Beat the Winter Blahs With Mea Culpa Body & Bath - Day17

**this giveaway is now closed**

First off my apologies for this being posted so late today. This has already been the weekend of absolutely no down time and its only Saturday night at 10 pm! My first chance to sit down and relax since yesterday morning at 9am!

And secondly.. today I present to you an absolutely amazing Etsy seller who creates beautiful bath & body products that are amazingly refreshing! So I challenge you to beat the winter blahs by giving treating your sense of smell to an uplifting treat!

Our moods are so entwined in our sense of smell that I gravitate towards everything that is uplifting. Truth is I'm a super busy Mom and while I could use a couple dozen more hours in the day that's just not possible (darn need for sleep slowing me down). So being embraced by scents that make me happy is important to me. I also expect the products that I choose be high quality, and that they last.

Yasmina offers a full line of products from body spritzers, to butters, to moisturizers, and even massage oils. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to try out 2 of the spritzers. Vanilla Chai and Moon Goddess (seriously, how is one supposed to resist a name like Moon Goddess? Aren't we all one?).

The Moon Goddess scent is very enthusiastic, with citrus being the dominate scent, along with undertones of sensual rose and sandalwood. I know the write up says that the lemon is a lighter scent, but I did find it to be stronger then the other 2 scents, which is why I enjoyed it so much. The Vanilla Chai scent can only be described as sexy. Its a sexy, sensual scent.

One of the things that I enjoy the most about Mea Culpa's product line is that the scents are her own creations. She combines the scents and makes them her own. The next number one product on my list to try is the Whipped Orange Slices with Shea & Mango Butters. What a divine treat for over dried, winter skin!
Yasmina of Mea Culpa has generously offered one lucky Optimistic Beauty reader the opportunity to bring home a shampoo & conditioner set, or 2 - 2oz lotions in their choice of scent! To receive your first entry head on over to Mea Culpa, have a look around, and then come back here and let me know what your favorite scent/product is. That's too easy!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site
*~* NEW! Follow me on twitter (bargainhunting) - leave your twitter name in a separate comment
*~* NEW! Twitter this or any of my other giveaways and leave a comment that you did!

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 8 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on February 8, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents. Good luck!

Winner Announced - Earth Lust

One lucky reader will be bringing home the Stainless steel Water Bottle of their choice from Earth Lust! Hooray!

Which one would you choose?

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

2

Timestamp: 2009-01-31 05:25:58 UTC

Congrats nanja who said:

nanja said... 2

My favorite is the 20 oz Flower Earthlust bottle. Think it would actually interest me in drinking more water!
Thank you.

January 21, 2009 8:48 PM

I will contact you via email shortly for your mailing address. You will have 48 hours to respond. If I haven't heard from you within that time frame a new winner will be drawn.

Beat the Winter Blahs with Kitchy Hippo

Strange name, adorable prints! Today I encourage you to Beat the Winter Blahs by adding beautiful art to your home.

My home is full to the brim with pictures of my girls, and their beautiful creations. And while they are the lights of my life it is refreshing to add "real" art to the mix. My room re-design had a very special inspiration. In my Etsy travels I found a seller who creates absolutely gorgeous pieces by combining different mediums. The results are absolutely astounding.

I adore the colours, bright and vibrant, and the perfect addition to any decor!


I'm sure you will all agree that these prints are amazing, and there is such a wide array of designs available that you'll be able to find something for every room of your house.


One other thing that I thoroughly enjoy is that these are limite edition prints. The odds of showing up to someone elses house and seeing hte exact same print is slim to none. And they also super affordable! A high quality, beautiful print at an amazing print is a super find.


One lucky Optimistic Beauty reader will be lucky enough to bring home their very Kitchy Hippo print! Up for grabs is a limited edition print (I will update later with the edition #) Playing in the Band 5x7 print.

To enter head over to Kitchy Hippo and have a look around. Then come back here and let me know what your favorite print is. Its so easy!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site
*~* NEW! Follow me on twitter (bargainhunting) - leave your twitter name in a separate comment
*~* NEW! Twitter this or any of my other giveaways and leave a comment that you did!

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 8 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on February 7, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents. Good luck!

Deal Alert - Le Boutique

If you didn't win the Le Boutique giveaway I have some great news! LeBoutique is clearing out some stock and is currently running an awesome promo where when you buy 1 you get the 2nd half off (including shipping costs too!). What a great deal! Discount will be refunded via paypal after payment clears to her.

Le Boutique's online shop is well stocked with adorable pony tail holders and also bobbies to spruce up your Mommy Tail!

Happy shopping!

Hurry though as this awesome sale will end on February 1st!

Winner Announced - Rainbow Swirlz

Super lucky reader #7 announced today! One Optimistic Beauty Reader will have hard choices ahead of them when deciding what to spend their $30 gift certificate on! So many great choices!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

102

Timestamp: 2009-01-30 15:56:40 UTC

Congrats Cheryl who said:

Cheryl said... 102

These are the best designs ever! I love the Walrus shirt and the Pudgy Penguin Shirt.

January 22, 2009 1:23 PM

I will contact you via email shortly for your mailing address. You will have 48 hours to respond. If I haven't heard from you within that time frame a new winner will be drawn.

Beat the Winter Blahs with Bamboosa - Day15

Beat the Winter Blahs with luxuriously soft bamboo items for the whole family!

I have recently fallen in love with bamboo everything. Bamboosa is no exception to the amazing softness, and luxury that comes with Bamboo. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to review a set of wash cloths from Bamboosa.

Talk about luxury! They are soft, and amazingly well constructed. The girls adore them, as do I, and I've stolen a couple for my face washing too! I have to confess that we use baby washcloths primarily to replace diaper wipes for Malie's sensitive bottom. These wash cloths are far too precious to face the same sentence.

Bamboosa has beautiful items for babies, Mommies, Daddies and for the home. The bamboo snuggle blankets look absolutely divine and this Cuddle Blanket would make the perfect addition to any little girls room!
And what little baby wouldn't have an amazing nights rest in a crib decked out in these amazing bamboo fitted crib sheets!

I love the vibrant colours that so many bed sets for infants seem to be lacking, especially the absolutely amazing tahiti blue one!

Mindy at Bamboosa has offered one lucky reader the chance to win a $75 gift certificate good for anything on their website! To enter head on over to Bamboosa and have a good look around. Come back here and let me know which items you would choose if you won!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site
*~* NEW! Follow me on twitter (bargainhunting) - leave your twitter name in a separate comment
*~* NEW! Twitter this or any of my other giveaways and leave a comment that you did!

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 8 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on February 6, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

Winner Announced - LeBoutique

Good morning! Today one lucky reader will bring home their choice of item from LeBoutiques lovely shop to Beat the Winter Blahs!

Winner has been selected courtesy of random.org

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

44

Timestamp: 2009-01-29 15:51:53 UTC

Congrats to Stacie! I will contact you via email shortly for your mailing address. You will have 48 hours to respond. If I haven't heard from you within that time frame a new winner will be drawn.

Beat the Winter Blahs with Naftali - Day14

**This giveaway is now closed, winner to be announced soon!**

Welcome to day 14 of the Beat the Winter Blahs Event! Today I have a very special treat for you as I encourage you to beat the Winter Blahs by adding some dazzle to your jewelry collection!
I absolutely adore earrings and necklaces. But I dislike purchasing mass produced items from retailers. I like items that are more unique, handcrafted, and I prefer to support the little guys rather then pad the pockets of big corporations. So when I found Naftali I knew I had found a keeper! Janice's shop features polymer beads that take your breath away in their beauty and above all else are hauntingly beautiful!

Gorgeous or what!?! Featured in the above collage are the Twilight Earrings (that are singing my name and will probably not last long on the site), Lemon Lace Earrings, Madeleine Earrings, Red Sky at Night Reversible Pendant.

I was so fortunate that Janice sent me my very own Pendant to review. It is even more gorgeous then the pictures on the website can convey, and truly is the most unique piece of jewelery I've ever owned. It goes with just about everything that I own, but looks exceptionally great with black. It pops out and is garners so much attention every time I wear it. Janice has definitely started a new addiction for me, and with 264 sales I am positive that I'm not the only one!

Like I said, totally gorgeous!

Like what you see? Well you're in luck. Janice has generously offered one lucky reader the chance to bring home their very own pair of earrings! Let me tell you that one of you is in for a huge treat.

These are a pair of retro designed polymer clay earrings with handmade sterling silver ear wires. The design sits over a domed sterling silver disc. They measure 1/2" across. They fall 1" from the ear.

My beads can be seen in the October 2007 issue of Bead & Button magazine, the June 2008 issue of PolymerCAFE and the August 2008 issue of Simply Beads.

Excited to enter? Well then head over to Naftali's Etsy Shop and have a look around. Then come back here and let me know what your favorite item is! Its that easy :O)

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site
*~* NEW! Follow me on twitter (bargainhunting) - leave your twitter name in a separate comment
*~* NEW! Twitter this or any of my other giveaways and leave a comment that you did!

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 8 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on February 5, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

Winner Announced - See Kai Run

Hooray! One very lucky Optimistic Beauty reader is about to bring home an awesome pair of shoes from See Kai Run. Once again courtesy of random. org!

And the winner is:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

204

Timestamp: 2009-01-28 06:20:45 UTC

Congrats valeria! I will contact you via email shortly, at which time you will be given 48 hours to respond. If I haven't heard from you within 48 hours a new winner will be announced.

What Blogging Means to Me

My life has been going through so many changes in the last year that blogging has really been the only constant thing in my life. Having my blog has been a source of great pride, excitement, and a place to share my thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams.

Optimistic Beauty is a place where I can vent, laugh and share with my fellow bloggers, and also non-bloggers who pop by to catch up on the zanyness that is my life. I often quote Bif Naked saying that "I'm rather conditioned to my life of melodrama". And its soooo true. Who better to go through the ups and downs of a life full of drama (seriously my Mom wasn't joking when she accused me of being a soap opera star as a teenager) then a whole bunch of random strangers (er I mean blog friends)?

One of the biggest benefits to blogging is finding out about new and interesting products. In a past life time I must have been in marketing as finding and promoting companies through my blog is a serious addiction of mine. I love it pieces. If I had the option to go back to school and study Marketing then I would be there in an instant (though publicity for celebs probably isn't up my alley - I'm sure I'd pull a Ben Affleck in Jersey Girl insulting Will Smith - lolol... I am so prone to sticking my foot in my mouth.

One of the companies that I worked with in 2008 is giving all "Bloghers" the chance to win a trip to the Blogher 2009 Convention in Chicago July 24-25. That's right, Mabel's Labels will pay return airfare, hotel and 2 convention admission for one lucky blogger out there! That is super cool in its own accord. But the lucky gal (sorry guys but this one is strictly for the girls) will also serve as the chief correspondant for Mabel's blog!

What can you do to get involved? I'm so glad that you asked! Head on over to Mabel's Official Blog Contest page found here

A huge thank you to Mabel's Labels for sponsoring such an awesome contest and for supporting Bloggers!

10 finalists will be chosen on February 9th and we bloggers will make the final decision on who wins by voting for our favorites! So get your entries in soon!

Sweet Freebie - Photo Valentines

Good until February 1st you can get a box of 6 photo valentines completely free (including shipping & handling) from Stories for Everyone!

Visit: http://stories.scrapbooksetc.com/landings/valentine0209.php

Follow the links, make your cards, and then input code " valentine " to receive your items for free including shipping!

10 different designs available, so you're bound to find something perfectly suited to your little valentine.

Enjoy!

American Eagle Deal Alert

Especially great deal alert for all us Canadian Mommies!

For a limited time get free shipping to Canada when you add any children's item (including clearance) and an adults item to your cart. No coupon code required... but to sweeten the deal there's a coupon code for 20% off that works with clearance items too!

20% coupon code (expiry date unknown) is: " 49164172 "

Works with clearance items, and in conjunction with the free shipping offer stated above.

And to boot... lookie what I found!
I adore this Holiday Party Tote... and at $11.96 after coupon code you can't go wrong! Regularly retails for $39.50.... so $11.96 is a super score!

Happy Shopping!

Oh and more note for Canadian Shoppers... American Eagle (much like Landsend) automatically adds duty to your bill so you don't get any nasty surprises when your order arrives (can anyone say Gymboree disaster? $40 in duties on $20 worth of products - egad!).

Beat the Winter Blahs with SkinMD Natural - Day13

**This giveaway is now closed, winner to be announced soon!**

Beat the Winter Blahs by giving yourself deliciously smooth, silky skin just in time for shedding those winter layers!

I recently had the opportunity to review Skin MD Natural who's website promises:

If you‘ve been looking for a skin care product that can heal dry skin and keep the ravages of time at bay, take a look at a breakthrough based on years of research by doctors and chemists - shielding lotion.

A Shielding Lotion is far more effective as a dry skin treatment than conventional moisturizing lotions or protective creams. If you suffer from dry skin, you know that just using a moisturizing lotion doesn't solve the problem. A shielding lotion does much more than just treat dry skin – it’s a new kind of skin care product that makes a real difference to all skin types.

Skin MD Natural™ is promptly absorbed, without the slightest hint of any greasy or oily feeling or residue, transforming the outer layer of skin into a hydrating invisible shield.

SkinMD Natural lives up these promises. It is gentle enough for the younger members of your family, and strong enough to work on the toughest of dry skin irritations. I was absolutely shocked at how quickly the Shielding Lotion rubs into your skin. It is instant! And not only that but there is absolutely no greasy residue left behind, just deliciously soft and silky skin.

One of the other things that draws me to Skin MD Natural is how long the bottles last for. Because the lotion rubs in so well you have to use an exceptionally small amount.

I strongly encourage everyone who's skin needs some TLC to give Skin MD Natural a try. They stand behind their products 100% and offer a no questions asked return policy.

And the great news is that one lucky OptimisticBeauty reader will do just that! SkinMD will send one person a bottle of the Original Shielding Lotion and also the Shielding Lotion with SPF 15. Super Cool!

To enter head over to Skin MD Natural and have a look around. Come back here and let me know one thing that surprised you/interested you on the Skin MD site. Its that easy!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site
*~* NEW! Follow me on twitter (bargainhunting) - leave your twitter name in a separate comment
*~* NEW! Twitter this or any of my other giveaways and leave a comment that you did!

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 8 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on February 4, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

Winner Announced - BelleAroma

Another day another lucky Optimistic Beauty reader bringing home an amazing prize!

Random.org has once again selected a winner. The prize up for grabs is a reed diffuser set with your choice of fragrance, and a hand twisted bottle bracelet (adorable & wonderfully scented to boot!).

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

8

Timestamp: 2009-01-27 05:11:15 UTC

Congrats judybrittle! I will contact you via email shortly for your mailing address. You will have 48 hours to respond. If I haven't heard from you within that time frame a new winner will be drawn.

Beat the Winter Blahs with Home Studio - Day 12

**This giveaway is now closed, winner to be announced soon!**

Home Studio is a wonderful designer I came across last year. I fell in love with her designs, and the fact that Stef and her husband make matching every single outfit you own so affordable. So today I encourage you to Beat the Winter Blahs by adding beautifully versatile pieces to your wardrobe that won't break the bank!

Actually, the truth is if you've been reading my blog for awhile you've probably heard just about everything that I have to say about Home Studio (this is the fourth time I've featured them). And even if you haven't been reading my blog long chances are that you've heard about Home Studio somewhere along the way as Stef is very active in supporting bloggers (thanks Stef!). There is no mystery as to why Home Studio is so popular though! High quality, beautiful pendants at an amazing price!

My favorite pendant by far is the dandelion one featured in the bottom, right hand corner of this collage. It is actually the pendant that began my love affair with Home Studio. The Danderlion trio reminds me of me and my girls floating into our new direction. My gosh is that corny or what? Corny as it may sound it is a very accurate depiction of my life path at this moment, and I love my collection of pendants.

At only $7.95 each pendant you can afford to grab a couple. They're great to have in your gift closet, to give as bridesmaids gifts, or even teacher's presents. Grab a couple, you won't be disappointed. Especially when you can pick 4 for $28 which sweetens the deal!

Home Studio has offered one lucky Optimistic Beauty reader the chance to bring home a beautiful pendant featuring Proud Peacock!

Pendant will come ready to wear with a snake chain, and packaged in a silver gift bag ready for gift giving (if you're so inclined).

To enter head over to Home Studio and have a look around. Then come back here and let me know what your favorite design is. It's that simple!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 6 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on February 3, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

Winner Announced - Zehn Naturals

302 entries into this amazing giveaway! Way to go everyone, I am so impressed! The winner has been selected via random.org and one lucky reader will bring home any shirt from Zehn Naturals of their choice!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

179

Timestamp: 2009-01-26 05:28:18 UTC

Congrats Jennifer! I will contact you via email shortly for your mailing address. You will have 48 hours to respond. If I haven't heard from you within that time frame a new winner will be drawn.

Thank you everyone for making this giveaway such a huge success!

Contest Call

FEISTY FRUGAL & FABULOUS has some awesome contests running... check it out!
Win a set from Muddy Cloud. Contest closes January 25th!
Win a Bubble Bath Dough in your choice of scent from Red Leaf. Contest closes January 25th!
Win a $20 gc to BabyLegs. Contest closes January 25th!
Win a motherhood card set (5cards & envies) from Speckles & Weeds. Contest closes January 27th!
Win a Somi Sleep Sack in Size 1! Contest closes January 29th!
Win an assortment of 3 amazing products from Classy Kid. Contest closes January 29th!
Win an awesome pillowcase from ColorMe Company! Contest closes January 29th!
Win popcorn soap (you've gotta see it to believe it!) from Love Lee Soaps. Contest closes January 29th!
Win your choice of Wall Talk! Contest closes January 31st!
Win your choice of shirt/onesie from Green Baby Clothing. Contest closes January 31st!
Win your choice of shoes from Eleven Collection! Contest closes January 31st!
Win any item of your choice from Frecklebox. Contest closes February 2nd!

Beat the Winter Blahs with Lemonhead Kidz - Day11

**This giveaway is now closed**

Beat the Winter Blahs with some amazing clipeez and bandeez for your little princess that you can steal for yourself too! Lemonhead Kidz is a great online boutique that has been making the rounds and getting rave reviews at trade shows this year and its easy to see why.

The super duper cool thing about the Bandeez is that they come in 3 different ribbon widths. So finding one that will stick in your hair perfectly is so much easier. Also helping the clips stay in place is a thin row of velcro that grips your hair and sets the bandeez so that you're not redoing your headband throughout the day! I love how much excess ribbon there is included in the Bandeez from Lemonhead Kidz. No worrying about pulling the ribbon free from the easy to use adjuster.

Mommy & Daughter modeling 2 of the Bandeez we were sent by Nouei of Lemonhead Kidz.

The girls also received some Clipeez for review. They stayed in their hair exceptionally well, without tangling in Tala's curly locks. I love the designs available, and Tala has fallen in the love with these Felt Butterfly Clips!


Lemonhead Kidz loves Mom Bloggers and have generously offered 1 lucky Optimistic Beauty Reader the opportunity to bring home a whole set of products, including: 3 Bandeez (one of each width), and 3 Clipeez! Head on over to Lemonhead Kidz for your chance to win! Have a look around and let me know what your favorite item and color/pattern is (what I mean is go a little deeper then that you love the Clipeez - let me know which ones you love). Its that simple!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 6 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on February 2, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

Winner Circular Accessories

Good morning Optimistic Beauty Readers. Courtesy of random.org I have just drawn the winner of the beautiful scarf courtesy of Circular Accessories!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

75

Timestamp: 2009-01-25 16:58:58 UTC

Congrats Kim (comment #75). I will contact you via email shortly for your mailing address. You will have 48 hours to respond. If I haven't heard from you within that time frame a new winner will be drawn.

Oh my .... Shoe

I think I may have developed a shoe obsession to go with my twilight series, blog, home reno obsessions!

What rock have I been hiding under for the last 7 years?

Presenting the shoe that was the rebirth from the days of merrell hikers and hideously ugly non-slip shoes from Zellers!
Now if I could only get over the whole biggest clutz in town thing before I walk around tripping left right and centre.. wish me luck!

Beat the Winter Blahs with Wee Gallery - Day10

Optimistic Beauty readers rejoice! A very special treat to help your little ones Beat the Winter Blahs by upgrading their space.

I'm a pretty busy Mommy, time is a luxury, but I still want to provide my kids with a fun and functional space. The use of Wall Decals is a great way to create an amazing space, but to also stimulate the minds of our children.

Wee Gallery takes stimulating our children to an all new level. All of their amazing wall decals feature animals who are specially designed to catch the attention of our littlest ones. Aside from faces newborns are most attracted to simple black and white designs. They are the easiest for their little eyes to process. Which is how Wee Gallery came to be.

I was lucky to have the opportunity to review the brand new Safari Graphics that were released this month. They are absolutely divine! Well made, well though out, beautifully designed patterns that have captured the attention of my girls. Usually Miss Tala is all about Princess this, and Princess that, but these beautiful designs caught her attention immediately and have expanded her make believe games outside of the castle. Malie adores the designs and continually makes up stories about the different animals, and enjoys prattling off their names to anyone who's within earshot.
They are super easy to put up, if you make a mistake and change your mind on a placement no worries! Simply peel the decal off the wall and reposition. I think its awesome how durable they are, they are kid tested, and pulled through their repositioning efforts amazingly well.

One super duper cool thing about the Wee Gallery site is that they give you the opportunity to print off a sample decal to see if your little one responds to their designs. Which is really cool. Another neat perk is that you can download and print off an iron on transfer as well!

Wee Gallery Decals would be the perfect gift for any new parent to place in their child's nursery. The decals will grow with your child, right from stimulating sight in a newborn, to stimulating imagination in older children.

One lucky Optimistic Beauty reader will have the opportunity to try out Wee Gallery product line for themselves! Wee Gallery has generously offered one lucky reader the chance to bring home their very own set of Farmyard Collection Wrapped Canvases! These are 9x12 inch pieces ready to hang in your child's room!

To enter visit the Wee Gallery. Have a look around and let me know what your favorite product and design is (ie don't just say that you love the wrapped canvases... that's too easy. I'd like to know that you love the Farmyard Wrapped Canvases).

For an additional entry (left in a 2nd comment) let me know what you will do with your awesome prize (such as who will be the lucky recipient).

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 7 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on Februay 1, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

Helene's Dreams Winner Announced

The first giveaway has come to an end and courtesy of random.org we have our lucky winner!


Congrats Jen from A Busy Mommy on the Go blog who was lucky comment #15

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

15

Timestamp: 2009-01-24 23:25:17 UTC

Jen will be bringing home this beautiful pair of earrings courtesy of Helene's Dreams

Be sure to check out Helene's Dreams at Etsy for more amazing pieces!

Beat the Winter Blahs with Recupe Fashion

When you can't beat the Winter Blahs the second best thing to do is curl up on the couch with a piping hot cup of tea. Tea is a great solution to the Winter Blahs as with these below zero temperatures, arctic outflow warnings, and gusting winds we can all use some warming from the inside out. Tea is a great way to warm up, and lacks the calorie punch from Hot Chocolate. What better way to bring your tea with you then with an adorable tea wallet from Recupe Fashion!

Recupe fashion is another amazing Etsy Seller. Nathalie's shop is full of gorgeous hand made goodies ranging from tie purses, to tea wallets, to beautiful handmade jewelry. Nathalie is so passionate about what she does that she even offers her customers a free pair of earrings with every order! What a great bonus.

Nathalie was so sweet to send me my very own tea wallet that I absolutely adore. The quality of the product is amazing, and I love the way she uses contrasting fabrics to make the piece pop!

Each tea wallet can hold 8 packets of your favorite tea. Or if you're like me you might tuck a couple packets of splenda in the with your tea bags.

In addition to the tea wallets I have to draw your eyes to some of the most unique, and drool worthy purses that I have had the opportunity of seeing. Nathalie uses reclaimed ties in making adorable purses that are definite conversation starters. Also with the work that goes into these purses you will have the benefit of having the only one of its kind! That's pretty gosh darn awesome.

BUY IT. Until January 25th you can save 20% on your purchase at Recupe Fashion. The discount will be refunded to you after you have completed your check out via paypal. Be sure to use the code "homemade resolution" in your comments to seller to receive your discount.

WIN IT. One lucky Optimistic Beauty reader will bring home a sensational tea wallet of their own! This adorable Mickey Mouse Tea Wallet will travel to a new home very shortly!

To enter head on over to Recupe Fashion. Have a look around and then come back here and let me know what your favorite item in Nathalie's shop is. Its that easy!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 6 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on January 31, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

Beat the Winter Blahs with EarthLust - Day 8

One sure fire way to beat the Winter Blahs is by getting out there and getting active. We all feel better when we can start to be active again after a long winter cooped up indoors. We also need to stay hydrated, and drink enough water. After all the BPA news lately I am so glad that I was fortunate enough to learn about Earth Friendly, Family Friendly Stainless Steel Water Bottles. So today I encourage you to beat the winter blahs by getting hydrated with Earth Lust!

You have to agree that Stainless Steel Bottles bring a couple extra things to the table. They are definitely safer, and environmentally friendly. But they also are just gorgeous. I love the designs that are currently available. They make carrying a water bottle so fashionable!


I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to review one of the exquisite bottles that Earth Lust designs. One thing that surprised me was how cool the water stays inside! My 'ole Nalgene water bottle was the worst for that. Not only was it leaching dangerous chemicals into my water, it also did absolutely nothing to keep the water refreshing. The Stainless Steel water bottle is comprable in weight to the clunky plastic ones of late, and just as durable.

The bottle has a super thin lip at the top that makes sipping your water breeze, and comes complete with a carabiner clip to keep your bottle close at hand while out for a walk, bike, hike, or cross country ski trip. Another benefit to these bottles if you do a lot of group recreational activities is the vast array of designs available. Makes picking your bottle out of the crowd that much easier!

The design that I chose was the Fish 1L and my entire family loves it.

I love the all over design, and the fish are so sparkly that this is a truly pretty bottle, without being overly feminine.

Loving Earth Lust? Allison has generously offered one lucky Optimistic Beauty reader the opportunity to bring home their very own Earth Lust bottle in a design of their choice!

To receive your first entry simply visit Earth Lust. Come back here and let me know which bottle design is your favorite. How easy that?

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 6 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on January 30, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

Beat the Winter Blahs with Rainbow Swirlz - Day 7

Beat the Winter Blahs by embracing your rebellious side!

I adore cheeky, sassy items. While I have outgrown a lot of my rebellious ways, tshirts are a definite way to spice up my wardrobe, without being too out there. Rainbow Swirlz offers an amazing assortment of designs, colours, and products. Not only that but they are so willing to work with you to create just the right item to suit your fancy. I am eagerly awaiting a custom made messenger bag with the white bird design on it that I have fallen in love with! And you can bet your bottom dollar that I'll post pictures when it arrives :O)

Isn't this shirt the absolute coolest thing ever? When choosing my favorite I have to admit I was hard pressed. Its a tie between the unicorn shirt above and this black on with white bird.

Perfect shirts to wear to the office for casual Friday! Or maybe even this Giraffe shirt.

So many choices, so little time!

I was fortunate to receive the Own Tote Bag for review. The colour of green pops and stands out against anything that I choose to wear, and I get so many compliments on it. I love the black against the green, it truly is an amazing combination.


WIN IT! One lucky Optimistic Beauty reader will receive a $30 gift certificate for use at Rainbow Swirlz! What will you choose? No seriously :O) To receive your first entry into this giveaway head on over to Rainbow Swirlz and pick out what you will spend your $30 on. Be creative! Have fun!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 6 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on January 29, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

BUY IT. For those of you who are antsy to get your hands on these beautiful items like I am I have a surprise! Mention the Optimistic Beauty Blog in your comments during check out to receive free shipping thru the duration of the contest, and then another week after that. Shipping charges will be refunded after you have completed your checkout via paypal.

Happy Shopping!

Holy Grown Up Batman!

Well it was bound to happen. Finally I am starting to look closer to my 27 years... I got my hair cut and I think that was the biggest turning point.
Oh.. and as some of you who have been following my blog for awhile know I have been busy losing my baby weight (very very leftover baby weight). Finally back down to my pre-pregnancy size after going down the last pant size confirmed last weekend by a new pair of pants :O) Feels great, still a little more to go to get down exactly where I want to be, but the progress feels awesome.

Of course I'm not perfect... but truthfully I don't care ... lol. I am happy with the way things are going... I love my new wardrobe, my new haircut!

Beat the Winter Blahs with Le Boutique - Day 6

**giveaway is now closed**

Just because the cold temperatures and blustery wind are making a perfectly styled do practically impossible doesn't mean we can't fight back with adorable hair accessories. So I propose that we Beat the Winter Blahs by fighting hair fatigue, and giving the Mommy Tail a much needed pick me up!

Le Boutique is a sweet Etsy shop that features among many other items beautiful handmade ponytail holders & bobby pin buttons.

Apart from the absolutely beautiful designs that will make your hair pop Le Boutique also takes the little details into account. All of the elastics are replaceable as they wear out. That is super awesome! The designs are adorable, and you can tell that a lot of effort goes into the planning and development. Another interesting tidbit is that no more then 3 sets of each pattern are made.

I love the vibrancy of the patterns. And my favorite way to wear my pony tail holders is in a ponytail secured with one of them, and then braid my hair and secure the braid with another pony tail holder. A great way to spruce up Mommy hair, especially on mornings when we're running late!

I am ecstatic that LeBoutique has offered one lucky Optimistic Beauty reader their choice of any item (up to $5 value) from her shop! I cannot wait for one of you to also have the opportunity to experience this awesome shop!

To enter visit Le Boutique. Have a look around and come back here and let me know what your favorite item(s) are! That's too easy!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 6 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on January 28, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

Beat the Winter Blahs with See Kai Run - Day 5

** Contest is now closed**

Its time to dig out from the snow, and get our kids outdoors more. What better way to beat the Winter Blahs then getting out and enjoying the day with our kids. And what better way then with an amazing pair of shoes from See Kai Run?

One of the most infuriating part of living in the North is the total and utter lack of shopping options. We have Zellers, Zellers, and oh yeah Zellers. Zellers is okay... but the selection isn't great, the quality is quite frequently lacking, and everyone in town pretty much blends into each other. I find it humerous when I bring the girls around and they have matching boots to half of the kids. So I do rely on online merchants for a lot of my shopping.

So when I was given the opportunity to review a pair of shoes from See Kai Run I was ecstatic! There is so much selection and that is something that I am not used to!

See Kai Run sent Tala the Eliza shoe and let me tell you that it is so beautiful! The purple colour so so vibrant against the cream & ligther purple. These shoes stand out in a crowd! Above all else is the immense quality that is evident. These shoes are well put together, and well designed. Tala was so anxious for the snow to go away so that she could get outside in her shoes. We've been having a lovely patch of glorious weather so she got her wish, and has been showing everyone who'll listen her new shoes.

I'm sure most parents out there can agree that independance for our little ones is of paramount importance. Its the little things that they can take care of for themselves that make them the most proud. But I also know that a lot of shoes that come with velcro closings make it hard for their little hands to judge just how far out they can pull the velcro before it becomes detached. See Kai Run has even taken this small detail into account and they are so kid friendly it is amazing.

If you're looking for a high quality shoe, that will last through a couple kids then See Kai Run is definitely a great choice. Malie is already eagerly awaiting her turn with these gorgeous shoes!

See Kai Run has generously offered one lucky Optimistic Beauty reader the chance to bring home their very own pair of shoes! That's right, any pair of shoes of your choice from their website.

These are my 2nd favorite pair on the site. The Melody shoe is just too cute with the little pink birdies!

Excited? Well then head over to See Kai Run and have a good look around. Come back here and let me know what your favorite pair of shoes is. Its that easy!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 6 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on January 27, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

Beat the Winter Blahs with Bellearoma - Day 4

One sure fire way to Beat the Winter Blahs is by treating your senses to a fresh, uplifting scent! So I am so excited to welcome Bellearoma to the schedule this time around!
One of the things that draws me to Etsy so strongly is the immense time and effort that the artists put into creating their products. Bellearoma is no exception. Take a look at this diffuser set!
Gorgeous or what? What a perfect addition to any room and my goodness does Dee have a full selection of scents available.

I had heard a lot of Reed Diffuser sets, but had never had one, or seen (well maybe smelt is the better word to use.. lol) one in action. So I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I have always been a candle girl. I love fresh smells around the house, and get frustrated putting out money on products like Glade. I much prefer to support the "little guys".

Upon receiving my sample product I took it out of the box and assembled it. It was amazingly easy to set up, simply insert the reeds into the bottle of oil and you're set.

The thing that caught my attention the most when I received my reed diffuser was the hand crafted bottle bracelet that accompanied my package. Its gorgeous, and adds that little extra to the presentation to give it a wow appearance.
Now for the big revelation. The reed diffuser is absolutely amazing with the scent that it dispenses. I am so impressed with the immense quality of the scent that envelopes the room that its placed in. I choose the Eucalyptus and Basil Leaf blend and love it to pieces! Just the perfect blend of both so that its not overpowering. I had heard wonderful things about Ree Diffusers, but never in my wildest imagination realize just how awesome them are!

Belle Aroma features a full line scents, including 8 that are Phtalate Free!

Dee from Belle Aroma has generously offered one lucky Optimistic Beauty Reader the opportunity to bring home a Reed Diffuser of their very own shown here

Interested in winning? Head over to Belle Aroma and have a look around. Then let me know what your favorite product, and scent is! (**important - you must tell me both or your comment will be disqualified!)

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 6 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on January 26, 2009 at 11:59 pm est and is open to Canadian & US residents.

Good luck!

I'm Done!

After an intense week of reading I managed to get through all 4 books in the twilight series. Yes I know that 4 huge books in a week is excessive... however I could not put them down. In fact its a good thing that I loaned the first 2 away already as I want to read them again.

The world that Stephenie Meyer created in the Twilight series is amazing. The characters are fascinating, and it was a great escape from reality. The books above all else helped keep my nightmares at bay for the course of the books, and even last night with no reading to be done I managed a full nights sleep without waking up terrified. One would think that reading about vampires and other scary creatures of the night would give most people nightmares, but I guess I'm not your typical gal!

There were so many twists in the plot that I have to confess that I cheated and read ahead! I started worrying towards the end off book 3 that the climax that I was hoping for would never arrive, and I just couldn't bear to read book 4 unless I knew that what I hoped for would happen. I am so bad that way... but alas... the book did turn out the way I had hoped... my only regret is that that was the end of the series.

The premise behind the books is so interesting, and ties in to my belief that we can't be all their is. I'm not saying that a secret world of vampires exists, but perhaps there is more to life then we see. There has to be more then running through the day to day paces. And I think that perhaps that is one of the reasons that these books captivated me so much, and the legions of readers who also followed along with passion. And perhaps, each and every one of the readers has someone out there, one person who will love them more then anything in the world, someone who is so unabashedly committed to them that they are their world.

Beat the Winter Blahs with Zehn Naturals - Day 3

** this giveaway is now closed**

Feeling the winter blahs? Well one sure fire way to beat the Winter Blahs is with a wardrobe makeover. Yummy, organic, cheeky shirts are the perfect way to spice up your wardrobe and get ready for spring!

When you shop at Zehn Naturals a couple amazing things happen!

For each women's, men's, or children's organic tshirt sold Zehn Naturals will plant a tree. But not just that. They generously donate 10% of their sales to non-profit organizations.

So you not only bring home a high quality, beautiful item, you're making a difference in the world as well. Pretty gosh darn awesome if you ask me!

I have coveted Zehn Naturals for a long time. So when I received my shirt for review I had very high expectations. Which I am pleased to report that I was far from disappointed. The quality of the shirt, the design, and the feel are amazing. I adore my shirt!

The quality of Zehn Naturals is amazing. The shirts are of solid construction, not flimsy, and well stitched. I also love that while the shirts do fit closely to the body, they don't stretch out throughout the day. Super easy care too boot!

With choices like kissing penguins, adopt a bat, or the give a hoot t there's something for everyone.

Want one of your very own? Zehn Naturals has generously offered one lucky Optimistic Beauty reader the chance to bring home their very own shirt. The winner will have their choice of any shirt from their site!

Interested? Then head on over to Zehn Naturals and have a look around. Then come back here and let me know which awesome shirt you would choose if you're the lucky winner!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 6 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on January 25, 2009 at 11:59 pm est.

Can't wait to get your hands on Zehn Naturals? Well you're in luck. Zehn Naturals has offered all Optimistic Beauty readers 25% off their purchase with the coupon code: " WINTERBLAHS ". What a great opportunity to spruce up your spring wardrobe!

Good luck!

Beat the Winter Blahs With Circular Accessories - Day 2

**this giveaway is now closed. Winner to be announced soon!**

If the cold is getting you down, and you're tired of blending in with the crowd, then the Optimistic Beauty recommends Beating the Winter Blahs with a gorgeous scarf from Circular Accessories!

Alison of Circular Accessories has her shop filled with oodles of hand screened items for women, men & children. What I love about Alison's shop is the vast array of items she has available. I have my eye on this dress!

It is very much different then anything that I've seen on the market, and can you imagine the conversations this dress would start while out for the evening? The white fish stands out on the blackness of the dress perfectly. Allison's designs all follow this basic principle. Awesome items that will be noticed.


I was lucky to have the opportunity to review the Red Bird & Sakura Scarf similar to the one shown here but in blue (as picture to the left). I like the fact that the Scarf is blue so that it can easily be worn by both men and women. I also love the fact that this scarf is an amazing length. 93 inches of accessory possibilities!

The fabric is super soft, hangs well, and above all else looks amazing. I love just how long the scarf is. The splash of red in the bird adds just enough flair to the scarf without being overwhelming.

Definitely a high quality product that would be perfect for anyone. And especially perfect for one lucky Optimistic Beauty Blog Reader! One lucky reader will bring home this amazing scarf to add to their collection.

Interested in winning this beautiful scarf? Then header on over to Circular Accessories and have a look around. Then come back here and let me know what your favorite item from her shop is - how easy is that? Well maybe not too easy as there are currently 132 items for sale!

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 6 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on January 24, 2009 at 11:59 pm est.

Good luck!

Beat the Winter Blahs with Helene's Dreams - day 1

***this giveaway is now closed***

What better way to "Beat the Winter Blahs" then with some beautiful jewelry? Jewelry transforms who I am. There is no denying that depending on which pieces of jewelry I put on in the morning they impact the way I feel I look.

A gorgeous piece of jewelry can transform any old outfit and make it look exciting again.

I love the amazing items that Helene creates as they are bright and colourful, and there's no denying that adding a flower or 2 to your winter wardrobe can definitely brighten things up.

My newest splurge (minor splurge as Helene's prices are absolutely amazing!) is this pair of Sophia Lynn Earrings. They are absolutely gorgeous, just the right length, and I receive so many compliments every single time I wear them. Helene has amazing talent in creating earrings that take your breath away, while still keeping them affordable.

If you've been keeping an eye on my blog lately you've probably seen Helene's Dreams before. Helene enjoyed being a part of the Optimistic Beauty family so much she was ecstatic to come back for another round.

One lucky reader of the Optimistic Beauty will bring home their very own pair of earrings from Helene's Dreams just in time for Valentine's Day! After careful deliberation I have selected the Purple Plum Earrings shown below as the perfect pair to help us Beat the Winter Blues.

I love how the Onyx beads accentuate the delicate purple flowers. They are simply divine!

Interested in winning these beautiful earrings? Head on over to Helene's Dreams and have a look around. Then come back here and let me know what your favorite item from her shop is.

Looking for more ways to win? Your wish is my command! Additional entries will be granted for each of the following that you complete. Please leave a separate comment for each!

*~* Blog about this giveaway complete with a direct link to this post
*~* Subscribe to the Optimistic Beauty Email Updates
*~* Follow this blog!
*~* Post my Optimistic Beauty Button on your blog/site
*~* Post my Beat the Winter Blahs Event Button on your blog/site

That's right! You can receive a maximum of 6 entries into this amazing giveaway!

**Please be sure to leave your email address in your post if it isn't included in your blogger profile. If I cannot reach you, you cannot win**

This giveaway will end on January 23, 2009 at 11:59 pm est.

Good luck!

A Wow Win! PZI Jeans

Last month I entered a contest through the Everything Up Close blog. Three lucky readers had the opportunity to bring home a pair of jeans & 2 shirts! There ended up being 469 entries into this amazing giveaway... so I was so surprised to get an email last night proclaiming me one of the winners!

This is my first win of 2009 - and so exciting!

A huge thank you to Everything Up Close & PZI Jeans. I cannot wait to receive my win!

Twilight, a review

I rarely read best selling novels. I don't consider myself a follower, and go out of my way to find obscure authors who write novels that aren't mainstream. But something drew me to the book Twilight by Stephenie Meyer.

My only true response to this book is "um wow". Honestly I cannot believe that I didn't pick it up sooner, nor can I wait to pick up the follow up New Moon tomorrow (my goodness I hope I can find it in this small town or I might cry!).

Truth is? I read this 500 page book in 2 days. I couldn't put it down. While an avid reader I have never been so drawn to a book right off the bat that I couldn't put it down. I'm no stranger to getting into books to the point where I can't put it down until well after 2am... but this book grabbed me immediately, which is an true accomplishment.
After careful deliberation I believe that Stephenie Meyer's unique writing style is responsible for this. The protagonist Bella is (in my opinion) vaguely developed. She can be anyone. With the vagueness in the character creation anyone can see themselves as Bella Swan. Thus allowing you to be drawn into the book and living the book as the protagonist of the novel. A very amazing technique from Mrs. Meyer, and one that apparently is working wonders judging by the amazing sales of the book.

The other thing that this book has working for it is the lead male character, Edward. Without spoiling the suspense for those who haven't yet picked up this amazing novel, he is your typical bad ass, with a twist. The exact sort of guy that you know you should stay away from, but in typical fashion he is irresistible. Surely I am not the only woman out there with a track record of going for the wrong guy? Edward and his adopted family have a deep dark secret that is revealed through the novel to steadily increase your interest, and desire to read on.

In addition to the deep storyline there are also numerous sections where I laughed out loud, and kept laughing.

I started reading Twilight Friday night and to my surprise was still reading at 2:30 am. Finally dragged myself away and fell into a dream filled sleep. Quite to my delight the nightmares that have plagued my sleep for the last months were replaced with dreams about Twilight (you have no idea what a relief it is to be freed from my nightmares, if even for one nigt). The first thing that I thought when I woke up this morning was "I have to read that book". Obsessed much? But rightfully so. Bella too is obsessed, so perhaps my obsession with this novel is simply channeling my inner Bella? Perhaps its goes much deeper. I finished reading the book through the day and I am now sitting here tortured after reading the teasers for New Moon. I knew I should have ordered the whole set!

My only question that I have left is where can I get my own Edward? (surely I'm not alone?)

And so my friends I recommend this book to the highest extreme that I can recommend anything.

My advise? Pick up the whole series because you'll be itching to continue reading the series!

A Soldier's Flowers Review

Recently I entered a contest through Feisty Frugal & Fabulous sponsored by A Soldier's Flowers. Angela was so impressed with the outpouring of support in the contest that she very generously offered everyone who blogged about the contest and linked back to her shop a chance to bring home a goody bag of hair treats for their little ones.

I am so glad that I participated! My girls' goody bag arrived yesterday and they were ecstatic!

Included in the package were 2 sets of clips with adorable designs on them. Blue Mouse ones for Malie, and green camo hearts for Tala. Also a flower comb, and the cutest little headband complete with flower.

Perhaps some of you remember my review on Mama Wess where I mentioned that in most peculiar fashion Malie was the star of the fashion shoot? Well we have a repeat performance! Tala was in a strange photo mood yesterday and was making a funny face in every single photo I took. Miss Malie was far more cooperative!

Absolutely gorgeous Miss Malie showing off her headband!

Tala must have missed the "less is more" memo... as here she is wearing all of her slips & flower comb! She was getting frustrated with Mommy asking her to sit pretty and smile and stop posing... lol

A huge thank you to Angela of a Soldier's Flowers! Check out her shop!

UPDATE! Angela of A Soldier's Flowers has just offered all Optimistic Beauty readers the opportunity to receive free shipping on their orders! Please mention in the comments to seller that you found her wonderful shop through this blog to receive your discount!

Also note that the shop is a little bare at the moment, but will be restocked shortly after she returns home to the US in February.

Evolve Review

After a very long day at work I was pleasantly surprised when the post delivered a last minute package after supper. I took one look at the box and immediately started jumping for joy. My Evolve Showerhead had arrived!

My first impression upon opening my package was just absolutely beautiful the shower head is. I selected the Aspen, which is part of the Rain Showerhead line.


Evolve offers an entire line of environmentally conscious showerheads in all price ranges.

The thing that impressed me the most is their commitment to the environment.

All Evolve Showerheads come complete with their ShowerStart Technology. As a busy working Mommy, I am running around the house doing no less then a dozen things. I turn the shower on in the morning, run to the kitchen, grab a coffee, feed the cat, turn off all the lights that the kids and grandpa have left running, and then head into the shower. All while precious heated water is flowing down the drain, wasting energy in heating the water, and wasting our most precious resource.

ShowerStart was born with the belief that most people are like me. Busy. ShowerStart monitors the temperature of the water. Once the water reaches a comfortably warm temperature it shuts itself off, stopping excess water from flowing down the drain.

When you're ready to commence your shower simply jump in, pull the valve cord and you're good to go.

You can read more about Evolve's ShowerStart technology here

While I strive to find more environmentally friendly options for myself, my children, and our household there are certain things that I cannot bring myself to sacrifice. In the past installing an environmentally friendly showerhead has meant that you end up with a measly little trickle of water being dispensed, fighting to get the shampoo out of your hair. Nothing is more frustrating then hopping out of the shower and going to towel dry your hair, only to realize that its still full of shampoo & conditioner!

The Aspen Showerhead combines the best of all worlds. It is luxurious. It was powerful, relaxing, and reminiscent of showers in high class hotels. I felt like royalty as I took my first shower. There was no fighting to rinse my hair thoroughly.

The stream of water that is dispensed through the rain showerheads saturates your entire head. It reminds me of my childhood and standing out in the rain with my brothers looking up at the sky and allowing the rain to drench us through.

My Dad was the first one through the shower last night. Gave it rave reviews last night, and was still talking about his amazing shower this morning.

All in all I give this amazing showerhead a very enthusiastic 10 stars out of 10.

I recommend the Aspen Rain Showerhead to everyone. It is so easy to install. Simply wrap the plumber's tape around the grooves of the shower arm, and then screw the shower head on. Test it out, and you're golden. It couldn't be easier, or more afforable, to make the switch to a more environmentally friendly product.

I would love to receive this as a gift; it would be ideal for a home warming gift, or a wedding gift. Or treat yourself, you deserve it!

Awesome update! I have just received an email from Evolve and they have offered all my readers the opportunity to pick up an amazing Showerhead at an even better price :O)

For one month, all Optimistic Beauty Readers can save 20% off their order by using the coupon code: bhmblogsspot09

On your marks, get set... go!

Awesome Contest Alert - Live Giveaway at the Classy Closet!

A heads up that starting at 8 pm cst The Classy Closet is offering their readers the opportunity to bring home a $50 gift certificate for Photofiddle.com An amazing site where you can transform your pictures into a beautiful stretched canvas!

This will be a live contest and the lucky winner will be comment #200!... see you there and good luck to all!

Link to the Live contest here

Loving BCJean

I'm sure by now everyone has heard Beyonce belt out "If I Were a Boy" on the radio. The song is everywhere. Awhile back I saw a blurb on yahoo about how the song was borrowed from another artist. BCJean.

So being the curious George that I am I followed the links and ended up at BCJean's Myspace page. And let me tell you that the girl can sing!

Her songs leave me with goosebumps. Her version of "If I Were a Boy" is so full of emotion. I'm not saying that Beyonce's version isn't good... but this version is great! Check out this studio version that I found on You Tube.



At this moment in time the song that is getting the most play on my laptop is definitely "Leave Me Alone" that can be found on her myspace page here

The lyrics:

Keep on claiming that you ever love me, cause you don't, no you don't
Keep on fooling yourself with the words that you told me,
Keep obeing good to you, that's the only thing you know how to do
Just Leave me Alone, leave me alone, leave me alone

Are my personal favorite right now :O)

I have a feeling we'll be hearing much much more from BCJean in the near future!

I'd love to hear what you think of her music!

Photo Love

Have some amazing pictures from the last year? Searching for the perfect way to display those photos?

If you're like me you probably have hundreds of photos of your little ones (surely I'm not the only one a tad camera happy with my digital?).

The perfect way to display all those photos and bring a smile to the faces of your family is definitely a photo calendar!

For a limited through artscow.com you can get not only a 12 month calendar, but an 18 month calendar for only $9.99 including shipping! How awesome is that?

I just finished ordering a calendar for the home and one for my Grandma. 18 months of pure cuteness.

Artscow.com is amazing in just how customizable their layouts are. Not only do they have hundreds of backgrounds to choose from, they also have so many choices in how you can layout your pictures. 1 picture to 10 pictures, the options are seemingly endless.

I squeezed in an amazing 64 photos into my 18 month calendar!

To take advantage of this amazing offer head on over to artscow.com and sign up for a new account (if you haven't already heeded my advise). New members receive a whole whack of goodies to go along with their new membership!

To get your very own 18-month calendar use the coupon code 18MTH999CDR

This awesome deal will end on January 15th so head on over today!

I'm An Optimistic Beauty

So why Optimistic Beauty? Curious at all? Well the truth is that Bif Naked is my absolute most favorite artist in the history of ever (lol). Its always been like her albums were written just for me. They speak to me. They've walked me through some of the hardest times in my life. They are inspiring and when you find an artist that you seem to be so on par with you tend to stick with them. So much so that even your little ones came out of the womb singing along (okay well maybe I'm exaggerating a tad - but totally not exaggerating when I say they are huge fans!).

One of the most fascinating thing about Bif Naked is how vast her audience is. Spanning from the teenage set, right up to their parents. I have been a fan I was 15 or 16 years old, and her music has grown right along with me.

My first Bif Experience came through a boyfriend of mine was obsessed with her. Me and my girlfriend went into HMV one day and in typical teenage girl fashion managed to turn the guy behind the counter bright red when we asked if he thought she was hot. And I've been hooked ever since.

The phrase Optimistic Beauty comes from her song "That's Life" from the album Superbeautifulmonster. By far the best album of the lot which also features the songs "Let Down", "Everyday", and also her remake of Metallica's song "Nothing Else Matters".

I love the phrase in Everyday encouraging us to live each day like its the your last one, every kiss, kiss each kiss like its your first love.

Here are lyrics from the song That's Life... I searched YouTube but couldn't find a music video, or tape of her performing this amazing song.

I like babytalking, popcorn without butter,
and anybody who will pay attention
to these requirements.

I'm an optimistic beauty. Never impolite.
Easy like Saturday, mid-day.
Breezy, chilled-out, dumb girl.

[Chorus]
Thats life with me. I know.
Around and around you will go.
But, if I french kiss you
in the broad daylight,
you'll fall in love..oh,oh,oh.
That's life with me. I know.

Well I am pretending to be a free-bouncing lover.
I wear my defensive mask of optimism like a badge.
And ultimately. I am much to lazy to change.
I'm rather conditioned to my life of melodrama.

[Chorus]

That's life with me. Thats how it will be, my friend.
A roller coaster ride you won't forget.
I am just a mess. I am just a mess, at best.
I am just a blue-ribbon prize winner till the end.

[Chorus]

Above all Bif Naked Music is just fun to turn on really loud and have a blast jumping around, wasting energy with friends and family.

Enjoy!