Showing posts with label my giveaways. Show all posts
Showing posts with label my giveaways. Show all posts

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Soap Nuts Review and Giveaway

I've been looking for safer, more environmentally friendly products to use around the house for laundry, cleaning and other needs. I've just tried USDA Certified Organic Greener Living Soap Nuts, courtesy of Buy Soap Nuts. Soap Nuts are the fruit of trees in India and Nepal and contain saponin, a natural soap. They also have anti-microbial (germ killing) properties.


I was impressed not only that my clothes came out clean, but at how soft my clothes were... without using a fabric softener sheet. When I washed a load of clothes that included some sweaters I was surprised that I had no static cling, the load with my big plush robe had a bit of static, but not much. My flannel sheets came out great as well. I'm fragrance sensitive, so it was great to have just the smell of clean.

Although very good for regularly soiled clothes, which mine were, I haven't tried them on heavier soiled clothes, but for stained clothes it is recommended to use some type of stain remover as well. I also haven't tried it on my whites yet.

To use for laundry, put 4 or 5 Soap Nuts in a small muslin bag and put it in the washer with your laundry. Remove the bag before putting your clothes in the dryer. They normally do 4 or 5 loads, but in cold water, I easily got 6.

You can also make a concentrated liquid by boiling 12-15 whole Soap Nuts in 6 cups of water for 30 minutes. The liquid does not contain any preservatives so it will need to be used within a few days. It can be stored in the refrigerator or portioned in ice cube trays and frozen.

Regardless of whether you use the whole nuts or liquid, the spent nuts can be added to your compost. I don't have a compost pile, so I just push them into the soil in my pots.

Another thing that impressed me about Soap Nuts is that they are not just for laundry: they can be used for other household cleaning needs and because of their anti-microbial properties they can also used help relieve skins conditions like eczema and psoriasis. I'll be spraying the liquid on some of my plants later this spring to see how well they work to deter bugs.

I haven't found any one product that I plan on using exclusively for laundry or other needs, but Soap Nuts are truly an all purpose item and it's another one of those products that I'll continue to use.

Now on to the giveaway. Buy Soap Nuts has generously offered a 500g bag of their USDA Certified Organic Greener Living Soap Nuts, a $22 value, to one of my readers.

Please read the rules before continuing

Mandatory: You only need to do this once. Check out Buy Soap Nuts and comment with something you learned about Soap Nuts.

Extra entries:

Leave separate comments for each entry. If it says 2 entries, remember to leave 2 commentsAdditional Rules: Open to US and Canadian residents

This giveaway ends 4/24 at 11:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Tropical Traditions Laundry Detergent Review and Giveaway

I've really been enjoying trying the different Tropical Traditions products, this time I had the opportunity to Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent. I'm trying to become more"green" and I like that Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent is environmentally safe and non toxic. I also love that there is no fragrance, just the scent of clean.



I'm very pleased with the results, my laundry came out nice and clean and the whites were bright white. I didn't have any items with ground in dirt, so it didn't test it to that degree. For me, it's an item worth keeping in my arsenal of laundry supplies.

To use:
  • For regular size washers and normally soiled loads use 1/4 cup (2 oz) of detergent
  • For large size washers add 1/2 cup (4 oz) of detergent
  • For heavily soiled loads add 1/2 cup (4 oz) of detergent and 1/4 to 1/2 cup (2-4 oz) of Oxygen Bleach
  • For extra cleaning and stain removal power use Oxygen Bleach as a pre-soak or add 2-4 ounces of Oxygen Bleach to 1/4 cup of our Laundry Detergent per load
  • For front-loading machines use half the amount that is called for with top loading washing machines. For front loading washers and normally soiled loads, use 1/8 cup (1 oz) of Powdered Laundry Detergent
  • Not suitable for silk or wool
If you check out the per use price, it would be equivalent or less than commercial laundry products, and you can buy it when Tropical Traditions puts it on sale, like I would do.

Thanks to Tropical Traditions you can have a chance to try a a 5 pound container of their Powdered Laundry Detergent, a $25.99 value for yourself.

Please read the rules before continuing

Additional Rules: Open to US and Canadian residents

Mandatory: You only need to do this once. Check out Tropical Traditions and comment with a another product you would like to try. Their list of organic and natural products just keeps growing and growing.

Extra entries:

Leave separate comments for each entry. If it says 2 entries, remember to leave 2 comments This giveaway ends March 27 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Special Offer for First-Time Tropical Traditions Customers

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

My Giveaway Rules

Rules for giveaways hosted by my blog
  • If a mandatory entry is required, which will usually be the case, follow the instructions on the giveaway post. You only need to complete the mandatory entry once.
  • Entries are per person, but you are expected to enter only for yourself.
  • Extra entries will be allowed for blogging, check individual giveaways for the number of entries allowed. In posting on a blog, I will require the name of the sponsor with a link and the name of my blog, again with a link. Something in the order of "Win (sponsor name and link) (product) at (blog name and link)" is acceptable. If you choose to write more, thank you. No "click here" links. Copies of Twitter posts on a blog are not a blog entry. Leave a direct link to your post in your comment.
  • Extra entries will be allowed for posting on Twitter, again check the individual giveaway for the amount of entries. Remember to leave a direct link to the tweet in your comment.
  • Open to those 18 years of age or older unless otherwise stated on the giveaway post.
  • Open to US residents unless otherwise stated on the giveaway post.
  • Email must available in profile or be in comment
  • Winners chosen by random.org and notified by email
  • Winner has 72 hours to claim, if prize is not claimed within 72 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen
  • The prize will be shipped by the sponsor. If there is ever a problem receiving a prize, I will contact the sponsor and try to get it resolved. However, I am in no way responsible for prize delivery.

Tropical Traditions Coconut Peanut Butter Review and Giveaway

I recently had the chance to try Tropical Traditions Coconut Peanut Butter. It contains two ingredients: organic Valencia peanuts and organic dried coconut.


I didn't know what to expect, the taste is different, but good. It's a good balance of coconut and peanuts, there is a coconut taste, but it doesn't overwhelm the peanuts. So far I haven't been very creative, I've just had it on toast.

Our house is kept cool this time of year so we have to take a little out of the jar and warm it slightly to make it spreadable, the opposite would would true in warmer months, the oils would separate and you would have to stir it to mix it again.

Thanks to Tropical Traditions you can have a chance to try a 16 oz jar of Coconut Peanut Butter, a $14.99 value for yourself. They also have it on sale at their site for 50% off. You can get it for $6.99 a jar until Sunday February 7.

Please read the rules before continuing

Additional Rules: Open to US and Canadian residents

Mandatory: Check out Tropical Traditions and comment with a another product you would like to try. Their list of organic and natural products just keeps growing. Edit: You only need to do this once

Extra entries:

Leave separate comments for each entry. If it says 2 entries, remember to leave 2 comments This giveaway ends February 13 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Special Offer for First-Time Tropical Traditions Customers

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Friday, November 13, 2009

Tropical Traditions Organic Raw Honey Review and Giveaway

Tropical Traditions Organic Canadian Raw Honey is a crystallized raw honey, not a liquid. It's harvested only during a 6 week period, from the wilds of Canada and not being processed, it still contains the the good stuff (nutrients, enzymes and such) that honey is known for... and the flavor is awesome.

Up until now the only honey I have had has been processed honey: clover, orange (my favorite until now) and whipped honey. What a treat I was in for. It's smooth, creamy and delicious. Can you say heaven in a jar? It's by far the best honey I've ever tasted.

Thank you, thank you Tropical Traditions for giving me the chance to try this wonderful honey.

Tropical Traditions Organic Canadian Raw Honey

According to Tropical Traditions,

Tropical Traditions Organic Raw Honey has not been subjected to the heat of processing, only warmed enough to flow (same temperatures the honey would see inside the hive). We select only premium honey that is pure, smooth and creamy, with the consistency of soft margarine at harvest. It contains live yeast and enzymes, because it has not been processed. It also contains pollen because it has not been filtered—merely screened.

Fine textured crystals are characteristic of totally pure, unheated, unprocessed, raw honey. Properly crystallized honey has a fine, smooth texture. Crystallized honey preserves natural goodness and doesn’t drip. The more rapidly honey crystallizes the finer the texture will be. It will also turn harder over time as it crystallizes. Truly raw honeys do not deteriorate with age, but like fine wines, continue to age and develop into more complex tastes.

Thanks to Tropical Traditions you can have a chance to try this awesome honey, a $17.50 value for yourself.

Mandatory: Check out Tropical Traditions and comment with a another product you would like to try. Their list of organic and natural products just keeps growing.

Extra entries:

Leave separate comments for each entry. If it says 2 entries, remember to leave 2 comments This giveaway ends December 5 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Rules:
  • Open to those 18 years of age or older
  • Update 11/17 Open to US and Canadian residents
  • Email must available in profile or be in comment
  • Winners chosen by random.org and notified by email
  • Winner has 72 hours to claim, if prize is not claimed within 72 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen
  • The prize will be shipped by the sponsor
  • Entries are per person

Special Offer for First-Time Tropical Traditions Customers

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Tropical Traditions Organic Palm Shortening Review and Giveaway


Once in a while, we like having our fried food or baked goods. What we don't like is all the unhealthy things like trans fats that come with frying food or baking with using standard shortenings. That's one of the reasons I was interested in trying Tropical Traditions Organic Palm Shortening.

Organic Palm Shortening is made from Palm Oil, with some of the unsaturated fats removed, making it solid, odorless and colorless. It has a pretty high smoke point, 450 degrees, making it great for frying. It's very shelf stable AND IT IS TRANS FAT FREE. Like Organic Coconut Oil and butter, it's a saturated fat that up until modern history has been considered healthy. In fact, much of what we were taught about certain saturated fats has been reversed and their hydrogenated replacements have been found to carry even more health risks.


Anyways, one of the things I've been really hungry for is Indian Fry Bread. So, I made up a batch of dough and used the Organic Palm Shortening to fry it up. It turned out great. We also used it for some good old fried potatoes and onions. Although we don't plan on going crazy with fried foods, it is great to know that our occasional splurge isn't so bad for us anymore. I definitely give it a thumbs up.

Now that the weather has cooled a bit I'm more likely to bake and I'm looking forward to trying it out in other ways as well (with temps in or over the mid 90's until this week, and just starting a new job two weeks ago, after over a year of being unemployed, baking has been the last thing on my mind).

You can also learn more about Tropical Traditions by watching the video How We Discovered Virgin Coconut Oil - An Interview with Brian Shilhavy, CEO Tropical Traditions

Thanks to Tropical Traditions you have a chance to win a gallon bucket of Tropical Traditions Organic Palm Shortening, a $35.75 value, to try for yourself! To enter:

Mandatory: check out Tropical Traditions and comment with a recipe you would like to try, leave the link to the recipe in the comment.

Extra entries:
  • Leave separate comments for each entry. If it says 2 entries, leave 2 comments
  • Sign up for Tropical Traditions newsletter for 3 entries
  • Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter for 2 entries, leave user name
  • Tweet this giveaway using: "RT @vlbsweeps @troptraditions Tropical Traditions Organic Palm Shortening giveaway http://bit.ly/bt0cJ ". This can be done daily, leave the link to the tweet in your comment.
  • Blog about this giveaway with a link to this giveaway and to Tropical Traditions for 3 entries, leave direct link of your post.
This giveaway ends Saturday October 24, 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Rules:
  • Open to those 18 years of age or older
  • Open to US residents
  • Email must available in profile or be in comment
  • Winners chosen by random.org and notified by email
  • Winner has 72 hours to claim, if prize is not claimed within 72 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen
  • The prize will be shipped by the sponsor
  • Entries are per person

Special Offer for First-Time Tropical Traditions Customers

Edit: This review and giveaway is based on sample product I received from Tropical Traditions.

Friday, September 11, 2009

ValueRays® Warm Mouse Review and Giveaway

ValueRays® Warm Mouse
Thanks to Warm Mouse-Heated Keyboard I had the opportunity to try out ValueRays® Warm Mouse and I must say, I'm looking forward to using it during the cold months. My mouse hand usually stays cold to the point of numbness during the winter months. Although my hand was not cold at the time I was using Warm Mouse, it was a bit achy and I found the heat gave me relief. The infrared heat was delivered to the palm area and quickly warmed up my hand, easing the aching. I didn't need to keep it on very long at any single time. ValueRays® Warm Mouse is an ergonomically designed two button mouse with a scroll wheel and is USB powered with a convenient on/off switch right on the cable for the infrared heat. Other features include:
  • Carbon fiber heating element
  • Warms the hand with a comfortable 99-104 degrees Farhenheit temperature
  • Uses a low voltage (5V) and is safe for people and the computer
  • Improved 800 DPI scrolling Heated Warm Mouse
  • Requires no drivers or software
  • Easy plug & play installation
  • ROHS & CE Certified
5-Piece Set for Cold HandsOther USB infrared heated products available in addition to the heated mouse include the Warm Mouse Pad, Warm Keyboard Pad and USB Mouse Hand Warmer®. Also available is a non USB Mouse Hand Warmer®.

Visiting the Learning Center, I learned a lot of interesting things about infrared heat and how it's used to provide relief for many diseases, such as arthritis. Infrared heat can also be used to help prevent the onset of such things as carpal tunnel. There is also a video overview of the products here.

Eventually, I'll probably end up using what Warm Mouse-Heated Keyboard calls their Designer Computer Mouse House, the trio of products that includes the Warm Mouse, Warm Mouse Pad and the Mouse Hand Warmer®(non USB). I can see where the different applications would be useful.

Warm Mouse-Heated Keyboard is sponsoring a giveaway for a ValueRays® Warm Mouse, a $29.95 value, to one lucky reader. Thank you Warm Mouse-Heated Keyboard.

Mandatory: Visit the Learning Center and leave a comment with the something you learned that's not mentioned in the review.

Extra entries (Leave separate comments for each entry. If it says 2 entries, leave 2 comments):

  • Sign up for USB Warm Gadgets News for 2 entries. Leave the email address used for the newsletter, if different from the one used for this giveaway.
  • Follow Warm_Mouse on Twitter for 2 entries, leave user name
  • Become a ValueRays® Facebook Fan for 2 entries, leave user name
  • Tweet this giveaway using: "RT @vlbsweeps Win a @Warm_Mouse ValueRays® Warm Mouse http://bit.ly/13ciUb" This can be done daily, leave the link to the tweet in your comment.
  • Blog about this giveaway with a link to this giveaway and to Warm Mouse-Heated Keyboard for 2 entries, leave direct link

This giveaway ends Saturday October 3,2009 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Rules:
  • Open to those 18 years of age or older
  • Open to US residents
  • Entries are per person
  • Email must available in profile or be in comment
  • Winners chosen by random.org and notified by email
  • Winner has 72 hours from notification to claim, if prize is not claimed within 72 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen
  • The prize will be shipped by the sponsor
Opinions expressed are entirely my own and based on my use of the product. Individual results may vary.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Tropical Traditions Unscented Soap and Moisturizing Lotion Review and Giveaway

I have been using Tropical Traditions Unscented Soap and Unscented Moisturizing Lotion for about two weeks now. As I'm fragrance sensitive the Unscented Bar Soap and Moisturizing Lotion sounded perfect to try.

In using the soap, made from saponified organic virgin coconut oil, I was surprised by how much lather you get from such a little amount of soap. Tropical Traditions does recommend against using the Bar Soaps, Shampoo Bar or Liquid foaming Soaps on the face as they can be very drying. Although I would suggest you follow Tropical Traditions recommendation, I still have combination/oily facial skin and have been using it with no problem. However, I do follow it either with small amounts of Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil or, when oil is not appropriate, the Unscented Moisturizing Lotion. My skin feels very clean after using the soap.

The Unscented Moisturizing Lotion, made from Virgin Coconut Oil and Virgin Palm Oil, I found to be pretty rich, with just the slightest hint of a coconut scent. I can use it sparingly, right from the bottle for my body, but for my face, I have to thin it with a bit more water. Once it soaks in, my skin feels so nice and smooth. Tropical Traditions lotions as well as their creams and lip balms contain no alcohols, no artificial fragrances, and no petroleum products. In fact, look at the ingredients of the Unscented Moisturizing Lotion: purified water, organic virgin coconut oil, organic jojoba, emulsifying wax (plant based, no soy), grapefruit seed extract, and virgin palm oil. Pretty simple.

Visit Tropical Traditions to learn more about the products they sell, and to learn more about how Tropical Traditions was founded, you can watch the video How We Discovered Virgin Coconut Oil - An Interview with Brian Shilhavy, CEO Tropical Traditions

Thanks to Tropical Traditions you have a chance to win a bar of Unscented Coconut Oil Soap AND a bottle of Unscented Moisturizing Lotion. If you're fragrance sensitive like me, now would be the perfect time to give it a try.

Mandatory: check out Tropical Traditions and comment with something you learned about Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil or Virgin Palm Oil.

Extra entries (Leave separate comments for each entry. If it says 2 entries, leave 2 comments):

  • Sign up for Tropical Traditions newsletter for 2 entries. Leave the email address used for the newsletter, if different from the one used for this giveaway.
  • Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter for 1 entry, leave user name
  • Tweet this giveaway using: "Tropical Traditions Unscented Coconut Oil Soap and Unscented Moisturizing Lotion giveaway @vlbsweeps @troptraditions http://bit.ly/2XgVby ". This can be done daily, leave the link to the tweet in your comment.
  • Blog about this giveaway with a link to this giveaway and to Tropical Traditions for 2 entries, leave direct link
This giveaway ends Saturday September 19,2009 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Rules:
  • Open to those 18 years of age or older
  • Open to US residents
  • Entries are per person
  • Email must available in profile or be in comment
  • Winners chosen by random.org and notified by email
  • Winner has 3 days to claim, if prize is not claimed within 3 days, an alternate winner will be chosen
  • The prize will be shipped by the sponsor
While you're here, check out my giveaway for Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil ending 9/12

Special Offer for First-Time Tropical Traditions Customers

Friday, August 21, 2009

Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil Review and Giveaway

I've had the opportunity to try Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil and all I can say is WOW. I really love it's versatility. It has a very slight coconut scent and taste, but you don't really taste the coconut. I have used it in cooking, as a treatment on my hair and as a bath and body oil. It has become my bath oil of choice. A little goes a long way, I use 1/2 teaspoon of oil in my bath. It soaks into my skin fairly quickly and I love how my skin feels.

The French Toast made with the coconut oil turned out great as did the popcorn. We have used it for other cooking needs with success. One of the few things I don't care to use it for is salad dressings... the flavor of the dressing was very good, but I don't want to take the time to bring the dressing to room temperature before use. Coconut oil is a solid below about 76 degrees.



To learn more about Tropical Traditions, watch the video How We Discovered Virgin Coconut Oil - An Interview with Brian Shilhavy, CEO Tropical Traditions

I also received the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Shilhavy. The book has many testimonials from people who have successfully used Virgin Coconut Oil for it's health benefits. Virgin Coconut Oil has very high levels of medium chain fatty acids and also contain lauric acid. The book also contains many recipes.

Now on to my first giveaway! Thanks to Tropical Traditions you have a chance to win a quart of Organic Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil to try for yourself! To enter:

Mandatory: check out Tropical Traditions and comment with another product you would like to try.

Extra entries:
  • Leave separate comments for each entry. If it says 2 entries, leave 2 comments
  • Sign up for Tropical Traditions newsletter for 2 entries
  • Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter for 1 entry, leave user name
  • Tweet this giveaway using: "Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil giveaway @vlbsweeps @troptraditions http://bit.ly/wMk6u Ends 9/12 RT ". This can be done daily, leave the link to the tweet in your comment.
  • Blog about this giveaway with a link to this giveaway and to Tropical Traditions for 2 entries, leave direct link
This giveaway ends Saturday September 12, 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Rules:
  • Open to those 18 years of age or older
  • Open to US residents
  • Email must available in profile or be in comment
  • Winners chosen by random.org and notified by email
  • Winner has 3 days to claim, if prize is not claimed within 3 days, an alternate winner will be chosen
  • The prize will be shipped by the sponsor
  • Entries are per person


Special Offer for First-Time Customers

To receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Shilhavy through Tropical Traditions Referral Program: When placing your first-time order, please select “Referred by a friend” and in the box that says “How did you hear of us?” enter my sponsor ID number… 5038057. By telling Tropical Traditions that I referred you, you will receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Shilhavy with your first order! This book is filled with testimonies and research showing how healthy coconut oil is, and it also includes over 85 recipes showing how one can incorporate coconut into their diet.

Here are some easy to use directions for your referrals:

1. Add the items you would like to purchase from the order form linked to Tropical Traditions. Visit www.healthybuyersclub.com/orderform.cfm

2. You'll be directed to the Order Form at the Tropical Traditions/Healthy Buyers Club website. You do not have to be a member or purchase a membership to buy from Tropical Traditions. Membership in the Healthy Buyers Club allows you to purchase in bulk amount at club member discounts if you choose to join. If you choose not to purchase a membership to the Healthy Buyers Club please order under the heading “Retail Sale Items”. This will enable you to purchase less than case amounts of any of the individual items without a membership.

3. Select the items you would like to purchase.

4. When you are ready to check out please click on the "Continue'' link which will take you to your shopping cart.

5. Review your order and then click on the "Check Out" button from your shopping cart.

6. Fill in your account information as directed. In the box: "How did you hear of us?'' you must select: "Referred by a friend'' on the drop down arrow. When you make this selection, a box for your sponsor's User ID number should appear if you are a first time customer.

7. Enter your sponsor's User ID number.

8. To complete your order click on "Save and Proceed to Checkout" at the bottom of this page and follow the instructions through the checkout process. You will receive an order number when you have successfully placed your order.

By following these steps, you will receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Shilhavy. Your sponsor will receive a coupon for a complimentary gift to redeem on their next order.
 

More Money Saving Tips, Coupons, Reviews & Giveaways

  • One Income Dollar Button Good Deal Gal Kiddies Corner Deals Koupon Karen

More Reviews & Giveaways

And Even More Blogs