Misikko Review and Giveaway

I was so excited to have reviewed Misikkos hair care products!  Before I get into my review I want to thank Misikko for this opportunity.  Not only do they have awesome PR but when I recieved my package I was stunned! Just look...

This is a company that takes pride in every step!  I'm reviewing the Chi Silk Infusion and the Hana Shine Shield. Everything else was just completely unexpected and simply lovely!!  So thank you very much Misikko!





Product Information:


CHI (Cationic Hydration Interlink) Silk Infusion is a leave in reconstructing treatment that's enriched with pure silk and is alcohol free.  For soft manageable hair with incredible shine and no build up and protects your hair against thermal styling and environment






Hana Shine Shield is a thermal serum that can be used as a leave-in conditioner - lightweight and never greasy, it protects and strengthens hair whether you use it with a flat iron, hair dryer or alone. Shine Shield contains the natural magic of Jojoba oil for its superb qualities of deep moisturization, fast absorption into hair follicles and scalp, and unparalleled shimmer & shine.





In addition to their great line of hair care products, Misikko sells top of the line salon tools. Such as the CHI Flat Iron, curling irons, skin and makeup products and the best hair dyers.

My Review:

I have dyed, curled, straightened done just about everything since I was 16y/o.  My hair has been through a lot a few changes.  But I try and take care of the damaging effects from the fads I go through.  I have tried many oil treatments, leave in treatments, conditioners, even a couple of "home remedies"...  Some worked a bit some not at all.  I sort of just figured it comes with the territory of being a girl who likes her hair styled.  I was very pleased with the results I got from using Misikkos Hair Care Line. 

These 2 photos were taken to show you the proof.  I'm in absolute love with Hana Shine Shield and CHI Silk Infusion!  My hair felt softer, more manageable and it honestly looks so much healthier!  Ive gotten so many compliments on my hair.

I used about a quarter sized amount just after washing.  Worked it in from root to tip.  Blew dried it out and ran my fingers through it.  It felt so soft! Then used the curling iron as usual.  In both pictures I did the exact same thing...minus the CHI and Hana products on the right.

A little closer look. Click on the image is you wish to enlarge it. But I think you get a pretty good idea!

Psyched and Ready for your chance to win! 

Rules Of The Giveaway:

**OPEN TO US AND CANADA**

MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Misikko and tell me your favorite product.

Extra Entries:

• Join Misikko’s newsletter (+3) **Leave Your Email**
• Blog this and link back to me.(+2) **Leave your Post Link**
• Like Misikko on Facebook and comment TheChickenista sent you! (+2)
• Follow/email subscribe/ "like"on FB "Reviews & Giveaways by TheChickenista"(+3*must be all 3*) 
• Follow Me and Misikko on Twitter (+1)
• Subscribe via Email (+1) *Remember to verify because I will check*
• Like Me On Facebook(+1)
• Tweet /Facebook Status(+1)

♥Please use this phrase when tweeting or FB♥

" RT @TheChickenista Enter to win @Misikko Hair Care http://tinyurl.com/WinMisikko #giveaway "

YOU MUST:

Leave a comment for each entry.  Example: If you 'join the newsletter' it's +3 so leave 3 comments(labeled 1, 2, 3) Leave your email address, if I can't get ahold of you I have to pick another.  Leave you twitter link if you tweeted, twitter name if you follow, facebook link if you make it your status, facebook name if you "like".

Thanks and Good Luck All!

***************Giveaway Ends 8/8/10***************

FTC Compliant: I received Chi Silk Infusion and the Hana Shine Shield free of charge for reviewing purpose.  I was not compensated in any way.  These are my thoughts and feelings and were in no way influenced.

Trendy Plus Sized Clothing Review & Giveaway!

Alight.com is a plus sized clothes online shop.  Their commitment for the last ten years have been to bring the latest and most fabulous trends to women sized 12-34.  They sell dresses, denim, shorts, tops, outerwear, swimwear, and more!

After having 4 kids, I haven't really gotten back to my "me" size just yet.  So it's nice to find a store like Alight.com where I can still have those cute trendy clothes!

I received a sweet little sun dress to review.  At first, I wasn't to crazy about the straps.  They kept falling over, but I decided to just tuck them and see how I felt.  I loved the design of it.  In this AZ heat a sundress was very welcomed!  The length is about mid thigh and the eyelet trim is so cute!  Overall I felt very pretty in my new dress!  Even with tucking the straps, which I prefer and am going to just alter, I would have to say this was a nice choice.

There are so many sundresses, little black dresses, evening dresses....  Its a girls dream!

Alight.com has generously offered a reader one item of Alight's choosing.  So thank you to them!!  Woo Hoo!

**Mandatory Entry Sign up For Alight's newsletter and leave me the email you used.**

**Without this entry you WILL NOT be elgible**

♥Extra Entries♥

• Follow me on Google Friend (1 extra)
• Follow me on Twitter and Alight (2 extra)
• Follow/email subscribe/ "like"on FB my new blog Reviews & Giveaways (4 extra must be all 3) **(see below)
• Tweet about it (2 extra)
• "Like" Alight On Facebook (2 extra)
• Write on your Facebook status about this Alight giveaway (2 extra)
• Subscribe via Email (1 extra)*Dont forget to confirm because I will check
• Blog about this giveaway on your blog, then link back to this post (5 extra)

---->REMEMBER TO LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY AND YOUR EMAIL!TWITTER NAME AND FACEBOOK NAME ALSO IF YOUR ENTERING FOR THOSE.♥

*Only acceptable phrases to put for FB and Twitter: (one tweet/status update per day)

RT @TheChickenista Enter to win a fabulously trendy clothing item from @alightcom http://tinyurl.com/freealightcom

Giveaway entries received until 8/07/2010 at 11:59pm

**This will become my new home for R&G's.  TheChickenista will return to my personal blog about becoming self-sufficient, raising kids and home educating with the helpful links tips and tricks.

FTC Compliant: I received the clothes  free of charge for reviewing purposes from Alight.com The Writings are my own opinion.

All Natural Candy Kits Review & Giveaway

Glee Gum all natural, gluten-free eco-friendly chicle.

Glee Gum sells 3 all natural "Make Your Own" candy kits. The Gum kit uses natural chicle from the Sapodilla trees from the rainforest in Central America. The Chocolate kit includes organic cocoa butter from Costa Rica. The Gummy kit contains carrageenan made from seaweed from the Philippines. Each has an educational fact sheet enclosed.

Using these kits will teach children about the rainforest, the ocean, ethnobotany, chemistry, math, measurement, ecology/environmental issues, and home economics all while having fun!

Being a home educating family, I'm always on the look out for fun and creative ways of learning. After all thats the point of home schooling, isn't it?  But this isn't just for home schooled kids. I think all us parents try to squeeze in educational facts whenever where ever.  You can use the sample lesson plans on the Glee Gum website for their kits.  Which I really appreciate, lesson plans keep me on track.  There is also a 18 minute video you can order that shows the harvesting of chicle.

From Tree to Glee is one link your gonna want to bookmark.  The kids and I had fun seeing how exactly Glee Gum becomes Glee Gum! A very cute interactive map that takes you from Central America to the factory to the store.  Its really neat and the kids will love this!

Glee sent me their "Make your own Chewing Gum" kit. This one kit makes 50 pieces.

We opted to make gum "balls" since it got them more involved.  The kit says for ages 8 & up, but I had a 5 & 3yr old doing stuff.  So I think as long as there is adult supervision, it's fine.  Like I always say, as long as I'm teaching one I might as well teach them all.  The younger ones may not get it all, but I've laid the foundation for them. 

This is one ranks up there with the "make your own ice cream project" as far as easiness.  We used the microwave so I didn't really have to do anything but supervise.  Of course, the older ones handled the microwave.  The kids all had a blast.  Some mixed, some kneaded, and some rolled.  Everyone had a job.  The kit came with two flavors.  Cherry and cinnamon, so we broke up the chicle and made two batches. Which was also easier since I had 7 kids involved.  Each one was able to have about 5 or so and put them in a baggie. 

I'll tell you why I liked this kit.  It came pre-measured, everything's included (even a lesson plan on their site!) and it really is kid- friendly!  The kids were able to do all the work themselves.  When we do an out of book lesson like this, the only job I should have is the overview.  The kids take turns reading and working.  I feel it teaches them teamwork, patience and they walk away with a better understanding of the project as well.

It's summertime, and the kids should continue learning throughout the year I think!  Glee gum has offered one of my readers a chance to make some fun in their own home!  If you want to go ahead an order on your own that's fine.  Go to GleeGum to place your order or for an  Educator's kit or Store Locator too.

Rules of the Giveaway:

****Mandatory-->Go to the GleeGum website and tell me your favorite kit or flavor****
**Open only to Continental US Residents**

♥Extra Entries♥

• Follow me on Google Friend ~Public~(1 extra)
• Follow me on Twitter and GleeGum (2 extra)
• Follow/Email Subscribe/ "Like" on Facebook my new blog Reviews & Giveaways (4 extra)** (See below)
• Tweet about it (2 extra)
• "Like"GleeGum On Facebook (2 extra)
• Write on your Facebook status about Glee Kit giveaway (2 extra)
• Subscribe via Email (1 extra) *Dont forget to confirm because I will check
• "Like" TheChickenista on Facebook (1 Extra)

---->REMEMBER TO LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY AND YOUR EMAIL!TWITTER NAME AND FACEBOOK NAME ALSO IF YOUR ENTERING FOR THOSE.♥

Please use this phrase when tweeting or facebook updating:


" RT @TheChickenista I entered to win a @gleegum  candy kit at http://tinyurl.com/GleeGum  #giveaway"

**************Giveaway Ends 7/29/2010**************

**This will become my new home for R&G's.  TheChickenista will return to my personal blog about becoming self-sufficient, raising kids and home educating with the helpful links tips and tricks.

FTC Compliant: I received the GleeGum Candy Kit  free of charge for reviewing purposes from GleeGum. The Writings are my own opinion.

 

Kid Safe Internet! Zoodles Review& Giveaway!

Zoodles is a kid safe FREE browser, that can be easily used by kids!  Simply point the mouse and click.  Best yet, each child has their own "playground" built for their age group! Filled with educational games from around the web.  Zoodles has placed them all within reach of your child, taking out the time you would spend searching.

When I was asked to review this browser I jumped at the chance!  Kids nowadays know the internet very well.  And you think you've taken every precaution to keep them safe.  But I know from experience just making one little typo can send you into a whole wrong part of this cyperworld!   Anyone type.com instead of .org or .net or vise versa and been taken somewhere you don't belong???  How many times has that happened to kids out there surfing?  So yes, I really wanted to try this out!

**Please Click on Any Image To Enlarge**

Example of a 10yr old playground

Example Of a 3 year old playground

But Zoodles didn't stop just there! This is the part I love! Being a home schooling family, I don't have a "Learning Lab" Its pretty much up to me to find these educational games.... Then what?  How do I know they're working. Or if their even on the right game?? *Especially the older ones that know how to surf*

Zoodles has a parent dashboard that allows the parent to curve the games to the learning specific to the child. So like with Caitlin 3 y/o, she knows her shapes her numbers to 10 and can say the alphabet but not by sight....So I would increase her reading.

With Anthony, 10 y/o, it's more of a focus in Math & Reading.  So you can see here I increased those subjects.

Another part of the parent dashboard tells me everything!   Zoodles tells me exactly where they were and for how long....Pretty awesome huh!  Wyatt is only 5 y/o and still thinks he can trick Mama still so...  I just log in and check to see if he put in the time he was suppose to. 

Also a pie chart

There is just so much Zoodles has to offer! Zoodles is a free child-safe browser but for the play timer, progress reports, child updates, Ad blocking, subject promoting you must upgrade. Everyone gets a 14-day trial period to try it all!  Just go to Zoodles and sign up!

Here's a few sites Zoodles has:

• American Girl
• PBS Kids
• Animal Planet
• Cartoon Network
• MacMillian McGraw-Hill
• National Geographic
• Baby TV
• Ni Hao Ki Lan
• Starfall
• Funschool
• much more!

The very generous Ginny has offered an upgraded  3 month membership to a lucky reader!

Rules for the Giveaway:
****MANDATORY Visit Zoodles and tell me something I didn't mention,****

♥Extra Entries♥

• Follow me on Google Friend ~Public~(1 extra)
• Follow me on Twitter and Zoodles (2 extra)
• Follow/Email Subscribe/ "Like" on Facebook my new blog Reviews & Giveaways (4 extra)** (See below)
• Tweet about it (2 extra)
• "Like"Zoodles On Facebook (2 extra)
• Write on your Facebook status about Zoodles giveaway (2 extra)
• Subscribe via Email (1 extra)
• "Like" TheChickenista on Facebook (1 Extra)

---->REMEMBER TO LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY AND YOUR EMAIL!TWITTER NAME AND FACEBOOK NAME ALSO IF YOUR ENTERING FOR THOSE.♥

Please use this phrase when tweeting or facebook updating:


" RT @thechickenista I entered to win a @Zoodles membership the kid safe browser at http://tinyurl.com/Zoodles
#giveaway "

**************Giveaway Ends 7/28/2010**************

**This will become my new home for R&G's.  TheChickenista will return to my personal blog about becoming self-sufficient, raising kids and home educating with the helpful links tips and tricks.

FTC Compliant: I received the a 6 month membership free of charge for reviewing purposes from Zoodles. The Writings are my own opinion.

***************************CLOSED************************************

YoYo Lipgloss Review & Worldwide Giveaway!

I was lucky enough to try out the very stylish and trendy YoYo Lipgloss!  The retractable lipgloss. Where "your never at a loss for your gloss!"  These are so genius! They come hooked on these clips you can place anywhere!  I was given these 4 great flavors Kissable Kiwi, Girly Green Apple, Cha-Cha Chocolate and Big Bounce Bubble gum.

I had my nieces (13 y/o, 10y/o, and 6 y/o) over and I gave them each a gloss to try out.  First off, they loved the design.  Very hip and trendy.  They had never seen anything like this and were very happy their Tia' had the ins, because that meant they would be the envy of their friends. Since this product is marketed to girls in this age group I figured I'm going to let them do a review on it!  So after they played "Try and steal my lip gloss" with everyone,  I asked them what they thought of Yo-Yo Lipgloss.......

Here's their take:

13 y/o:  It makes my lips feel soft and there's sort of a tingle.... (Cooling tingle).

10y/o:  I like the design on the clip.  Its cool!  Each clip matches our lip gloss color!

6 y/o:  Here Tia' you can have my old one!  (This girl loves her "makeup" and for her to give me her old one says a lot!)  She loved the glitter inside the gloss.

It was neat to see the different places they each put their gloss.  The oldest hung it from her hip. The middle one on the top of her shirt and the youngest from her purse strap!

Now my review:

Seeing that to the girls I'm an oldie.....  I still had to try it out to see for myself.  They all smelled so good!  And they looked like they were getting all the fun!  I chose the Cha-Cha Chocolate. It felt very rich and luscious and I would agree that my lips felt softer.  There was a slight tingle, not a strong as say a plumper... but slight.  Unlike some other glosses that can feel tacky on, YoYo lipgloss just felt smooth.  It lasted on my lips for a good while too.  I love the fact that when I need it, I don't have to empty my purse to find it. (Everything ends up on the bottom)  I can just hook it on the inside of my purse and find it in a snap! 


These are great for any age!!!  From my daughter who is 3 (and can't keep her hands off my stuff) to the teen (who knows it all) all the way to the oldie (who I think is still very trendy!)  Their fun, stylish and a solid product that does last on the lips!

Would I use this company:

I just sent off 3 girls with these and will be showing them off to all their friends...You know I gotta buy more!  So YES!

*EXTRA TID BIT* This Fall YoYo Lipgloss will begin carrying blush, nail polish (minus the toxins!), eye shadow( with a lil' glitter!)! So be sure to sign up with your email and you can be one of the first to know when its available!


Now the very kind and awesome Victoria from YoYo Lipgloss has offered one of my readers a chance to win a $10 Gift Card to get their own glosses!!

Rules of the Giveaway:

****Mandatory-->Go to the YoYo Lipgloss website and tell me your favorite color/flavor or any product****

♥Extra Entries♥

• Follow me on Google Friend ~Public~(2 extra)
• Follow me on Twitter and YoYo LipGloss (3 extra)
• Follow/Email Subscribe/ "Like" on Facebook my new blog Reviews & Giveaways (4 extra)** (See below)
• Tweet about it (2 extra)
• "Like"YoYo Lipgloss On Facebook (2 extra)
• Write on your Facebook status about Gloss giveaway (2 extra)
• Subscribe via Email (2 extra) *Dont forget to confirm because I will check
• "Like" TheChickenista on Facebook (2 Extra)

---->REMEMBER TO LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY AND YOUR EMAIL!TWITTER NAME AND FACEBOOK NAME ALSO IF YOUR ENTERING FOR THOSE.♥

Please use this phrase when tweeting or facebook updating:


" I entered to win a @yoyolipgloss Giftcard at http://tinyurl.com/YoYoLipgloss @thechickenista so I'm Never at a Loss for My Gloss! #giveaway"

**************Giveaway Ends 7/25/2010**************

**This will become my new home for R&G's.  TheChickenista will return to my personal blog about becoming self-sufficient, raising kids and home educating with the helpful links tips and tricks.

FTC Compliant: I received the YoYo Lipglosses  free of charge for reviewing purposes from YoyoLipgloss. The Writings are my own opinion.

Brugo Mug Review & Giveaway!

How many times have you burnt your tongue taking that first couple sips of coffee in the morning???  I have. Plenty of times!  And I'll never learn.  I'm running late and I need my caffeine!! Thank goodness Brugo has built a mug for people like me!  People who love their hot drink, but not so much scalding themselves to enjoy it.

Description:
It's Tip and Sip mug has a perfect temperature compartment.  In one quick tip the once too hot coffee becomes the perfect temperature to consume!  All the while leaving the remaining coffee hot and aromatic!  Meanwhile an ordinary coffee mug will cool down eventually to taste..... but by the time your half way through, it's cold.  I only like cold coffee when its blended with some caramel!

The unique design has a locking lid with three choices. Lock, sip or tip & cool.  Lock to hold in the freshness, sip for when its at a tolerable heat and tip & cool when you're just starting out.  Not to mention its a very good looking mug.  When you hold it, you can tell its a very sturdy, durable mug. 


My Experience:
I was lucky enough to try out this mug.  I'll be honest the first time I used the mug I filled it up from a fresh pot and ran out the door.  I was running late for Cody's dentist appointment.  I'm pulling out of the yard and I turned the lid to "tip & cool", tipped it... and was kinda nervous.  What if it doesn't work!  I'll have a mouth full of really really hot coffee!  I slowly took my sip...and it was nice and warm!!  It floored me!  Oh I was a happy camper!  I even had Cody excited.  So much he begged to try it with hot chocolate!  That's when it dawned on me, I need to get these for the whole family!  We do Winterhaven every year here at Christmas. (Its a neighborhood that goes all out with Christmas lights.  The whole city turns out for it).  We always get the kids a Styrofoam cup with hot cocoa.  But its way too hot for them to enjoy while we walk.  The only thing its good for is warming up your face til it cools down!

If I'd let my kids use it for hot cocoa that's saying a lot!

Would I Use This Company?
Absolutely!  Very pleased.

Brugo Mugs come in 13 different colors so everyone can have their own, in their own color!  The very awesome *and generous* Spero Pavlopoulos has allowed me to give one to a lucky reader!!  Could be you! 

But first if you want to just jump ahead and go get some for the whole family here's some great offers!  When you buy at least 2 mugs you will recieve 25% off!  Plus free shipping on any order over $50!

 Rules of the Giveaway:

****Mandatory-->Go to the Brugo website and tell me your favorite color****

♥Extra Entries♥

• Follow me on Google Friend (1 extra)
• Follow me on Twitter and Brugo Mug (2 extra)
• Follow/email subscribe/ "like"on FB my new blog Reviews & Giveaways (4 extra) **(see below)
• Tweet about it (2 extra)
• "Like" Brugo Mugs On Facebook (2 extra)
• Write on your Facebook status about Brugo giveaway (2 extra)
• Subscribe via Email (1 extra)*Dont forget to confirm because I will check
• Blog about a hot coffee accident on your blog and why you really need a Brugo Mug so it never happens again, then link back to this post (5 extra)

---->REMEMBER TO LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY AND YOUR EMAIL!TWITTER NAME AND FACEBOOK NAME ALSO IF YOUR ENTERING FOR THOSE.♥

*Only acceptable phrases to put for FB and Twitter: (one tweet/status update per day)

"I'm entered to win a @BrugoMug so I can enjoy my coffee NOW!  Enter to win yours at TheChickenista http://tinyurl.com/BrugoMug #giveaway"

"@BrugoMug thought of me when they made this mug!  I'm entered to win one at TheChickenista #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/BrugoMug"

"No more hot or cold coffee, just the perfect temperature! Thanks @BrugoMug! Win at TheChickenista #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/BrugoMug"

Giveaway entries received until 7/21/2010 at 11:59pm

**This will become my new home for R&G's.  TheChickenista will return to my personal blog about becoming self-sufficient, raising kids and home educating with the helpful links tips and tricks.

FTC Compliant: I received the Brugo Mug  free of charge for reviewing purposes from Brugo Mugs. The Writings are my own opinion.

***********************************CLOSED******************************************

Review and Giveaway! Just In Time For Mother's Day

Becoming more 'earth-friendly' is not always an easy task.. You become accustomed to certain ways, a certain "clean". I've found a lot of cleaners out there that claim to be "all natural" or "environmentally safe"...That is until you start reading the back! Or your lucky enough to find organic only to try it out and it doesn't really do the job!

I was fortunate to be given some really great products from Ecostore USA, an all natural and organic company, to try out. Best of all No Nasty* Chemicals™ !

First let me just say when this company says they're Eco-friendly they mean it!! Everything shipped was made from recycled materials and the packing peanuts were made from soy. I was very impressed to see that!








Their Sleepytime Bath was just heaven! Its filled with aromatheraphy oils that calm and relax. Perfect for fussy babies and babies with sensitive skin! It left Caities skin feeling soft and clean.

I also just had to try their Vanilla Shampoo & Conditioner for dry and damaged hair. In my younger years, I was the girl that never had the same hair color the next time you saw her. So I was very excited to get my hands on this find! I know it's only been a few washings, but I'll tell you the first time I used it, I noticed a difference! I didn't have to brush my hair first then comb.. The comb slid right through! The mix of essential oils left my hair smelling amazing all day long!

Ecostore USA offers over 100 products ranging from personal care to household cleaners. Even a bleach alternative! Which I'm ordering!

The wonderful people at Ecostore USA are offering one of you a chance to win a $25 gift certificate!! Right now they are also offering free shipping on all orders $25 and up! Their collection of soaps would make great Mother's Day gifts!!





6 Ways To Enter:

~♥Be sure to leave your name & email in this post comment!!♥~

*Leave me a comment

*Follow me on Twitter -leave me comment on this post letting me know

*If you already follow me Tweet this!- leave a comment on this post letting me know

*Blog about this- Leave me a comment on this post with your url

*Go visit Ecostore USA- Leave me a comment on this post telling me your great find

*Place my widget on your blog- Leave me a comment on this post with your url



(One comment per way of entry please)





I will close this on May 17, 2009



Meanwhile....

Check out the Ecostore blog!