Thursday, August 30, 2012

Nature Pals & Gymini Giveaway Event

This free event is for the Nature Pals mobile and Gymini! If you'd like to join this free even simply sign up here!

I have signed up to take part in a multi-blogger event where this great gift will be won by someone.....hopefully one of my readers!  The event runs 9/4 - 9/18, so make sure and come back to enter it!   If you're a blogger and would like to join in, just click on the link above!

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

CVS Shopping - Finally a Great Deal



I used to LOVE shopping at CVS where I could get so much for free and even make money "buying" items.  It's been pretty slow the past year....they didn't even have their school supplies free after ECB's this year.  I guess they were just trying to drum up business with the great deals during the sluggish economy the past few years but now have evened out so the bargains are harder to find.


This week is the first time in more than 6 months I've stepped into a CVS, and here's why:

Deal:  Buy $30 in participating P&G products and get a $10 gas card

Items I bought:
(2) - Pantene products
(4) - Tide liquid detergent, 26 loads
(3) - UNREAL candy bars
(1) - Nice 'n Easy non-permanent hair color
TOTAL before coupons = $39.62

Coupons I used:
(1) $3/2 Pantene, 7/29 PG insert
(2) $2/2 Tide, 7/29 PG insert
(1) FREE CVS facebook coupon for UNREAL
(1) Free UNREAL, given to me as a part of a review
(1) B1G1 free UNREAL, given to me as a part of a review
(1) FREE Nice 'n Easy, given to me as a part of a review from VocalPoint
There was also purported to be a $4 CVS coupon printing at their machine, but I didn't get it.
There was also purported to be a $2 CVS Beauty Club member coupon via email, but I didn't get that either.

Rebate I submitted:
Buy $25 in P&G products, get $5 back

The breakdown:
Spent $25 after coupons
 - $10 gas card
 - $5 rebate
Total for all = $10 for 10 items....that's just $1/ea.

If you take out the coupons I got for a review, it'd be $10 spent on 6 items (Pantene and Tide) = $1.66/ea ----still a SMOKING deal for what I got.

If I'd have found the two CVS coupons, I'd have gotten everything for just $4!  As it was, I was more than happy with everything I got for just $10.

UNREAL™ Candies Trial and Review

So, as I mentioned before, I was given the opportunity as a BzzAgent to try out these new chocolate treats for my honest review.  Check out some of the information I posted here about these treats.



I received a coupon to try one of their 5 new items and went to CVS to cash it in since they had a special running where you could also get one free through CVS' Facebook page.  At CVS, they are regularly priced at $1.19 and currently on sale for $1.00.  I bought the UNREAL54 (candy coated chocolates with peanuts) and the UNREAL77 (peanut butter cups).



My daughter, husband and I all tried the "54", candy coated chocolate with peanuts.  We all had the same opinion that it was okay given that it was a "healthier" version of the popular competitor's candy that we all like.  The package was 1.5 oz as compared to the slightly larger competitor's package at 1.75 oz.  The biggest difference between the two is the lower sugar content and the fact that we could pronounce everything in the ingredients list in the UNREAL candy.  I loved that the coloring on the candy coating was from "beetroot juice, tumeric root extract, and purple cabbage juice", so much better than seeing "yellow dye #4" or something like that!!!  The taste was okay, but definitely not as sweet.  Given the price, taste, and ingredient differences between the two, we probably would not purchase the UNREAL54 again, but it's definitely NOT a bad choice if you're really trying to watch what you put in your body.














The three of us also tried the "77", peanut butter cups.  Again, the package size is smaller than the popular competitor's item and the biggest difference we found was the lower sugar content and the natural ingredients.  The texture of the peanut butter wasn't as creamy as I would have liked, but the biggest thing that got all three of us was the taste.  I hate to say it, but it had a terrible taste that I can't quite describe and I couldn't finish one of the cups.  The aftertaste really hung around a while too.  I would guess that if you were used to all natural peanut butter without sugar and you were okay with the lack of sweetness in the chocolate, you would be okay with these peanut butter cups.














If you're interested in reading more about these items, visit their website at http://getunreal.com or check them out on Facebook!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

UNREAL™ Candy



I've been asked to participate in a BzzAgent campaign to review UNREAL™ candy.  No artificial preservatives or flavors, no trans fat, no corn syrup, reduced sugar are just some of the benefits of this all-natural candy.  I can't wait to try it to see if it actually tastes good and satisfies my sweet tooth!  Once I get the chance to try it out....I'll be sure to come back and let everyone know what I think about it!  In the meantime, you can pick these up at Kroger's, Walgreens, and CVS.  If you've tried them, let me know what you think!

Check out their website here to learn all about how they're un-junking candy and nutritional comparisons to popular candies.

Glade Expressions® Collection



I've been granted the opportunity as a BzzAgent to try out the Glad Expression mist and oil diffuser.  I can't wait to see how these work and how long the scent will last in the room.  Hubby loves scented candles and other room sprays, so I am looking forward to his opinion on these.  Once I get the products and try them out, I'll come back and let everyone know how we like it.  In the meantime, here's a little about the product from Glade and BzzAgent:

Being the gifted hostess that you are, you know entertaining is all about presentation. Creating a welcoming space takes work, so having your home décor do double duty is, well, ingenious.

The Glade Expressions® Collection is inspired by art and designed to be left out on display. These authentic, easy-to-use home fragrance products release scents that open up note by note, filling your home with lightly layered fragrances and inviting life in. The breakthrough line includes two unique, refillable products:

Glade Expressions® Fragrance Mist comes in a chic holder that blends with your décor for a burst of fragrance that's always out and available. Simply squeeze to release a long-lasting, light mist of fragrance; then refill the holder with your favorite true-to-life scent.

The Glade Expressions® Oil Diffuser releases authentic and exotic fragrances without having to plug it in or find batteries. The trendy holder matches décor perfectly - and is also refillable - making it an effective, stylish option for layering true-to-life fragrances in all of your living spaces.

With four inspiring fragrances to freshen your air, modern holders that complement your (already fabulous) decorating sense and the opportunity to refill scents at your convenience, why not invite the Glade Expressions® Collection into your home before the next round of guests? Your inner hostess knows this is a no-brainer.

Have you tried any of the products in the Glade Expressions Collection before?  If so, what scent did you try and how did you like it?

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Progresso Recipe Starters



As a BzzAgent, I am being given the opportunity to try out the new Progresso Recipe Starters soon!  I have selected the Fire Roasted Tomato variety, so I can't wait to see what awesome recipes I can create with it.  Here's some information on the Progresso Recipe Starters from BzzAgent.  I'll come back here once I've tried it out and let you know what I think.



Ever wish snapping your fingers really could transform things? A pile of bread crumbs into Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, a pound of ground beef into Mushroom Swiss Burgers, a cantaloupe into your own talking cat. Wait...were we the only ones hoping for that last one?

You know as well as us that snapping your fingers won't get you and your family a gourmet-quality meal in seconds. But opening up a can of Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ and setting aside 30 minutes? That'll do the trick. Your head start to home-cooked, these delicious sauces help you create amazing meals with a culinary touch, especially when you're crunched for time.

Available in five culinary-inspired varieties and conveniently located in the soup aisle at the Kroger Company Family of Stores, Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ cooking sauces pair perfectly with fresh ingredients to solve all your weeknight dinner dilemmas. No miraculous finger snapping required. (Unless, of course, you're hoping for a cat to compliment you on your cooking.)

Five Flavors = Some Ideal Meals
  • Creamy Parmesan Basil Sauce – Transform the chicken breasts in your freezer into Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
  • Creamy Three Cheese Sauce – A casserole dish and a few simple ingredients gets you Easy Weeknight Bacon Mac 'n Cheese
  • Creamy Portabella Mushroom Sauce – Work this sauce into your lean ground beef for a round of gourmet Mushroom Swiss Burgers
  • Creamy Roasted Garlic Sauce – Grab a rotisserie chicken on your way to making Easy Weeknight Chicken Pot Pie
  • Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce – Put a new spin on a meaty classic with Cheese-Stuffed Mini Meat Loaves

Discover 30 days of recipes
Check out the original recipe printed on every Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ can. For a month's worth of inspiration, scan the QR code on your can with your smartphone, or visit Progresso.com/Recipe-Starters!

Has anyone tried these yet?  What did you think and what variety did you try?  Found any recipes that pique your interest?

6 Foot Ultimate Sack Giant Bean Bag Chair Giveaway Event

I am participating in my first multi-blogger giveaway event!  This looks like a great prize for kids and adults alike and I am excited to be a part of offering a chance to win to my readers!  If you have a blog and would like to sign up to participate in this event, read on.  If you're looking to enter the giveaway.....hold tight because it doesn't begin until 8/29!  Come back and enter between 8/29 - 9/12.

6 Foot Ultimate Sack Bean Bag Chair giveaway event ~ Bloggers Wanted!



http://www.bellasavvy.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1344878132_ultsk-evnt-btn1-BSS.jpg

Hosted by Bella Savvy

PRIZE: One winner will receive a 6 foot Ultimate Sack bean bag chair with fur cover in the color of their choice ($280 value). It measures 6 foot wide by 3 foot high.


This bad boy seats 3 adults!


EVENT DATES: August 29, 2012 - September 12, 2102

Open To: U.S. only

This event is sponsored by Ultimate Sack!

Requirements:  Participation is FREE when you post this announcement on your blog OR pay $4.00 for no post.

You will receive one free link in the rafflecopter entry form (Facebook or Twitter).

Additional links are available for $3.00 each (including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Picket Fences, Email, Rss, or StumbleUpon).

You MUST be a blog owner and your blog must be at least 6 months old. Business blogs such as It Works Wraps can participate for a fee of $1.00 per blog/site.

You MUST agree to help promote the event at least once per day (co-hosts twice per day) to help spread the word and publish the post HTML by the specified date and time of 12:01 am. EST (NO EARLIER!).

Giveaway announcement and giveaway posts (on the day of the event) require the event button/image, giveaway info, sponsor and host links and the rafflecopter code (on the actual giveaway post). Not just an event button located in your sidebar!

~ Sorry but if you joined any of our previous events and failed to post, you will not be permitted to join this event! ~


READY TO SIGN UP?


** To use the button image above, go here http://www.bellasavvy.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/1344878132_ultsk-evnt-btn1-BSS.jpg, then right-click and copy the image. Save it and then paste it in your post **

Head over to the Sign Up form and submit your info!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Covergirl & Olay Review

As a BzzAgent, I was given the opportunity to review the COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation and COVERGIRL & Olay Pressed Powder.  I received these products free of charge for my honest review, but please be assured that all opinions are 100% my own and truthful.  Before I let you know how my first day using the product went, here's a little bit about the foundation and powder.

Science and beauty
Skincare and foundation. Indulgence and affordability. COVERGIRL and Olay. Isn't it great when your favorite things come together to help you look your best? COVERGIRL and Olay have teamed up again, bringing you COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation and COVERGIRL & Olay Pressed Powder, to provide coverage for ageless, radiant looking skin, just in time for the peak of summer.

Give your skin a second chance
COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation is no ordinary make-up. Thanks to COVERGIRL & Olay, it smoothes the appearance of rough surfaces and gives your skin a radiant finish. COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation also contains known skin conditioning ingredients to hydrate your skin and help improve skin tone over time. Neat, huh?

Perfect your look
You can't turn back the clock on aging, but you can reduce the signs. Just one pump of new COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation helps instantly cover discolorations, fine lines and wrinkles. And finishing your look with a soft layer of COVERGIRL & Olay Pressed Powder will help brighten your skin tone.

MY REVIEW:

Foundation - I LOVED this foundation.  When they say that one pump is all you need for all-over coverage, they aren't kidding.  I didn't even need a full pump for full coverage.  The thing I liked most about this foundation is how it feels, it is so creamy...almost like a mousse and feels very light on your skin.  After I put the foundation on, I couldn't even tell I was wearing it.....it blended in that seamlessly with my skin and felt so light.  Even after hours of wearing it, I didn't feel greasy or oily nor did I start to feel heaviness from the foundation.  It covers so well that the rough or red spots on your skin are barely noticeable.

Powder - I have to be honest, I NEVER wear powder because I hate the way it looks on my face....always sitting on top and looking like, well, powder on my skin.  I was very hesitant to try this pressed powder, but since I agreed to try it out, I did.  I was really, really pleased with this powder. I don't know exactly how it's different from the standard COVERGIRL pressed powders, but it is!  I gave a light swipe over my entire face after applying the foundation and I couldn't tell it was on at all.  It doesn't sit on top of your foundation, it seems to blend in right with it.  I can tell that the powder is the finishing touch to keep my face matte all day long and if I do start to see shine, I make a swipe or two with the powder and I'm back to my finished look again.

Overall - I am not much of a fan of make-up because I generally don't like the way it makes my skin feel and it clogs my pores.  The COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation was excellent though and I will definitely continue to use this.  I can't wait to see how it refines the tone of my skin over time.  My husband doesn't like when I wear make-up because he's more of the 'natural is beautiful' type of guy.  I asked him what he thought after the foundation and powder and he was really surprised.  He said he couldn't tell I was even wearing make-up and that it looked really good.....now that's just what I wanted to hear!!




Before - notice the rosacea on the cheeks :(



After - much less noticeable rosacea









Have you tried either of these products?  What did you think about them and have you noticed a change in your skin tone over time?

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Cellfire Coupons - Aug 2012

Just a friendly reminder that there are a limited amount of coupons left and time is running out! These offers will be available until August 31st. 

These offers are valid at Kroger and Kroger subsidiaries, Carrs, Genuardi's, Randall's, Tom Thumb, Shop 'n Save, Foodtown, and Harps. These offers will be available from 8/1 - 8/31 and they expire on 9/15/12.

See what other great coupons are available on the Cellfire website!

Totinos Party Pizza Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy FIVE any flavor/variety Totino’s® Crisp Crust Party Pizza® Products.

Totinos® Pizza Rolls Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy THREE PACKAGES any flavor/variety Totino’s® Rolls Snacks.

PB Cookie Dough Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy TWO PACKAGES any variety Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cookie Dough.

Old El Paso® Save $.60
Save $0.60 when you buy THREE Old El Paso® products  (Excludes Old El Paso® Refrigerated,  Frozen OR Soup products).
   
Nature Valley® Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO BOXES any Nature Valley® Granola Bars (5 count or larger) OR Nature Valley® Granola Thins.
   
Fiber One® Cereal Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy any ONE BOX Fiber One® cereal listed: Fiber One® Original, Fiber One® Honey Clusters®, Fiber One® Raisin Bran Clusters®, Fiber One® Caramel Delight™, Fiber One® Frosted Shredded Wheat, Fiber One® 80 Calories, Fiber One® Nutty Clusters & Almonds.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX Cinnamon Toast Crunch® cereal.
   
GM Fruit Snacks Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy THREE BOXES any flavor/variety Betty Crocker® Fruit Shapes, Fruit by the Foot®, Fruit Gushers® or Fruit Roll-Ups® Fruit Flavored Snacks; Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks, Mott's® Fruit Flavored Snacks OR Sunkist® Fruit Flavored Snacks.

Fiber One® Chewy Bars Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Fiber One® Chewy Bars.

Cookie Crisp® Cereal Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy any ONE BOX Cookie Crisp® cereal.

Chex Mix® or Snacks Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE any flavor 4.5 OZ. OR LARGER Chex Mix® OR Chex® 100 Calorie Snack.

Bisquick® Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE 20 OZ. OR LARGER Original Bisquick® OR Bisquick Heart Smart® Baking Mix, OR 10.6 OZ. Bisquick® Shake ’n Pour® Pancake Mix.

Yoplait® Frozen Smoothie Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy ONE any flavor Yoplait® Frozen Smoothie.

Fiber One® 90Cal Brownie Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Fiber One® 90 Calorie Brownies.

PB Egg ScramblesTM Save $.55
Save $0.55 when you buy ONE any Frozen Pillsbury® Egg ScramblesTM OR Grands!® Biscuit Sandwiches.

NV Protein Bars Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any 5 count or larger Nature Valley® Protein Chewy Bars.

Yoplait® Cups Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy SIX CUPS any variety Yoplait® Yogurt (Includes Original, Light, Light Thick & Creamy, Thick & Creamy, Whips!®, Lactose Free, OR Simplait™)
   
Cereal Treat Bars Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Cinnamon Toast Crunch® Treats, Cocoa Puffs® Treats, Lucky Charms® Treats, Golden Grahams® Treats, Chex Mix® Treats, OR Milk ’n Cereal Bars.

Cereal Treat Bars Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Cinnamon Toast Crunch® Treats, Cocoa Puffs® Treats, Lucky Charms® Treats, Golden Grahams® Treats, Chex Mix® Treats, OR Milk ’n Cereal Bars.

Betty Crocker® Mixes Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy TWO Betty Crocker® Ready to Spread Frosting, Supreme Brownie Mix, Dessert Bar Mix, Box Muffin Mix, OR 17.5 OZ OR LARGER Cookie Mix.

Yoplait® Cups Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy SIX CUPS any variety Yoplait® Yogurt (Includes Original, Light, Light Thick & Creamy, Thick & Creamy, Whips!®, Lactose Free, OR Simplait™)

Monday, August 6, 2012

Cellfire coupons - August 2012

Totinos Party Pizza Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy FIVE any flavor/variety Totino’s® Crisp Crust Party Pizza® Products.

Totinos® Pizza Rolls Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy THREE PACKAGES any flavor/variety Totino’s® Rolls Snacks.

PB Cookie Dough Save $1
Save $1.00 when you buy TWO PACKAGES any variety Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cookie Dough.

Old El Paso® Save $.60
Save $0.60 when you buy THREE Old El Paso® products  (Excludes Old El Paso® Refrigerated,  Frozen OR Soup products).
   
Nature Valley® Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy TWO BOXES any Nature Valley® Granola Bars (5 count or larger) OR Nature Valley® Granola Thins.
   
Fiber One® Cereal Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy any ONE BOX Fiber One® cereal listed: Fiber One® Original, Fiber One® Honey Clusters®, Fiber One® Raisin Bran Clusters®, Fiber One® Caramel Delight™, Fiber One® Frosted Shredded Wheat, Fiber One® 80 Calories, Fiber One® Nutty Clusters & Almonds.

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX Cinnamon Toast Crunch® cereal.
   
GM Fruit Snacks Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy THREE BOXES any flavor/variety Betty Crocker® Fruit Shapes, Fruit by the Foot®, Fruit Gushers® or Fruit Roll-Ups® Fruit Flavored Snacks; Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks, Mott's® Fruit Flavored Snacks OR Sunkist® Fruit Flavored Snacks.

Fiber One® Chewy Bars Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Fiber One® Chewy Bars.

Cookie Crisp® Cereal Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy any ONE BOX Cookie Crisp® cereal.

Chex Mix® or Snacks Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE any flavor 4.5 OZ. OR LARGER Chex Mix® OR Chex® 100 Calorie Snack.

Bisquick® Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE 20 OZ. OR LARGER Original Bisquick® OR Bisquick Heart Smart® Baking Mix, OR 10.6 OZ. Bisquick® Shake ’n Pour® Pancake Mix.

Yoplait® Frozen Smoothie Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy ONE any flavor Yoplait® Frozen Smoothie.

Fiber One® 90Cal Brownie Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Fiber One® 90 Calorie Brownies.

PB Egg ScramblesTM Save $.55
Save $0.55 when you buy ONE any Frozen Pillsbury® Egg ScramblesTM OR Grands!® Biscuit Sandwiches.

NV Protein Bars Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any 5 count or larger Nature Valley® Protein Chewy Bars.

Yoplait® Cups Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy SIX CUPS any variety Yoplait® Yogurt (Includes Original, Light, Light Thick & Creamy, Thick & Creamy, Whips!®, Lactose Free, OR Simplait™)
   
Cereal Treat Bars Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Cinnamon Toast Crunch® Treats, Cocoa Puffs® Treats, Lucky Charms® Treats, Golden Grahams® Treats, Chex Mix® Treats, OR Milk ’n Cereal Bars.

Cereal Treat Bars Save $.50
Save $0.50 when you buy ONE BOX any flavor Cinnamon Toast Crunch® Treats, Cocoa Puffs® Treats, Lucky Charms® Treats, Golden Grahams® Treats, Chex Mix® Treats, OR Milk ’n Cereal Bars.

Betty Crocker® Mixes Save $.75
Save $0.75 when you buy TWO Betty Crocker® Ready to Spread Frosting, Supreme Brownie Mix, Dessert Bar Mix, Box Muffin Mix, OR 17.5 OZ OR LARGER Cookie Mix.

Yoplait® Cups Save $.40
Save $0.40 when you buy SIX CUPS any variety Yoplait® Yogurt (Includes Original, Light, Light Thick & Creamy, Thick & Creamy, Whips!®, Lactose Free, OR Simplait™)