seems to give 1/2 the distance traveled, most likely due to the altered stride on this exercise machine, but the results are still consistent for similar time and pace, so the Qlip has still been helpful in measuring these workouts too.

In addition to measuring distance this pedometer also measures: time, steps, miles or kilometers, calories burned (set your weight for accuracy) & speed. All from a compact attractive clip anywhere design.

I am down 25 pounds and this pedometer has been a big help in achieving this weight loss!

Sportline Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer ($34.99): Studies say those who walk fewer than 5,000 steps a day are more likely to be overweight?people walking 9,000+ steps daily are more likely to be of normal weight. Pedometers like the Sportline Qlip are a great way to get and stay motivated in your walking routine. It?s an advanced digital pedometer that can be worn (clipped) anywhere on the body and provides real-time feedback for individuals pursuing fitness and walking goals, including accurately tracking steps, distance, and calories burned. Available at most sporting goods stores and www.sportline.com.

Disclosure: Product sample provided for purpose of review. All opinions presented here are my own.

Filed Under: Diet, Men, Reviews /Giveaways, Women Tagged With: health, review, reviews

Great Outdor Gifts for Mother’s Day Under $20 (w/ Giveaway)

May 3, 2011 By Robin

Spring is in the air and Mother’s Day is this coming weekend. If mom or grandma enjoys spending time outside, Kmart has some perfect gifts all for under $20.

The Animated My Butterfly In A Jar, is something the kids would be sure to be excited to give mom. Tap on the top of the jar and the butterfly “wakes up” and flies around. Available in 4 different species: blue morpho, pink morpho, yellow swallowtail, and monarch

If it seems that most of the time mom gets to enjoy outside is during the evening hours, then perhaps some outdoor lighting would be a great gift for her. These Essential Summer White Chinese Paper Lantern String Lights, are fun yet elegant.

Moms that love candles will like the Jaclyn Smith Today Large Metal Lantern , a stylish way to keep that candle burning despite outdoor breezes. The Jaclyn Smith Today Kensington Solar Hurricane Lantern is a terrific choice for the eco-conscious mom (or one who just have to buy batteries).

Maybe mom’s patio set is looking a little dated. Buy her some decorative ourdoor pillows to spice up the look of her space. Lucky for you the Essential Garden Outdoor 15in Diagonal Stripe Square Pillow and the Country Living 2-PACK 16” SQUARE PILLOW, HAWTHORNE STRIPE are on sale this week, and you can actually buy a pair of great pillows, without going over your $20 budget!

I actually checked out the Outdoor Living Dept. at Kmart recently, and in addition to these under $20 gifts I saw some really neat stuff for a little more, like fountains and some very cute retro metal clam shell chairs.

Disclosure: Gift cards for giveaway, and myself provided by Kmart. All opinions presented here are my own.

Kmart Gift Card Giveaway

2 lucky Blommi readers will each win a $20 Kmart Gift Card.

Entry Options (do as many or as few as you like, but make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)

Tell me which of these gifts you think a mom on your list would most like to receive.
Follow this blog via email or RSS (One entry each).
Follow me through Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)
Follow both @TwiMommi and @KmartDealsnNews on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway can be done 3x per day at least 1 hour apart (account must be public and have at least 50 followers). Feel free to use this tweet: ” Kmart Gift Card Giveaway (2 Winners) from @TwiMommi http://blommi.com/?p=16907 “
“Like” Blommi on Facebook
“Like” Kmart on Facebook
Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook
For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
For 3 Entries! Blog about this giveaway with a live link back to this post -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. (be sure to leave 3 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for fulfillment, nor for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends May 17, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Filed Under: Household, Women Tagged With: giveaway, Mother' Day

Things Remembered Mother’s Day Giveaway

April 26, 2011 By Robin

Things Remembered carries a wide array of personalizable gifts, perfect for any occasion. I was recently given the opportunity to choose from several Mother’s day appropriate gifts. As my daughter, was sitting with me, I had her help me pick something. She thought this Mother’s Day water globe was awesome, so I picked an engraving for it.

When the water globe arrived I was impressed with the weight and detail of the piece. It is also neat that the glitter twirls around longer, since the Mother plaque inside, acts like a paddle, churning the glitter inside. It is quite lovely, the engraving was nicely done and is certainly heirloom quality.

Disclosure: Product sample provided for purpose of review. All opinions presented here are my own.

Things Remembered Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win their choice of one item from from the following list (with choice of engraving)

Things Remembered USB Photo Key Chain
Things Remembered Fashion Birthstone Necklace
Things Remembered Fashion Birthstone Bracelet
Things Remembered Perfume Atomizer
Things Remembered Mother Water Globe
Things Remembered Mom Float (Photo) Frame

Mandatory Entry (must be done for all other entries to count): Visit Things Remembered and tell me what your favorite items is and why.

For additional entries:

Follow this blog via email or RSS
Follow me through Google Friend Connect
Follow both @TRemembered and @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway up to one time per day (account must be public and have at least 50 followers).
Become a fan (now called like) Blommi on Facebook
Become a fan (now called like) Things Remembered on Facebook
Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook.
For 2 entries! Grab my button and post it on your blog, or add Blommi.com to your blogroll. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
For 2 Entries! Blog about this giveaway with a livelink back to this post (be sure to leave 2 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for fulfillment, nor for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends May 7, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+, who have not won a Things Remembered prize in the past 60 days.

Filed Under: Women Tagged With: giveaway, review, reviews, Shopping

At Last Naturals : Review and Giveaway

March 21, 2011 By Robin

Although I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter, I am 44 years old. In recent months, I’ve had a few hot flashes. The first couple times it didn’t quite calculate for me that that was what was going on, but when you are in a 67 degree room, not being active at the moment and suddenly feel like you are in the midst of the dog days of summer, you eventually catch on. Due to this awakening awareness, when the opportunity to try some yam based natural treatments for menopause & perimenopause, for review, I thought it prudent to participate.

At Last Naturals is a woman owned company, which produces products to help ease the symptoms of menopause, perimenopause & PMS. They make a wide range of products for women with varying needs in this area. All their all-natural products are vegetable & water based. They do not contain any paraben, gluten, or animal products. The product line is also fragrance & cruelty free.

Since I am just starting my journey into this phase of my life, I don’t have particularly strong symptoms. Because of this, I focused my product testing on the Wild Yam Cream, as it is the milder of the topical creams. Suggested usage is twice daily, but I only used it in the evening. While I didn’t see any drastic change, as I have mentioned my symptoms were mild to start with. I must say I have not had a hot flash during the time I’ve used this product, whether due to effectiveness or coincidence I couldn’t really tell you. One thing I did notice though was that time of the month didn’t seem quite as uncomfortable as usual. I didn’t need to take any pain medication this month. So I would have to say the results were promising.

At Last Naturals® Wild Yam Cream: This natural cream is rich in diosgenin, a plant compound derived from wild yam that is structurally similar to those found in the body that can naturally help support women gently and effectively during times of imbalance. This, together with its exceptional moisturizing properties, the Wild Yam Cream assists the body in fighting hot flashes, mood swings and other menopausal, perimenopausal and PMS related issues. Suggested retail price: $16.95
Wild Yam Extra Strength Gel: Formulated for women experiencing more bothersome symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings and other menopausal, perimenopausal and PMS related issues, the extra strength gel offers a higher concentration of diosgenin (derived from wild yam). At Last Naturals Wild Yam Extra Strength Gel assists the body in fighting more severe symptoms related to menopausal, perimenopausal and PMS. Suggested retail price: $21.00
At Last Naturals® Wild Yam Vaginal Gel: The non-irritating, water-based gel formula with Vitamin E provides naturally soothing relief for vaginal dryness and to help restore a women’s natural lubrication. Use every day, during sexual activity or as frequently as needed. Suggested retail price: $8.95
At Last Naturals^® Wild Yam Meno-Herbs^®: An all-herbal tablet formulation containing not only diosgenin, a plant compound derived from wild yam, but also a proprietary blend of key botanicals, such as red clover, dong quai, black cohosh, raspberry, chaste tree berry and other important herbs for women. It works synergistically to help balance and support the female system. Suggested retail price: $16.00
At Last Naturals^® Meno-Herbs2^®(with Protykin^®): An all-herbal, proprietary tablet formulation made with 10 botanicals, as well as Protykin^®, a standardized Trans- RESVERATROL high potency 200:1 extract of Polygonum cuspidatum (root). This powerful antioxidant and cardioprotectant contains 50% phytoestrogens (natural plant estrogens). As a phytoestrogen, Protykin^® helps provide natural menopause relief by helping maintain normal estrogen activity, reducing hot flashes, balancing mood swings and promoting healthy bone density. Derived from the root of Polygonum cuspidatum, an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, Protykin^® contains more than 1,000-times the amount of the same antioxidant ingredient in red wine that is believed to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the effects of premature aging. In addition, the formula contains red clover, black cohosh, dong quai, wild yam, raspberry, chaste tree berry and other important herbs for women that work synergistically to help balance and support the female system. This unique, extra-strength herbal combination provides a rich source of isoflavins and natural plant estrogens. It can be taken alone or as a safe and effective adjunct to the entire At Last Naturals^® topical line.Suggested retail price: $24.50
At Last Naturals^® Equigest^® Progesterone Cream: This external cosmetic progesterone cream is applied to specific areas of the body to deliver just the right combination of quality ingredients to help maintain a healthy hormonal balance. At Last Naturals^® Equigest^® Progesterone Cream contains USP micronized progesterone (the process of micronization allows for steady, even absorption). USP classifies the progesterone as the highest quality available. It is formulated in a cream base that also contains vitamin E, vitamin A and pure aloe vera. Suggested retail price: $26.00
Always consult your doctor before starting to use any new regimen.

Disclosure: Product samples provided for purpose of this review. All opinions presented here are my own.

Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win the entire line of products, courtesy of At Last Naturals (a $120 value).

Mandatory Entry (must be done for all other entries to count): Visit the At Last Naturals website and tell me something you learned there.

For additional entries:

Follow this blog via email or feed (one entry each)
Follow me through Google Friend Connect
Follow both @AtLastNaturals and @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (can be done once daily)
“Like” Blommi on Facebook
“Like” At Last Naturals on Facebook.
Share or like this giveaway on Facebook.
Stumble any non-giveaway post. (One entry each – leave your Stumble Upon name in comment) Can be done once daily.
For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
For 3 Entries! Blog about this giveaway with a live link back to this post (blog must be public & have a minimum of 25 followers)

One winner will be randomly selected from all entries and validity of entry will be checked. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be selected. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for fulfillment, nor for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends March 27, at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Filed Under: Reviews /Giveaways, Women Tagged With: giveaway, review, reviews

Red Envelope Valentine’s Gifts

February 2, 2011 By Robin

Red Envelope is a wonderful place to find that perfect gift for your Valentine. Their selection is as varied as you are. For those with little time to shop they can be a real life saver, besides with the storms many of us have been facing lately, going shopping at a brick & mortar store, just hasn’t been much fun. Why not have a nicely packaged gift arrive right at their doorstep.

I had a great time perusing their selection, from the comfort of my office. I’ll share some of the great finds that caught my eye, but believe me this is merely the tip of the proverbial ice berg.

Valentine Gifts for the Gardener

While cut flowers are wonderful, if your Valentine has a green thumb, any of these live plants will remind them of your love for years to come.

Shown (in order): Exotic Orchid Garden, I Heart You, Deluxe Money Tree

What Should I Get My Wife for Valentine’s Day?

If that is the question you are asking, and she is also a mom, then focus on the treasures the two of you have created… your children.

If you are considering having more little ones, the second pendant allows for adding as you go along.

Shown (in order): Family Necklace, What Fills Her Heart Diamond Necklace

Valentine’s Gifts for Your Geek

My husband, like many guys is not into fancy things. He is very practical in nature & loves history and science. If your Valentine sounds a bit like him, One of these choices might make them feel warm and fuzzy inside…lol

Red Envelope gives you the option to add some chocolates are a card upon checkout, so you can make it seem more “Valentine-ish”

Shown (in order): Gorillatorch Flexible Tripod Flashlight, Name a Star Gift Box

Valentine Gifts to Spark Some Romance

If things have been a little less exciting in the boudoir lately, then add one of these frisky gifts to your order. It will be a gift for yourself, as well.

Shown (in order): Speak love Make Love Romantic Game, Karma Sutra Weekender Kit

Like I said above, this is just a small percentage of the offerings at Red Envelope. Check out their specially selected Valentine’s Gifts, and if you have the time delve a little further into their selections. There are some real treasures in other categories, that might just be just the thing for your Valentine.

Disclosure: Gift code for myself and winner provided by Red Envelope. All opinions presented here are my own.

Red Envelope Valentine’s Giveaway

Is now closed:

Confirmed Winner Donna B.

Filed Under: Men, Women Tagged With: giveaway, review, Valentine's Day

String-Ring Review and Giveaway

January 22, 2011 By Robin

String -Rings are sterling silver rings designed to thread a colored string through. Each color string represents something you wish to remember, and while the original intent of the ring’s designer is to remind people to be kind, you can use to to remind yourself of pretty much anything. Stringing it with pink or red would make for a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift, for either a man or woman. It is also wonderful, as a reminder of those New Year’s resolutions, which are starting to falter now.

Ways to String a String-Ring

This is an updated twist on the ancient custom of tying a string around your left index finger in order to remember something, in this case, kindness. Each color of string represents an act of kindness: Examples are Gold- represents wealth and reminds us to give of ourselves, Silver- symbolizes wisdom and reminds us to forgive, Blue- stands for tranquility and reminds us to be patient, Purple- symbolizes empathy and reminds us to be tolerant, Green- represents respect and reminds us that all thing deserve respect (especially the environment), etc. The ring is designed to hold the colored reminder thread in place in a unique and trendy fashion, to wear as a piece of jewelry and to promote peace.

Sterling rings are good weight, not cheaply made, and adjust up and down a couple sizes. As long as you have a rough idea of the size you need it will fit. Each ring comes with a drawstring jute bag, and a larger collection of different colored strings, to customize your ring with. Rings are delivered pre-strung in red, perfect for Valentine’s Day.

String-Rings can be ordered online for just $28.95, direct from their website.

Disclosure: A product sample was provided for the purpose of this review. All opinions presented here are my own.

String-Ring Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a String-Ring of their very own.

Mandatory Entry (must be done for all others to count): Stop in and see what each color means, then tell me which you would string your ring with.

Extra entries (make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry):

Follow this blog via email or RSS (one entry each).
Follow me through Google Friend Connect
Follow both @KindnessRing and @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway up to one time per day (account must be public and have at least 50 followers). Feel free to use this tweet: Win a String-Ring from @KindnessRing and @TwiMommi (perfect for Valentine’s Day) http://is.gd/M2oOiy #giveaway
“Like” Blommi on Facebook
“Like” StringRing on Facebook
Share this giveaway on Facebook
For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for fulfillment, nor for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends February 5, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Confirmed winner Amy

Filed Under: Men, Women Tagged With: giveaway, holiday gifts, jewelry, review, reviews, Valentine's Day