Me Time

Stress isn’t limited strictly to young families and moms with kids at home, believe me.  People have busy lives and are constantly dealing with stress. Whether you’re a WAHM, stay-at-home mom or corporate execute executive, all of us have important tasks to do on a daily basis and we’re always on the move. As long as we get to have a moment to relax and rejuvenate ourselves so we can start each day refreshed, it’s OK.

What can we do to relax and rejuvenate our minds and bodies? Soaking in a tub can do wonders for the mind and body. No time, you might ask?  Well then create the time! After the house is quiet at night, take at least 30-minutes for yourself, because you’re worth it!

There are all kinds of bath products available for you to pamper yourself with and some of my favorites are listed right here on this site that I’ve done product reviews on in the past. If you enjoy taking a bath, there are soaps, bath salts, bath bubbles, sugar scrubs, which come in variety of scents (my personal favorite is Citrus). Soak away your stress with the bath products of your choice – light a candle or two, turn out your bathroom light, have some soft relaxing music in the background, put your head on an orthopedic pillow and you are good to go. Close your eyes and enjoy the wonderful scent, let it take you to wherever you’d like to be. Try not to fall asleep!

Of course if you can afford a day spa on a regular basis, that’s great, but if you’re like me and most busy women I know,the do-it-yourself spa is just as good as the real one. Here are 3 big reasons why:

You can enjoy a luxurious bath from the comfort of your own home. So if you have little kids, there is no need to hire a baby sitter. Tell the kids or spouse it’s “Me Time” and you have all the time you need for your home spa treatment.

It’s affordable!  As much as we’d like, a visit to a day spa is nice, but it’s definitely not cheap.

If you’re not so much a bath person, then turn your shower into what I call “a relaxation staycation”.  A high pressure shower massage head does wonders and acts as a back pain treatment.

No need to make an appointment! You can set up your special bath time whenever you want.

Now that you’re thoroughly rejuvenated, curl up with a neck pain pillow, and read your favorite book or gossip magazine!

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Because Your Worth It

We wait all year for vacation season and summer. Great weather, lots of sunshine, shorts, tank tops, bathing suits, and for those brave souls out there, bikinis. No matter which summer attire suits your fancy, you’ll definitely want to look your best. Here’s how to put it all together and be bikini ready for that upcoming cruise.

Last year about this time, my youngest daughter was in her senior year at college and planning a cruise to the Caribbean during Spring Break.  I actually did a post here of all the text messages I received from the “Little Mermaid” and you could say I traveled ‘vicariously.’

Whether your planning a spring break road trip, honeymoon or family trip to Disney, you’ll no doubt want to shop for some new funky new beach wear for poolside, walks around the promenade deck, or on those tropical island beaches. Your choice of a new bathing suit is no longer limited to the basic one-piece or bikini. There’s a huge variety of new styles, one of which will be perfect for you. I recently bought a tankini, to try to hide a flabby stomach. If the tops of your legs aren’t your best feature, go for a mini swim skirt to go with your bikini. To get rid of any unsightly body hair, try using hair removal wax strips.

Once you’ve found the perfect suit, you’ll also want to look for some accessories to accentuate it. There are many different types of swimwear cover-ups. A cover-up is a good way to protect your skin from over-exposure to the sun. Just about anything goes when it comes to cover-ups. From an over-sized t-shirt to a lacy beach robe, you’re sure to find one that fits your taste and goes well with your suit. One very popular type of cover up, for those just wanting to cover the bottom half of the body, is a sarong.  It so reminds me of  “South Pacific!”

Hats are a pretty yet practical accessory. Wearing a hat helps to protect your face, neck and shoulders from the damaging rays of the sun. You’ve spent all that time with facials and facial hair removal, so it’s a bonus if your hat just happens to perfectly coordinate with your cover-up and suit. Even though in reality your hat will shade your eyes, sunglasses are another absolute necessity. Fashionably dark is better, and be sure they have a good level of UV blocking for maximum eye protection.

The importance of shielding yourself from the sun makes sunscreen one of your most important accessories. Apply liberally and thoroughly and re-apply periodically throughout the day.

Many beach lovers like to get a head start on their tanning by visiting a tanning studio before heading to the beach. A better idea might be to use one of the self-tanning products that are available on the market today. A base tan helps avoid painful sunburn and because you already look tanned, you’ll probably be more willing to use a more protective sunscreen and avoid getting too much sun.

Before you hit the beach, you’ll want to give your feet a little extra attention too. After all, they’ve been hidden away and maybe even neglected for months. If you spring for a pedicure your feet will be very grateful and look great too. At the minimum, massage some cooling foot lotion into your heels and cuticles, and don’t forget hair removal to get rid of any pesky hair on your tootsies!  This will go a long way toward making your feet ready for that new shade of nail polish.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your towel and beach bag, put on those cute sandals along with that pretty cover-up over your bikini and head out to the beach looking fab-u-lous, dahling!

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Everything Nice

Ultimate Spa Treatment

I live in New England, and in winter, our furnace is constantly going.  We have gas, forced hot-air heat, which is really drying to your skin.

As much as I say I’m going to try, I don’t seem to be able to get to a spa for a pedicure, massage or facial.  Thus, I’m left to my own devices.  Keeping my skin moisturized is a constant battle, especially now that I’m a Baby Boomer.

Recently I had the opportunity to try some fantastic sugar scrubs from Sweetly You.

After using these scrubs several times in the shower, I feel like a new woman!

Kari and Justin Hoopes, the founders of Sweetly You, live in Cache Valley, Utah and have two toddlers ages 2 and 4.

Sweetly You offers an Essential Sugar Scrub that uses the natural power of Avocado Oil, Bees Wax, JoJoba Beads and raw cane sugar to leave rough, flaky skin touchably soft! Perfect to use during the harsh winter months. A great companion to our luxurious Foaming Bath Butter. Buff some life into your tired skin today!

I tried the Coconut Lime Verbena Essential Sugar Scrub, and matching Premium Body Lotion.  I also tried the Hawaiian Breeze Essential Sugar Scrub.  Talk about aromatherapy!

After locking myself in the shower for a respite, I used a loofah sponge and slathered on the sugar scrub.  Since I wear socks quite frequently (have to keep my tootsies warm!) sometimes it causes my skin to flake around the ankles and leg area.

This sweet-smelling sugar scrub exfoliated all that flaky skin away, and I applied the lotion on over moist skin afterwards!

Sweetly You has Scented Bath and Body products like Premium Lotion, Foaming Bath Butter, Sugar Scrub, Solid Perfume,and Dead Sea Bath Salts. Their unique Scents include Signature scents that are quite similar to those of Bath & Body Works, Victoria®s Secret any other divine scents you can imagine! You can also custom design your own bath and body gift packages.

Sweetly You’s shipping department goals are to keep shipping costs as low as possible for the customer.

Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day is coming up soon – or pick up a gift package for a Mom-to-Be!

For More Information Visit: Sweetly You

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Because Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Valentine’s Day Beauty Tips

If you’ll be hoping for a little, shiny “bling” and want to put on your best face, here’s a hot tip!

In yet another mascara first, L’Oréal Paris introduces Telescopic Explosion Mascara, the first mascara at mass with a spherical brush and smooth formula to lengthen and separate every little lash. Already a success in Europe, this breakthrough mascara revolutionizes the mascara application process, making it possible to apply from every angle to reach every last lash for a completely fanned-out explosive effect. Truly, size does matter: this small brush yields big lashes!

The Brush:
Telescopic Explosion Mascara offers a unique patented Flexi-Globe Brush that allows you to apply mascara from every direction – vertically, horizontally and even behind lashes. A first from L’Oréal Paris, this breakthrough brush reaches each lash individually, working in all directions for easy, precise, complete coverage.

• Spherical multi-angle brush reaches lashes at the roots to provide coverage along the entire lash

• Adapts to every eye shape, grabbing each lash – even the hard to reach corner lashes – and evenly applies color all over

• Round, it reaches every last lash, root to tip, from every angle

• Small, it reaches even tiny corner and lower lashes

The Formula:
Telescopic Explosion Mascara’s creamy, smooth formula works with the unique patented brush to build quickly, leaving a flexible deposit of color. With highly-blended fine particles, it goes on smooth from root to tip, for an even application that yields big, long lashes.

• Lengthens, thickens and separates every little lash for a fanned-out eye look

• Formula clings to lashes, instantly lengthening and separating

• Formula is made of a soft-wax system of paraffin, jojoba oil and palm oil for soft texture and Pro-Vitamin B5 for lash conditioning

• Outstanding consumer use test results show no clumping, flaking or smudging

Additional Benefits:

• Ophthalmologist and allergy tested

• Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers

• All-day wear

Available in two shades:

• Black

• Blackest Black

Availability:
L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Explosion Mascara is available  at www.lorealparis.com and also at Walgreens, CVS, Target, Walmart, Kmart, Bed Bath and Beyond and food and mass market retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $9.49.

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All Natural

The Power of Nature

I have a birthday coming up soon, and like many Baby Boomers, I’m trying to find the Fountain of Youth to prevent aging.  I probably won’t be successful, but at least I’m making an effort to take care of my health and skin by using more natural products.

Earlier this year I wrote a blog review on how I’ve been drinking Acai Berry Juice that I get at a natural and organic foods market.  In doing my own research, I learned that taking Acai Juice provides the same amount of antioxidants as the recommended daily glass of red wine.

Recently I’ve was sent and had the opportunity to experience a natural body lotion soap and bar shampoo from the makers of  SEED+.

SEED+ personal care products offer soothing lotions, moisturizing soaps, and unique shampoo bars enriched with nutrient-rich grape seed byproducts, which are packed with powerful antioxidants, Vitamin E, and beneficial essential fatty acids, ingredients shown to promote healthy skin and help prevent premature aging.

SEED+ Personal care products are:

• Paraben free

• Preservative free

• Phthalate free

• Contain No Artificial Colors

• Contain No Animal Ingredients

• Not Tested on Animals

I really like the scent of the products!  I’m pretty sensitive to certain fragrances.  Oftentimes if something is too strong, I have a sneezing fit.  I’ll try to describe the scent as certainly refreshing; maybe a little light and citrus smelling.  I also like that the solid shampoo bars are found to use less water and last longer.

The company believes in making a positive environmental impact and uses recyclable and biodegradable packaging whenever possible. All of their products are made in the United States.

Available at: Amazon

Follow on Twitter: @seedpower
Follow on Facebook: SEED+

For More Information Visit: SEED Body Care

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a full size of each of the 3 products – lotion; soap and shampoo bar.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit SEED+ and leave a comment about other information that wasn’t mentioned in this post.

This contest will run until December 29, 2009 at 11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

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Evolution

Thank You for Making a Difference

Earlier this year I passed on a bit of  beauty advice from “Mom” to daughters  in my post Beauty Tips You Can Use – With Love – From Mom.

Now, I’d like to share with you more important information regarding self esteem, and how it’s especially important for moms with young tweens, pre-teens or teenage daughters, as well as grandmoms with granddaughters.

Too many girls and young women develop low self-esteem from hang-ups about looks and consequently fail to reach their full potential in later life. The Dove Self-Esteem Fund (DSEF) was established as an agent of change to inspire and educate girls and young women about a wider definition of beauty.  The DSEF is committed to help girls build positive self-esteem and a healthy body image, with a goal of reaching 5 million girls globally by 2010.  It has already reached 2 million young women.

The Dove Self-Esteem Fund is part of the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty, a global effort designed to widen today’s stereotypical view of beauty.  In the U.S., the DSEF supports the Boys and Girls Club of America and the Girls Scouts of the USA to help build confidence in girls 8-17 with after-school programs, self-esteem building events and educational resources.  In the United Kingdom and other countries, the Fund supports Body Talk, an educational program about body image and self-esteem in schools.  Since 2006, the Dove brand has conducted nearly 2,700 self-esteem rel=”nofollow”educational workshops around the world.

The Dove mission is to reach 5 million girls with self esteem programming by 2010. Since 2005, the brand has reached over 3.5 million girls globally. In fact, every time you buy Dove beauty care products your purchase supports the Dove Self Esteem Fund. This fall Dove launched the “Thank you for Making a Difference” program to thank supporters for building girl’s self esteem and to invite everyone to share their stories about making a difference in self esteem.

Dove will donate $1,000 to a national charity that supports self-esteem around the Holidays, on behalf of all our self esteem supporters to say “Thank You for Making a Difference”.

For More Information Visit: Dove Self Esteem Home Page

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be two (2) winners of a Dove Package, featuring:

- 1 Plush Dove Spa Bathrobe
- 2 Dove products
- 2 Dove True You workbooks

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty site and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and how you found it helpful.

This contest will run until December 22, 2009 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Open to USA & Canada

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Aromatherapy

Hand and Body Care

The older we get, the more our skin starts to show its age. However, there are ways to combat this. If you’re willing to take a few healthy lifestyle steps now, you’ll look a lot better when you get older. Let’s take a look at some of the things we can do to prevent our skin from sagging and looking unhealthy as we get older.

We need to keep in mind that aging is a normal process, and that skin will sag to some degree as we get older. This is because it loses elasticity over time, and gravity begins to take its toll. The areas around the eyes and mouth begin to develop deeper lines, and over time the entire face can begin to sag. More blemishes are also a common experience for many people as they get older. This can cause many people to resort to cosmetic surgery, creams, as well as trying other types of methods to try to get rid of the appearance of age. Some of these methods work and some don’t, but it’s better to prevent the problem in the first place.

Look for natural moisturizing methods when you can. Something as simple as vitamin E oil or coconut oil can be just as effective as expensive moisturizing products. Avoid excessive use of cosmetics which contain all kinds of ingredients that can eventually cause problems with your skin. To stay looking fresh and natural, it’s a good idea to spend as much time that way as you can. That doesn’t mean you have to go without makeup entirely, of course. Just take the time to learn about cosmetic ingredients on your own, and know what you’re putting on your skin.

I recently had the opportunity to try All Natural Organic Anti-Aging Green Tea Aloe Lotion, as well as Women’s Aromatherapy Hormone Balance Synergy Body Spray by Southern Magnolia Minerals.

The All Natural Organic Anti-Aging Green Tea Aloe Lotion is available in a 4 fl oz in a treatment pump.  I use it right after the shower as well as throughout the day in order to retain moisture.  It has a very light, pleasant Green Tea fragrance.  I especially like that it also contains Aloe.

It’s nice to give yourself some at-home spa treatment on occasion!  After all, even as a Baby Boomer, it seems I’m still on-call it seems to helping my family out, even though they’re launched!

At night, I like to apply the New Women’s Aromatherapy Hormone Balance Synergy Body Spray.  It comes in a 10 ml spray bottle with overcap.  The scents of Jasmine, Rose, and Neroli are just a few of the essential oils in this balancing spray that trigger the brain to help activate positive changes to emotional well being and transform the female cycle and moods of any AND every age group of women.

Southern Magnolia Mineral Makeup products contains NO oils, perfumes, dyes, talc, bismuth so they are gentle and non-irritating even for sensitive skin. Its like no other makeup on earth! You can spend more money, but you can’t get better makeup than Southern Magnolia Minerals.

By paying attention to these factors and your overall health,  you’ll be sure that you’ll look your best, even as you get older. No matter who you are or what your age may be, by keeping yourself in good health and away from environmental factors that accelerate aging, you’ll be taking steps that will help you look better.

Why resort to gimmicks, when simple healthy living and a few quality skin care products are all you really need to look younger, longer?

This holiday season, put products from Southern Magnolia Minerals on your Wish List for yourself, or someone you care about!

For More Information Visit: Southern Magnolia Minerals

Thanks to Southern Magnolia Minerals, Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a makeup bag filled with  surprises that include makeup, skincare, accessories, brushes – Retail Value $150!

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Southern Magnolia Minerals and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

This contest will run until November 19, 2009 at 11:00 pm. EDT

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

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Magnificent Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season

Moomette’s Magnificents has reviewed the newest and hottest toys, fashions, cosmetics and family items for 2009.

Here you’ll be able to check out the reviews and visit the latest Giveaways for this Holiday Shopping Season!

Click on the window panes to find out more!

Stop by frequently as the list is always being updated!

If you would like to add a product to this Gift Guide, please contact me.

Toys, Books, CDs, DVDs

Beauty and Health

Fashion

1	More to Come	More to Come

Decor, Food & Homegoods

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Reinvent Your Skin

With SmartPeptides

I’ve always maintained a  beauty regime for my face since I was a teenager.  I’m fortunate to say that I’ve really never had acne, and have inherited good genes.  My grandmom lived to be 101, and hardly had any wrinkles, and really looked at least 20 years younger than she was!

Over the years I’ve had many compliments about my skin.

Starting in my teens, I always removed my makeup at night and used an astringent-based facial cleanser.  As I got older, I made sure I always applied moisturizer.  In the evening I would also use a night cream and under-eye cream.

Recently I had the opportunity to review products from Striking Skin Care.  It’s  a product line for women over 40 that helps restore radiance and firmness to skin by using SmartPeptide technology.

SmartPeptides target areas that need improvement in the appearance of aging skin such as age-related skin characteristics: lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, loss of firmness and definition, appearance of darkened areas or general unevenness of skin tone, rough texture, and thinning of the skin.

I started out by using the facial cleanser, Striking Multi-Vitamin Creme Cleanser.  First you rub into a dry face, and rinse off.  Afterwards I applied Rejuvenating Eye Crème and Restorative Moisture Crème.  During the day I’ll apply my mineral makeup over it.  At night, I just apply as instructed.

Since I’ve been using the product for approximately one month, I’ve noticed that my skin has a firmer appearance, and the area underneath my eyes doesn’t seem as baggy.  The product is a rich consistency, yet isn’t greasy feeling.

The Striking Skin Care line can also help target the effects that peri-menopause and menopause have on women’s skin.   Approximately 45 million women are going through the menopausal transition in the US at any one time.  With an average life expectancy for US women today of 84 years, many women spend around 50% of their adult life as a menopausal or post-menopausal female.   During this phase, a woman can experience increased dryness, loss of firmness and an increase in fine lines and wrinkles on her face and neck.

Striking Skin Care products are free of parabens, fragrance, artificial colors,
pore-clogging ingredients and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients and are Dermatologist tested.

As a Baby Boomer, I can honestly say that I like how my skin looks and feels after using the Striking Skin Care line and will continue to use their products.

For More Information Visit: Striking Skin Care

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of one Striking Skin Care Set valued at $149.95 (US Residents Only)

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Striking Skin Care and leave a comment about another fact not mentioned in this post and another product you’d like to try.

This contest will run until November 11, 2009 at 11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

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Look Your Best

How Do They Do It?

Some of the celebrities from my era are still gorgeous and have a “timeless” look about them.  Just look at beauties such Goldie Hawn, Demi Moore and Barbra Streisand.  No doubt about it, our favorite celebrities look fabulous, but they don’t achieve that look alone. In fact, they have lots of help getting there. With a few tips from these insiders, we can look our best too.

On my right sidebar you’ll find a Beauty Tip of the Day widget, featuring beauty tips for hair, skin and face.

Read on for some secret celebrity beauty tips:

Wardrobe expert Ricci DeMartino offers advice on looking slimmer than you really are. To look lean and pulled together, wear clothing in matching colors on the top and bottom, like khaki pants and a taupe blouse. Avoid wearing two different colors like a red blouse and blue pants. This cuts you in half and draws attention to your waist making you appear bigger.

Stars like Tyra Banks and Gwyneth Paltrow swear by figure-controlling pants and tights to hide bulges. They are not the only stars who wear minimizing undergarments when wearing elegant evening wear either.

With zoom lenses picking up the tiniest flaw, great skin care is high on the list of must-dos for celebs as well. A biggie is protecting sensitive skin from the sun’s UV rays as well as from environmental irritants. Products of choice contain antioxidants.

Slathering on the sunscreen is recommended too. Even with sunscreen on, the stars avoid sunbathing, to keep their skin in top condition. So how do they get that just off the beach look? Stars like Lindsay Lohan use a  self-bronzer is sprayed on in a tanning booth. The glow lasts for up to seven days and is UV free. No tanning beds or lying on the beach to get that awesome tanned look.

Keeping the skin well hydrated is another biggie for celebrities and it should be for you too. Dry skin shows fine lines, making you appear older. Products containing Vitamin A fight signs of aging so read the label and check the ingredients when you choose your moisturizing cream. Go for the super dewy look like Debra Messing.

If your eyes look tired, puffy or red, you look older. Youth and vibrancy go hand in hand. Alicia Keys’ make-up artist advises the use of concealers to get rid of dark circles and make eyes appear brighter and more rested.

There are secrets to having great looking hair too, of course. One surprising trick that many stars rely on is to not wash their hair every day. In fact many stars absolutely won’t wash their hair the day of a big awards show. Why not? Well, it seems that shampooing too frequently gets rid of naturally occurring oils. We knew that but why is that important? These oils are what keep hair shiny and smooth naturally, creating a fabulous look for the big event.

Hair extensions are all the rage in Hollywood these days. But this may be one tip you may not want to use. They come with a hefty price tag and some heavy duty upkeep.

We may not have access to our own personal make-up artists, hair stylists, or advisors, on a daily basis, but with a little bit of work and some creativity, we too can achieve a celebrity-like look.

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a box of beauty products from Unilever, with items such as Dove, Vaseline, Q-Tips and Ponds.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit and click the Beauty Tips of the day Widget and leave a comment about what beauty tip you found most helpful.

This contest will run until November 1, 2009 at 11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

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