birthday giveaway

It's very hard to believe but I have been running my mouth (fingers) on this blog for a year now. When I first started I knew nothing about blogging but some amazing people helped me along the way. I never expected to meet so many wonderful people and have so many wonderful followers and fans. First and foremost a huge THANK YOU. If it wasn't for you, I would be talking to myself. That is not unusual but no fun either :). On a very serious note I really do appreciate all of you. When I see I have a new comment I look forward to reading it. Please know that I may not respond to each comment but I read them. For those of you with blogs I also enjoy reading your blogs and your thoughts on things. I love seeing new perspectives and reading reviews of products I have never tried.

I am also very grateful and send a huge thank you to the companies who have worked with me to offer giveaways and products for me to review. That is also a great feeling when someone believes in your blog enough to work with you. That too never goes unnoticed or unappreciated.

I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate my blog's Birthday/anniversary whatever you want call it, than by having a huge giveaway with some prizes from some of the amazing people I have met along the way.

Northern Star read my review here 
Tobi's Touch read my review here 
Isn't this Clever read my review here
Paint Shop Polish you can read my review here 
Polish Yer Hooves read one of my reviews here 
Sweet Tea Polish  read my review here
Mandyland Polish read my review here 
Word of mouth lend me your ear
Polished Expression Design read my review here  
Freebie Mommie 
Peacock Review 
Gothic Gala Lacquers

These 2 beautiful polishes from MandyLand Polish. Both are full size

a Key P it Up Purse hanger of your choice from Isn't this Clever 

2 winners one set each in their choice of colors 

a beautiful polish from Sweet Tea Polish 

2 beautiful Full size polishes of your choice from Gothic Gala Lacquer 

2 beautiful full size bottles of your choice from Polish Yer Hooves

This amazing gift pack from Freebie Mommie

A mini bottle of polish from her Beautiful spring collection. 

2 beautiful bottles of Nubar polish from PeacockReviews

Mystery box from Word of Mouth Lend me your Ear 

From me, that's Ulta mascara sorry it's backwards in the picture!

Since it's a giveaway you know there are rules. So here they are

Entries will be accepted from 2/1/14 - 2/16/14

Good luck remember three winner will be randomly chosen through the RaffleCopter. You MUST be following me on Twitter or GFC or like alwaysblabbing on FaceBook to be eligible to win. This giveaway is open to US residence only Winners will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing information. alwaysblabbing is only responsible for shipping one prize. Once the prizes are shipped, we will do our best to get your prizes to you safely but we are not responsible for them after they are shipped.

Don't forget to come back once a day and share for extra entries.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Purex Mountain Breeze Crystals review and giveaway

I've mentioned in a previous post that I love Purex Detergent, so I was excited when I was able to review the Purex Crystals in Fresh Mountain Breeze. I never tried the crystals  before so I didn't know what to expect. They are a laundry enhancer which is exactly what they do, enhance the smell of your laundry.

They smell so amazing that it's hard to stop sniffing my clothes. It doesn't take a lot to make them smell amazing either. You can add less crystals than recommended if you don't want the smell as strong.  As soon as you open the container you smell the fresh clean smell it's not fruity or flowery but a intoxicating mixture of fragrances.


With Purex Crystals you clothes will smell fresh for weeks, not days. The natural formula is safe for your family and the environment so you can feel good about using it. They can be used on any setting because the crystals dissolve completely in hot or cold water. They are gentle on fabric so you can use them with your good load or everyday load.

I won't tell you that Purex Crystals make laundry more fun but it will make you smile when you notice how great your clothes smell.

Purex is having a giveaway on Facebook where one grand prize winner will receive $500 and 100 second place winners will receive a coupon for a free bottle of Mountain Breeze Crystals, click here  to enter.

Purex was also generous enough to give me three coupons for full size bottles Fresh Mountain Breeze Crystals to giveaway. So ya'll know that means I have to go over the giveaway rules.

Entries will be accepted from 1/29/13  - 2/13/14 at midnight 

Good luck -- three lucky winners will be randomly chosen through the RaffleCopter. You MUST be following me on Twitter or GFC or like alwaysblabbing on FaceBook to be eligible to win. This giveaway is open to US residence only, I am very sorry. Winners will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing information. Please note if follow/like and unfollow/unlike after every giveaway you can be disqualified.

Click here if the RaffleCopter widget doesn't load

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a bottle of Purex Crystals in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine.

Ancient Stones Mineral Makeup review and giveaway

I'm excited to tell you about a new makeup I discovered, Ancient Stones Mineral Makeup. It's makeup made in San Jose California, for women by women with no added fillers or additives. They offer everything you need for a full face of makeup plus a setting spray to help your makeup last all day.

I have never tried a setting spray so I was super excited to try something new. I was asked for a picture of myself and was sent an entire kit to review!  They did a GREAT job matching my skin tone and even my color choices without asking so that was impressive.

This makeup works just like any other. Start with a clean moisturized face to apply your foundation. The foundation is a mineral power, I got Perfect Beige. The color was a great match and a I'm fair/medium tone. I have never been fond of powder foundation I always feel like I need more coverage. That being said this one goes on very pretty, smooths and blends perfectly with very little effort. I tried it with a sponge and a brush, the sponge works much better. It provided decent coverage it's very lightweight and despite being a powder it not cakey and I never felt it on my face. I will wear it again but I would rather a liquid foundation.

The blush I received is named Cactus Bloom, it 's a beautiful shade of mauve. This brush is also a mineral powder which is perfect for a blush. A little goes a long way for a beautiful look. I tried it with a sponge and brush and both work perfectly. I dipped the sponge in the container to apply then blended with the brush anyway.  It is perfectly pigmented giving a pretty, noticeable blush glow without being overpowering.  I really like the blush and will continue to use it.

I was sent two eye shadows Butter Cream which is a cream color base shadow and Brown Shugar which looks purple in the pot but goes on a beautiful shade of brown. Both of these went on smoothly.  I used Butter Cream from brow to lashes as a base. Brown Shugar is extremely pigmented and it took very little to cover my lid.  I again used both a brush and an application sponge, the sponge worked better all I did to finish the look was run a brush over it for blending.  The look was very matte and pretty.  If you spray a little setting spray in the cap with a small amount of shadow it makes very long wearing eyeliner.

I also got a lip cream in Pink Gold which I bet you guessed it a pretty shade of pink. The lip cream is like a lip stick but a little thicker in consistency but it does not go on thick. It is applies nice out of the tube or with a brush and  last a VERY long time. It's extremely pigmented but offers enough color to be noticeable. It is lightweight and not sticky. I can feel it on hours after I applied it even after eating and drinking. When I say feel it I don't mean in a bad way because unless I rub my lips together, I don't know it's there.

The last thing I got was the Ancient Elixir Setting Spray. I have to admit I was a little timid about spraying myself in the face the first time I used this but there was no reason for that. The spray is very light and has no scent. It is more of mist when you pump the bottle. I closed my eyes sprayed on each side of my face and then more towards my eye shadow. I never felt it after I sprayed so no stickiness, stiffness, or gooeyness.

My entire face of makeup wore perfectly. My eye shadow and blush did not crease or fade after a 10 hour work day. The setting spray can be worn with traditional drug store makeup as well.

Ancient Stones was generous enough to offer 3 of my readers a chance to win a 1 oz bottle of Elixir Setting Spray of their own!! So that means I need to go over the rules so here they go:

Entries will be accepted from 2/05/13  - 2/24/14 at midnight  

Good luck -- three lucky winners will be randomly chosen through the RaffleCopter. You MUST be following me on Twitter or GFC or like alwaysblabbing on FaceBook to be eligible to win. This giveaway is open to US residence only, I am very sorry. Winners will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing information. Please note if follow/like and unfollow/unlike after every giveaway you can be disqualified.

Click here if the RaffleCopter widget doesn't load

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received this makeup complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine.

Key P it UP by Isn't this Clever

I recently realized that I can't live without a purse hanger. It's such a great alternative to putting my purse on a nasty floor or having it take up a chair. I was given a chance to review a KeyPitUp from Isn't this Clever and it really is clever.

First of all it is very cute but more importantly it easily creates a hanger for my purse when none are available.  Which is a problem for me all the time. I am always juggling my purse or shoving in on back my chair but with KeyPit Up I don't have to anymore.

It is very unique in the way it is designed to hang on any flat surface or you can clasp it to surfaces that it can wrap around. It  hangs on the side of your purse when it is not in use so good thing it's super cute. There are lots of adorable designs to choose from.

My purse weighs a ton and it held it sturdy for a 10 hour work day. I just put in on side of the desk and it stayed in place. I took my purse down with ease when I needed it.

The hanger is metal but there is a protective coating on the back so it does not scratch or damage the surface you hang it on even if you slide in on and off.  You can quickly and easily put it on a bathroom door which is were I always need a hanger.  You know most public bathrooms don't have one on the door.

Click here for a chance to win a KeyPit Up and lots of other prizes. In the mean time show Isn't this Clever some love follow them on 

FaceBook 

Twitter 

and 

Pintrest 

I received a Key P it Up complimentary from Isn't this Clever in exchange for an honest, uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine. 

Starlooks January 2014 Starbox

It's no secret that I love monthly subscription boxes. I've said it time and time again it's like opening presents every month.  Only these presents are beauty related so that makes it even better.  When I got to review a Starbox I was super excited this one is filled with Starlooks makeup.  I have gotten Starlooks before and love it.  I was SOOOO happy when I saw what was in my box, it is filled with amazingness and for the price wow!!

The first thing I got was Starlooks FasionLashes professional, the box includes lashes and the glue. They look very full and natural. I have not mastered application so I only use lashes on special occasions. These sell for $13.00

A full size tube of Starlooks Tender Gloss in Puzzy which is a light shade of pink. Tender Gloss combines the property of lipgloss and lipstick. It's a very smooth application that leaves a soft shine. Sells for $13.00

A full size pot of Infinity EyeLiner in Orion which is a STUNNING shade of teal. it is so vibrant that all I want to do is look at it. This sells for $13.00

A full size Lip Gloss in Pearl Necklace which like the name insinuates is very shiny and sheer but leaves beautiful shine. This sells for $12.00

As an added bonus I got a mini zebra print nail file, priceless.

So let's see how much everything is full size and sells for $51.00 all together. All for only $15.00 with $2.68 shipping that is amazing. I also saw that in December subscribers got a 15 color eyeshadow pallet in their boxes along with other products, how amazing is that!!??  I give this box 2 thumbs up I can't wait to try everything.

Starlooks is 100% cruelty free so that is a huge plus. They are not only US based which is excited because I know other subscription boxes are US only. If you sign up it's delivered straight to your door every month, and they bill you monthly. You can cancel at any time also there is a note if you get a duplicate item in your box contact customer service and they will take care of you, which ensures you will get to try something new every month.

Do you subscribe to any monthly subscription boxes? What's your favorite? Leave a comment and let me know.

If any of you are interested in signing up for a Starbox because of this post please ONLY use my link. This will show support for my reviews and blog, which is really appreciated. If you sign up let me know.

Follow Starlooks on
FaceBook 
and
Twitter 

I received this amazing Starbox complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine 

Doll Clothes super Store

If your little girls are like mine they have way too many baby dolls and stuffed animals but they love them all. Every year I try to get rid of a few and they are like "no momma I LOVE her or "she's my favorite" so the collection just keeps growing. But all of my girls have that on true favorite that they always sleep with. When I got to review an outfit from Doll Clothes Super Store I was so excited but I had a dilemma I had to choose what girl to get one for. Lucky for me the lovely MaryAnn sent each of my girls an outfit, and  I am very grateful.

Doll Clothes Super Store has outfits for Barbies, Dolls, or stuffed animals so there is a variety of outfits to chose from. They also have accessories such as shoes and purses.  I have to mention they have the adorable matching outfits so your little princess and her favorite doll can wear the same outfit. I gave each of my girls a choice between a doll outfit and a stuffed animal outfit. I didn't mention Barbie because they have tons of Barbie clothes and at one point they said "Barbie stuff is really just too boring to play with" I was devastated by that statement, Barbie was my all time favorite past time as a girl but what can I do.

My five and six year old wanted stuffed animal clothes and my youngest, 3 wanted a doll outfit. So we started looking through the selection.  They have they cutest dresses, pajamas, short sets, and more but it didn't take my girls long to pick what they wanted.

I got the outfits within a few days so shipping was extremely fast. When I got the package I was very impressed at the quality of the outfits. The material is not thin and it is beautifully sown.  I was unsure what size to get but we found something to fit each outfit with little effort. I was glad when the outfits fit some of their favs.

My youngest chose a precious, brightly colored, flowered doll dress with matching purse. She was the first one to get hers because the other two were at school. After I put the dress on she didn't put the doll down. She put things in the dolls purse and carried both of them around until it was time to bathe. When my oldest got home they did a little jump for joy that their outfits were in. We picked a bear for each and dressed it. The clothes fit very nicely and they look so cute.  All of the clothes are easily taken on an off with Velcro or elastic.

My girls love these outfits if you want an outfit or two for the special little girl in your life, Doll Clothes Superstore is generously offering my readers 10% just use code  alwaysblabbingdcs at checkout.  

I received these outfits complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine. 

Purex Bright Washes, Bright Wishes - giveaway

Purex is one of the only laundry detergents we use around here and with five children we wash tons of clothes so you can imagine we use a lot of it. From February 1 2014- February 28, 2014 Purex is they will donate a portion of the sales to the Make a Wish foundation. Make a Wish is one of my favorite charities because I love what it stands for.  So now with help from Purex when I make a necessary purchase I will make a small difference in someone's life.

Make-A-Wish is a wonderful foundation that grants the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience.  With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish grands a wish somewhere in the country every 38 minutes. It has granted more than 226,000 wishes since its inception in 1980; more than 14,000 in 2013 alone.

If you buy Laundry detergent Purex will donate $.05 per bottle for the first 4 million bottles of 75oz liquid detergent sold from February 1 - February 28 and they they will INCREASE the amount to $.10 for every bottle over 4 million. The minimum they will donate is $200,000 and up to the maximum is $300,000.

If you buy Fabric Softener Purex will donate $.08 per bottle for the first 620,000 bottles of Classic and Ultra Lines in Mountain Breeze and Sweet Lavender sold from February 1 - February 28 and will INCREASE that payment to $.10 for every bottle over 620,000. with a minimum payment of $50,000 and up to the  maximum of $100,000.

How amazing is that?? So stock up in February and make a difference for a family going through an extremely hard time. I could not imagine finding out my child had a life-threatening medical disease so Make-A-Wish and Purex bringing comfort for these families is amazing.

Now Purex is giving y'all a chance to win a full size bottle of Purex Mountain Breeze detergent so you know that means I have to go over the rules with you!  So here they are:

Entries will be accepted from 1/26/13  - 2/10/14

Good luck -- two lucky winners will be randomly chosen through the RaffleCopter. You MUST be following me on Twitter or GFC or like alwaysblabbing on FaceBook to be eligible to win. This giveaway is open to US residence only, I am very sorry. Winners will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing information. Please note if follow/like and unfollow/unlike after every giveaway you can be disqualified.

Click here if the RaffleCopter widget doesn't load

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Educents Sand and Water “Sensory” Table Task Cards

I'm ALWAYS trying to teach my little ones something. Sometimes I wonder if I try to teach them too much but I just want the best for them . I have always been sort of a bookworm or nerd myself so I'm full of useless (possibly useful)  tidbits of information.

My girls LOVE to learn my 5 year old is constantly asking to learn but my sons on the other hand are not so eager. My 5 year old son ( yes I have twins) NEVER wants to learn. He shuts down and won't answer, even though most of the time I KNOW he knows it. This is very frustrating for me and him. I try to make it fun but I run out of ideas. I have tried flashcards and games but they usually end in one of us crying (okay maybe not literally but you know)  A teacher suggested I use textiles to help in him learn like sugar or shaving cream. I have no idea why that would help but I'm willing to try anything.

When I was asked to review a packet from Educent PreSchool Rocks bundle I was super exited. There were lots that I wanted to try but I chose the Sand and Water Center. The bundle is 19 downloadable product that retail for $106.00 but Educents sells the bundle for $29.99 that's a savings of 71%. All you coupon moms and dads can appreciate that savings!

The packet I got is TONS of printable activities  with easy instructions for us "teachers" to folow. It's very colorful but my printer decided to run out of colored ink so mine printed black and white. I will eventually print it in color but it is tons of fun.  It teaches with "textiles" like my a teacher friend of mine suggested with my son.  You don't need tons of sand or water but you do need a place you don't mind getting a little wet and dirty or a drop cloth. The package actually suggest table clothes or shower curtains, and offers alternatives to the sand.

I had no alternatives and no place to make a mess so what I did was just cut out the words put them in a pile then I put the magnetic letters (which I had) in a different pile. I let them pull a word then match the letters. I challenged them a little because I did uppercase magnetic letters and the words were in lower case. My son was very resistant at first because I pulled them away from a movie. After a few rounds I said "Okay now ya'll can go back and finish the movie" To my surprise all of them asked if they could keep playing. This is just one activity I can't wait to try others. There are 19 packets in the bundle so I'm sure the teaching possibilities are endless.  This is great to keep Pre-School children sharp during the summer and it's great to teach children that are not yet in school.  I will try it with my youngest next.

Educents has lots of other educational products available at discount prices so go check them out. You can also follow them on FaceBook and follow them on Twitter and Pintrest to be the first to know about extra saving sales and giveaways.

I received this downloadable packet complimentary in exchange for an honest, uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine. But the children helped a little.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

If you would have asked me 6 months ago if you needed a primer I would have asked you why?  That was until I tried one that works just like you would expect a primer to work. I have tried other primers and nothing comes close to Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. First off I will tell you I tried department store because Smashbox is a little expensive. But somethings you have to splurge on. Like they say you get what you pay for.

The first time I tried Smashbox Photo Finish I was a little thrown back by the look. It is clear and looks a little like Neosporin. It also comes out of the tube like you would be squeezing Neo and the consistency is the same as well. But when I put it on my face it almost felt like I was rubbing silk on my face. I know that may sound very silly but it's very true. My face fells unbelievably soft and smooth when I use this primer. I guess that is why can use it with or without makeup.

I have tried it both ways and the only benefit of using it without make up is the way your face feels. But when you layer with foundation, BB or CC Cream it makes my make up look flawless. It is almost like you would expect to see done by a professional make up artist. I have layered BB cream and tinted moisturizers and this primer gives a smoother finish. I will also add that I have used it with department store and drug store foundation and they both look beautiful.

It is clear so it is invisible but blends beautifully and sets in seconds, I just use my fingers to apply. You don't have to wait very long before you put on your foundation. It doesn't peal or flake and it's extremely light weight, I have never felt it on my face. It doesn't feel greasy while applying and my face does not not feel oily or greasy while using and that is something I have a hard time with.

Another benefit of using a primer is it makes your make up very long lasting. All of it foundation, blush, powder looks freshly applied after hours of wear. I'm always pleased when I have make up to remove at the end of the day. All of you know what I'm talking about right.  I love that amazing feeling when I wash off a full face of makeup after I've worked 10 hours.

I won a .25 oz in a FaceBook contest and it lasted me a few months but sadly I'm almost out. I couldn't bear the thought of being without my favorite primer so I just purchased a .50 oz to replace it.  I have also started trying lid primers so I will be back to tell you about my favorite. As you guessed, Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer gets 2 thumbs up from me.

Do you use a primer? I was thinking about trying Too Faced next or maybe another Smashbox. They have a few other primers that sounds interesting. Leave a comment and let know your thoughts on primers. What are you favorites?

Benefit's They're Real mascara

Mascara is a necessity to me I think it is one of the make-ups that can make or break a look. I have tons of mascara and I usually change them up depending on my mood. I have a few that I like but I recently found one I LOVE.

As you may know, I was lucky enough to be chosen for the Benefit Cosmetics LashBash from Ipsy last year. I'm sure you've guess a lash bash featured mascara and makeup. I am a huge fan of all the make up I got as hostess gifts from the lash bash but They're Real is my new favorite mascara.

The wand is straight which defied my thoughts that a volumizing mascara needs a curled wand.  It's also a very clean wand and application process. I don't get mascara all over my hands when I use it nor do I have to wipe off any excess to use. The wand is a little too bulky but not too big.  Because of the slight bulkiness, I don't use on my bottom lashes so I use mascara with a thinner brush for those.

The mascara goes on so smooth with no clumping or sticking your lashes together. You can layer applications within minutes of each other. Even if you put three coats it still looks great. It doesn't smudge or run. It give TONS of volume and curling to your lashes. Just an FYI - I use an eyelash curler to give it an extra boost.  I also apply by wiggling the brush from side to side instead of just sweeping up from the base of lashes.

It doesn't run even if you cry it stays perfectly in place. The only complaint I have is it doesn't remove easily but I guess that is part if what makes it  a good mascara.  I give They're Real two thumbs up and I will continue to buy this mascara when this one runs out.

If you want to join Ipsy because of this post (or something I've said) please only use my link , this will show support for my blog and reviews.  I did receive this mascara free but was under no obligation to write a post. I just liked it so much I wanted to share it with ya'll.