Hey LAAADDIIEEESSS Win Clothing!!

I am a self proclaimed fashionista.  I pay attention to all fashions, men, women, children, in all different styles, shapes, sized, etc.  I have noticed that there is some serious lack of clothing in the women's plus size department.  Companies offer plus size clothing that is either drab or boring and I have often heard my friends exclaim, "why do we have to be forced to wear unfashionable clothes because of our size?"  I was really interested when contacted by the people of Alight.  I figured this could go one of two ways, I'd either be really impressed or I would view a Lane Bryant knock off.

I was not only VERY impressed, I was super surprised! Alight offers TONS of fashionable clothing anywhere from size 12-30.  Dresses, Shirts, modern, conservative.  Whatever your style is, you are sure to find it at Alight!  You can easily spend hours at their store.  The clothing is affordable, beautiful, and the site is super easy to navigate!!

Alight has offered one super duper luckyCupcake Coalition reader a top (of their choosing)  as a prize!  Trust me, the tops are all so darn cute you wont be disappointed!  :)


Like all of our contests here, there are rules. If you do not do the MANDATORY you WILL be disqualified!!

Remember to do a new post for each entry! The contest starts on 07/30/2010 and ends 08/30/2010 @11:59pm CST. ONE winner will be chosen via random.org. As always, big hugs and high fives to our sponsors! Remember, I check ALL entries!

^^^MANDATORY^^^

1.  Add me as a friend on Google friend Connect and post that you did so. (hit the follow button on the right hand side of the blog).  You must be a VISIBLE follower.  Include your email in your post.  If I can't contact you, you can't win! If you're already on my GFC leave me a post to let me know! (2 entries)

2. Anyone who is selected to win must be on the alight.com email list. (2 entries)

+++EXTRA CREDIT+++

1.  Show Alight some love and Follow them on Twitter by clicking HERE (1 entry )

2.  "Like" Alight on Facebook by clicking HERE (1 entry)

3.  You can earn two entries daily by posting this as your twitter status: "Follow @may_day84 for daily giveaways like this one from @alightcom! " This can be posted twice daily.  Tweets must be at least one hour apart. (2 entries)

GOOD LUCK!!!

I received these products at no cost to post a review. The opinions stated in this review are my own and I was not compensated in any way for a positive review..

Amazing Community Coffee Bundle Giveaway!!

I recently had the opportunity to try out  Community Coffee's Around the World Gourmet Coffee Sampler as well as the Bodum Interchangeable Picture Tumbler.  OH MY GOSH! Now, I worked in the Coffee Industry for over eight years, so, not only am I makeup/beauty snob, I'm a total coffee/tea snob.  I do not like mediocre products (that means you Starbucks), I do not like high acidity, and I HATE coffee with a burnt after taste.

The box came to the door and upon opening i was immediately impressed with the packaging! ***I would also like to note the SUPER FAST SHIPPING and AMAZING CUSTOMER SERVICE!***  The coffee came in a wooden crate (great for reusing as a magazine holder, an arts and craft project for the kids, etc.)!

About the Company: 

For four generations, the Saurage family of Louisiana has owned and operated Community Coffee Company. In 1919, Henry Norman "Cap" Saurage discovered the secret of making this great-tasting coffee in his country store in Dixie, Louisiana, near Baton Rouge. He named his coffee "Community" in honor of his community of friends.  Over the years, Community Coffee Company would take countless steps to ensure the quality of its product. In 1955, the company began importing green coffee beans directly from coffee plantations in Brazil. In 1970, a new plant was built on the Mississippi River in Port Allen, Louisiana. In 1980, Community introduced the nation's first vacuum-sealed coffee package.
The first CC's Community Coffee House opened on the corner of Jefferson and Magazine Street in New Orleans in 1995. Dozens more opened during the 10 years that followed.

My Thoughts:
This set came with one 12 oz. bag of each: Guatemala Huehuetenango, Colombia (Medium-Dark), Kenya and Sumatra Mandheling.  The Packaging was clean and appealing.  There were well suited graphics on the front of each bag of coffee.   

The Guatemala Huehuetenango :  Guatemalan coffee is revered as one of the most flavorful and nuanced cups in the world.  This coffee is rich and balanced in aroma, with ripe fruit-like sweetness that hints at berry.  Tangerine, honey and floral notes with hints of cocoa and aromatic wood. The sweet fruit saturates the finish.

Colombia (Medium-Dark): This is a wonderful coffee, with a richer and deeper taste than I generally find in Colombian coffees.  As I tried it, I noticed a couple of layers of taste. There was a strong, almost smoky bite to the roof of the mouth, complemented by a velvety, smooth taste that bathed the tongue.
Most Colombian coffees I've tried are not nearly as distinctive as this one. This is a wonderful coffee I will always recognize whenever I drink it.

Kenya:  I find that Kenyan coffee has a bit of an earthy taste, but not quite as smooth as say Sumatra. It is a more pronounced and flavorful coffee. This is especially evident if you prepare it in a French Press (FYI these are good to have on hand). There is even a hint of a fruity flavor in the Kenya beans that makes the coffee taste quite unique. Although the Kenyan coffee is not one of my favorite flavors, it has a lively unique taste that is worth checking out.


Sumatra Mandheling:  This rare Indonesion coffee is delightfully smooth with a rich heavy body, low acidity and an exotic flavor with an intense syrupy aftertaste and an earthy richness. One of my FAVES!!!  And a dark roast lovers dream!

All of Community's coffees were extremely fresh (oils from the beans were present on the bag), flavorful, and distinct.  The mug was a perfect touch.  Functional, practical (especially for moms on the go) and really was spill proof!

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this company for you, your friends, and the coffee enthusiast in your life.  With Christmas around the corner, keep Community in mind.  They have amazing gift sets at even better prices!

Win It! Community Coffee has graciously offered one Cupcake Coalition reader an opportunity to win the items in my review.  Just in case you might have forgotten, they were Community Coffee's Around the World Gourmet Coffee Sampler as well as the Bodum Interchangeable Picture Tumbler.


Like all of our contests here, there are rules. Ready? Set.. GO!!

Remember to do a new post for each entry! The contest starts on 07/30/2010 and ends 08/06/2010 @11:59pm CST. ONE winner will be chosen via random.org. As always, big hugs and high fives to our sponsors! Remember, I check ALL entries!

^^^MANDATORY^^^

1.  Add me as a friend on Google friend Connect and post that you did so. (hit the follow button on the right hand side of the blog).  You must be a VISIBLE follower.  Include your email in your post.  If I can't contact you, you can't win! If you're already on my GFC leave me a post to let me know! (2 entries)

2.  "Like" Community Coffee on Facebook by clicking HERE. Leave them a note telling them that The Cupcake Coalition sent you! (2 entries)

+++EXTRA CREDIT+++

1.  Show Community Coffee some love and add them on twitter HERE. (5 entries )

2.  You can earn TWO entries DAILY by tweeting this, "come join me and @mae_day84  for awesome giveaways daily! Tweets must be at LEAST an hour a part  . (2 entries DAILY)

3.  Add me via twitter @mae_day84  (3 entries)

4.  Follow my Rss feed! (4 entries)

GOOD LUCK!!!

I received these products at no cost to post a review. The opinions stated in this review are my own and I was not compensated in any way for a positive review..

Giveaway #1 For Freak Out Friday!!!! 2 Winners!

If you're anything like me then you love a good glass of wine at the end of a long day, while reading a book, with friends or with a fabulous meal!!  I really love Merlot and one of my favorites happens to be from the makers of Yellow Tail.  To remind you to slow down and grab a glass of wine, two lucky Cupcake Coalition readers are going to win a Yellow Tail (womens size medium) T-shirt and an awesome light up Yellow Tail key chain!

There's Only MANDATORY requirement to enter this contest, you MUST be a PUBLIC member on The Cupcake Coalition's GFC (google friend connect).  Post a comment telling that you are.  Poof!  That's it!  You're entered!  No extra credit, sorry guys!  Winners will be chosed via random.org.

The contest starts on 07/30/2010 and ends 08/06/2010 @11:59pm CST. TWO winners will be chosen at RANDOM. As always, big hugs and high fives to our sponsors! Remember, I check ALL entries!  Best of luck to all of you!!

Alright!  One down, 9 to go!

Welcome The Newest Addition to The Cupcake Coalition Team

She's classy and sassy, a gorgeous spitfire, and total sweetheart!  Give a warm welcome to the lovely Elizabeth Rose!!!  She is the newest writer in Team Coalition and this goes with out saying.. The team is better because of her!!




Please leave her a line to make her feel welcome... oh my stars, it is a little after 2:30am... I really need to get this insomnia in check.  Does anyone have any (legal) suggestions as to cure it??


until next time...

xo.
mae

New Juice Beauty! Jinggle Glow, Jinggle Glow, for The Holidays!

Juice Beauty has introduced some new gift packages for the Ho-Ho-Holidays!

The Organic Holiday Kiss Kit ($15.00) in colors like Champagne, Fig, Guava, and Pink you're sure to have a color for every holiday party and with anti-oxidant rich acai and goji berry, minerals, and guava juice, you're sure to stay beautiful for many holidays to come!


Hydrate your Holidays with two of Juice Beauty's best sellers (36.00).  The Green Apple Hydration Mask and Hydrating Mist  are both included in this kit will keep your skin bright and will hydrate and replenish your complexion.  Rich in powerful anti-oxidants, Resveratrol, to increase moisture and boost skin's resilience for the perfect complexion

Shop the sak and Elliott Lucca's Summer Blowout Sale and Get Up to 60% OFF Select Summer Styles! Head to www.thesak.com and www.elliottlucca.com and check out these amazing deals!

Also follow the sak on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-SAK/21134692576?cid=EM03032010G and Twitter  

and follow Elliott Lucca on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elliott-Lucca/105477590464 and Twitter http://twitter.com/ElliottLucca - Tell them The Cupcake Coalition sent you!!!

You Loved it... We're Bringing it Back...Bigger... Better... THE MARK. BEAUTY BUNDLE giveaway!!! THREE WINNERS!!!!

OKAY!!!  There was such an awesome response last time The Cupcake Coalition did the Mark bundle that we are  giving away ANOTHER AMAZING beauty bundle from Mark. that I'm sure even the guys will chime in on!!!  This giveaway is for the ENTIRE new Fair Trade Certified Skin Line!!!  I know, I know, you're jumping out of your seat, but that's not all... wait for it.... wait for it.... ANOTHER Cupcake Coalition reader is going to win the Hookup Treatment Skin Series.....  I'm not done yet!!!!  Another Cupcake Coalition reader is going to win 4 of Marks JUICE GEMS in their choice of color/scent!!!!

Has your heart stopped racing yet??? OKAY so there are going to be a total of THREE BUNDLE WINNERS in this contest... One of our biggest contests thus far in our blog career.  Let me just recap for all of you who are now regaining consciousness!

The Second runner up will get 4 of the Mark. Juice Gems in their choice of color/scent. click here to see

The First runner up will get the ENTIRE Hookup Treatment Skin series.  click here to see


The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will get the ENTIRE LINE of Mark's NEW Fair Trade Products.  click here to see

Entry into this contest is going to be a little different.  But, I promise, nothing crazy.

As with all of the contests on here there are rules.  These rules were not made to be broken.  If you break the rules, you will not pass go, you will not collect two hundred dollars (aka you get disqualified!)  Remember to do a new post for each entry! The contest starts on 07/28/2010 and ends 08/11/2010 @11:59pm CST. THREE winners will be chosen at RANDOM. As always, big hugs and high fives to our sponsors! Remember, I check ALL entries!  Best of luck to all of you!!

^^^MANDATORY^^^

1.  Add me as a friend on Google friend Connect and post that you did so. (hit the follow button on the upper right hand side of the blog).  You must be a VISIBLE follower.  Include your email in your post.  If I can't contact you, you can't win! If you're already on my GFC leave me a post to let me know! (1 entry)

   2.   Leave a comment telling why you think you need, deserve, want, etc. to win this Mark. giveaway. (2 entries)

+++EXTRA CREDIT+++

1.  Show The Cupcake Coalition some love and follow us on twitter by clicking HERE or adding mae_day84 leave your twitter name. (2 entries)

    
2. FRIEND REFERRAL for EACH friend that you have sign up, you get 2 bonus entries.  So, if you bring ten friends over, you get 20 bonus entries.  Remember to create a new post for each friend. Also, you must list the friends GFC name or email address. (Could be limitless)

     3.  You can earn THREE entries DAILY by tweeting this, "come join me and @mae_day84  for awesome daily giveaways! http://bit.ly/aP9Jns there must be at least an hour gap between tweets! (3 entries DAILY) 

 
4.  Blog about this entry, come back here, and leave the link to where you posted.  Can just be a blurb with the link in a sentence.  (5 entries)

5.  Place my button on your blog.  It's the cute little cupcake on the top right.  Leave a link to the page you put my blog button on. (5 entries)

   6.  Add me on facebook, add me to your RSS feed, sign up for my emails, digg this contest, tumble this contest, etc. for each one you do, you get two entries. Leave links/FB name/name to identify yourself by for these networks. (two entries each)

GOOD LUCK!!!!  

I received these products at no cost to post a review. The opinions stated in this review are my own and I was not compensated in any way for a positive review..

CAFEPRESS Review and GIVEAWAY!!

So, I love getting mail, especially when that mail comes in the form of a package.. Especially when that package has a Cafepress logo on it.  "Why?" You might ask.  Well, I'll tell you!  I LOVE ANYTHING with funky designs, prints, colors, sayings, etc. it's a crafty way of expressing your personality without ever saying a word.  So, I jumped at the chance to do a review for this store!

The super amazing people over at Cafepress provided me with some t-shirt love.  The choices there are really limitless and I took my sweet time picking out the one I wanted on their website.  The shirt I chose was simple, black, and had a lightning bolt on the front.  No particular reason, I just really liked the shirt!  The material is a heavy, 100%, preshrunk cotton.  Super breathable and will be great for wear all year round (and believe me this will be worn all year round)!  Cafepress has a ton of colors to choose from too!

Now, you may or may not know that you can find millions of personalized gifts at CafePress – for any topic, interest, or brand!  I'm talking aprons, beach bags, bridal gifts, pretty much anything you can think of.  You can't go wrong at Cafepress.  It's a one stop shop for some of the most unique and impressive gifts in the world!

Cafepress has kindly provided an opportunity for one lucky Cupcake Coalition reader to win one of their amazing shirts!

As with all of the contests on here there are rules.  These rules were not made to be broken.  If you break the rules, you will not pass go, you will not collect two hundred dollars (aka you get disqualified!)  Remember to do a new post for each entry! The contest starts on 07/27/2010 and ends 08/03/2010 @11:59pm CST. ONE winner will be chosen via randomizer. As always, big hugs and high fives to our sponsors! Remember, I check ALL entries!  Best of luck to all of you!!

^^^MANDATORY^^^

1.  Add me as a friend on Google friend Connect and post that you did so. (hit the follow button on the upper right hand side of the blog).  You must be a VISIBLE follower.  Include your email in your post.  If I can't contact you, you can't win! If you're already on my GFC leave me a post to let me know! (1 entry)

2.  Click on one of the many Cafepress link throughout this review, look around, and come back and tell us which t-shirt you would pick.  Leave a link to your item of choice.  (1 entry)

3.  Follow Cafepress through one of many social media groups (i.e. twitter, facebook, email list, etc.) You only have to do one, but, you will win an entry for EACH one you do! (make sure to leave a new comment for each one you do). (1 entry each)

+++EXTRA CREDIT+++

1.  Show The Cupcake Coalition some love and follow us on twitter HERE leave your twitter name. (2 entries)

2.  You can earn TWO entries DAILY by tweeting this, "come join me and @mae_day84  for awesome daily giveaways! http://bit.ly/aP9Jns (2 entries DAILY)

3.  Follow The Cupcake Coalition via RSS, email, etc. (only one will count towards entries) tell me which one you did.  (2 entries)

4.  Feature this giveaway on your blog (5 entries)

GOOD LUCK!!!

I received these products at no cost to post a review. The opinions stated in this review are my own and I was not compensated in any way for a positive review..

Some New Info, Welcome New Visitors, etc.!

It's that time of the week again, Follow Me Back Tuesday!



If you have noticed in the header of the page, there are new tabs.  The tabs make it easy for you to click and go.  If you're just here to enter the giveaways, click the giveaway tab, if you're here for beauty advise or reviews, click "get gorgeous" etc. etc.

500 members to beauty prize packs is still going.  It ends in 4 days. I know we can do it!!!!

Hope everyone is having a great week, more giveaways and reviews tomorrow!


-The Coalition

NOVICA Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

Recently the awesome people at Novica (which is in association with National Geographic) gave me an opportunity to pick an item from their store and review it.  I was FLOORED there were so many things to choose from!  Honestly, I had no idea this store even existed, but, I'm very glad I found out! 

Novica's mission is to provide the consumer with an alternative in today's market.  They "give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents and to spur their creativity".  Novica seeks "to provide you with access to unique, hard-to-find items at great values that only the Internet infrastructure can allow".  I can testify that this store does just that.

From Handbags to Home Decor, Jewelry to Paintings, each piece at Novica is as unique and beautiful as the person that created it.  I picked out a gorgeous silk and cotton shoulder (sling) bag inspired by Traditional hill tribe fashions and was created by a designer from Thailand named Jamriang.  The bag shimmers with golden green undertones and is lined in black cotton. It's sewn with a rich silk and cotton blend and closes with an ornate silk button.  It's not only stylish, it's practical and functional. (That's the image of the purse on the right.)

The amazing people at Novica  are offering one lucky Cupcake Coalition reader an opportunity to win a $30 dollar gift certificate good towards any unique item at their store!  WOO-HOO!!!

Like all of our contests here, there are rules. Ready? Set.. GO!!

Remember to do a new post for each entry! The contest starts on 07/26/2010 and ends 08/02/2010 @11:59pm CST. ONE winner will be chosen via randomizer. As always, big hugs and high fives to our sponsors! Remember, I check ALL entries!

^^^MANDATORY^^^

1.  Add me as a friend on Google friend Connect and post that you did so. (hit the follow button on the upper right hand side of the blog).  You must be a VISIBLE follower.  Include your email in your post.  If I can't contact you, you can't win! If you're already on my GFC leave me a post to let me know! (1 entry)

2.  Click on Novica's website (links are sprinkles through out the page and you can click the store name in this sentence to go directly to the site) look around and come back and tell us something you see that you would love to have at their store.  It can't be the item I reviewed. Leave a link to your item of choice.  This will be worth two entries. (2 entries)

+++EXTRA CREDIT+++

1.  Show Novica some love and follow them on twitter HERE leave your twitter name. (1 entry)

2.  You can earn TWO entries DAILY by tweeting this, "come join me and @mae_day84  for awesome giveaways like this one daily! http://bit.ly/aNLFQf  . (2 entries DAILY)

3.  Add me via twitter @mae_day84  (2 entries)

4.  Follow Novica on Facebook HERE.  Leave your Facebook name! (1 entry)

GOOD LUCK!!!

I received these products at no cost to post a review. The opinions stated in this review are my own and I was not compensated in any way for a positive review..

Art Conductor Giveaway!!! Removable Laptop Decals!! 3 WINNERS!!!!!

Are your walls drab and bare?  Do you need a change of pace but don't want to paint?  The lovely people at the Art Conductor Shop have supplied three lucky Cupcake Coalition readers with an opportunity to win some of their very cool, removable, vinyl, decals for your laptop!

"Conductor" - design company specializes in vinyl wall graphics - the new trend in home decor! No matter what your style, they’ve got a design for you!

I LOVE  all of their decals, but, my favorite can be found under Story and Ornament - Paris Window as seen on the right!

 Very stylish, sleek, and of course, totally removable!
 Now, as mentioned before, three of you will be able to win one of the Art Conductor's awesome laptop decals (of the companies choosing) for yourself. Just make sure to follow the instructions below or you will be disqualified!!

An example of the laptop decals can be seen at the bottom of the page, GOOD LUCK!!!

Remember to do a new post for each entry! The contest starts on 07/25/2010 and ends 08/01/2010 @11:59pm CST. THREE winners will be chosen via randomizer. As always, big hugs and high fives to our sponsors! Remember, I check ALL entries!

^^^MANDATORY^^^

1.  Add me as a friend on Google friend Connect and post that you did so. (hit the follow button on the upper right hand side of the blog).  You must be a VISIBLE follower.  Include your email in your post.  If I can't contact you, you can't win! If you're already on my GFC leave me a post to let me know! (1 entry)

2.  Click on Art Conductor's link HERE look around and tell me about one of the pieces you like the most! (1 entry)

 +++EXTRA CREDIT+++

1.  Show Art Conductor some love and heart them on Etsy by clicking HERE. Make sure to come back and post here to say you did so! (1 entry)

2.  You can earn ONE entry DAILY by tweeting about this auction and leaving a link to the tweet here. (1 entry DAILY)

3.  Add me to via twitter @mae_day84  (1 entry)

     

 

I received these products at no cost to post a review. The opinions stated in this review are my own and I was not compensated in any way for a positive review..

My Current Addiction List For Friday 07/23/2010

Hello sheiks and shebas,

So, I've decided to cap the end of the week with a list of addictions!!

***I don't think these have a name brand, but, you can buy them at Sam's Club near the bakery. You get quite a bit for the money and I HIGHLY suggest them if you like lemon.  It's a yellow cake with candied lemon zest blended in the batter, covered with lemon icing, and little drizzles of vanilla.  They are snack sized, soft, moist, SUPER lemony, very sweet, and not too rich.  If I let myself, I could pop all of them in a day!!

***Crazy Rumors Vegan Mint Bubble Lip Balm a purchase in (Park Slope) Brooklyn at one of my all time favorite stores Back to The Land.  If you should find yourself there.  Promptly place yourself on the F train (towards brooklyn) and get off at 9th street.  For some reason I get this funny, lip peely reaction with some lip balms.  Not this oneeee! It has moisturizing jojoba, hydrating shea butter, and luscious extra virgin olive oil. It's lip balm heaven.  I actually put it on JUST because I can put it on.. without a funny reaction, no joke. It'll run you 3.89 for a chapstick sized tube, but, if you're like me... that doesn't matter.

***Vaseline's Sheer Infusion Vitamin Burst.  I'm slowly getting used to using products that aren't Sephora brands.  I know that probably sounds really snobby, but, being that I'm in my twenties and I only have the responsibility of  myself.. before the downfall of the economy, I could afford crazy luxury items.  This is a wonderful equivalent!  Your skin stays nourished and improves!  It can be purchased at your local drugstore or other big box retailer.

***Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend Coffee from Magnum.  If you have a problem with coffee because of high acidity, Jamaican Blue might have a solution.  The coffee isn't as acidic as the rest.  I always buy whole bean (being I worked with coffee and tea for eight years I'm a stickler on this) always remember to NEVER freeze your beans or store them in the fridge.  The flavor of that shrimp, kung-pow chicken, etc. will seep in. Yuck. Room temp., air tight container, whole bean.  You get an aromatic brew bursting with flavor from this Magnum blend.  Bold, strong, NOT bitter, unotes of walnut and dark cherry, and a REALLY great value.  You can purchase this at amazon.com.


***Finally, I'm addicted to a little band called Camera Obsucra.  They have been making music for more than a decade and are oh so addictive.  My Ipod has their song I Love How You Love Me on repeat.  Think Bubblegum, Sugar, pop from the 50's/60's, female vocals and uber cute lyrics! You can check them out here, http://www.camera-obscura.net/


Have a great weekend everyone.  Be safe.  Stay beautiful.

until next time.
xo

mae

*** Product Review *** Nars Orgasm Illuminator

I want to start off by saying.. if you do not have Nars Orgasm Blush, you really, really reallllllyyyyy need to pick it up.  Stop spending your money on the daily diet Coke, Cosmos, whatever it takes. You HAVE to get this!!  I'm not a huge fan of blushes.  I have alabaster skin (aka I'm two shades whiter than a ghost) that tends to look really funny and clownish if the correct blush is not applied. What really bugs me even more is a powder blush.  Nars orgasm blush is the exception.  It not only looks fantastic on me, it looks gorgeous on ALL skin tones.  You get this flushed, coral, kind of shimmery, pinky, peachy, gold (well, the name speaks for itself) color that looks a bit different on each individual with the end result always being beautiful.

I nearly had the big "O" in the middle of Sephora when I saw the signage for this product a couple of months back.. I think I might have frightened a few sales clerks at their Time Square, New York, NY location as well. Scratch that, it's New York City, there are far more frightening things that a pasty, 5'1, redhead making a mad dash towards the makeup aisle.  I noticed right off the bat the colors between the blush and illuminator seemed different (the latter being the darker one). The illuminator had a bronze tone to it.  Bronze + me = big no, no.  I didn't care, I HAD to have this.  I jubilantly worked my way through the mass chaos of that Broadway store, Nars in hand, and joined the line of fellow beauty enthusiasts dying to get home and try their new loot (I think canceled dinner plans that evening!)

Eventually I got home, dropped all of my days purchases by the front door, pulled the black box of illuminator from the Sephora bag, then ditched the Nars packaging until I was staring at this 1.1oz clear bottle of liquid awesome.  What to do first?  The possibilities were endless.  My first attempt was applying this on a nude face.  Not bad, not bad at all.  You get a very natural, healthy glow, without looking like you just ran behind Lindsay Lohan on her way to court (today). The second try was on a fully made up face using the illuminator as a blush.  I think I was OVERLY zealous with my application of the product (see clown comment above).  This attempt was made again with a much smaller amount (about the size of a pea) with much better results.  The color was still natural, dewy, and the color popped a bit more on the ivory foundation I was wearing.  For my last creative endeavor I mixed both foundation and Orgasm.  This was my LEAST favorite.  Maybe it was just me No, it was really tragic. I looked like I got out of hand with the blush brush.  We will leave it at that.  Just keep that tidbit of information in mind when applying this my fair skinned friends.  However, I could see an all over application working on darker skin tones.  When using the illuminator, I go with more natural eye shadows and glosses as it would look pretty funky (not the good kind) with louder colors.

All in all, Nars Orgasm Illuminator did not disappoint.  It feels good out of the bottle, on the face, and through out daily wear.  It is light, adds a bit of hydration, and the pigment lasts.  The color you see in the bottle is pretty much true to what you get (although, I would say it looks better on) no unpleasant surprises after the purchase.  It was worth every hard earned penny of my $29 bucks and can be purchased at Sephora or where ever Nars products are sold.

However, if I had to choose between Orgasm Illuminator and Orgasm Blush.. the blush would still win, hands down.


until next time!
xo.
devon

Has Anyone....

....Tried the new Chocolate Mini Wheats?? They are so delicious! I got my hands on a box and now I can't find them ANYWHERE... They were the perfect snack. :( Thanks a LOT Kellogg's. Hmph. I picked up a box of the strawberry, no thank you. That artificial strawberry taste is enough to send a toddler running!

I'm now going to make a pot of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee and work on the next giveaway.

I want to hear from you readers. What products are you interested in? What have you seen in infomercials, television ads, magazines, etc. that you would LOVE to try, but, things are tight and you can't afford the luxury.

Be as frivolous or as simple as you want! 

Ready. Set..... GO!

Juicy Couture $150 Product Giveaway!

 

I got both the Juicy Couture 3.4 oz perfume and the Royal Body Creme 3.4oz Now, I am more for light, floral prissy perfumes, but, this one is cool. Not my favorite as it has deep notes of musk, (I'm not a musk fan), floral (think jasmine, violets, gardenia, marigold), vanilla, caramel, a hint of sweetness with a pinch of orange, clove, and oak for good measure. You will smell pretty but you won't smell cheap! This is a great scent for the Fall/Winter.

The scent is long lasting, I did a "no shower test" to see how long the smell would last exactly.. (oh the things I do for a good review!) surprisingly, it lasted well into the 1.5 day mark.

Like a fine wine, you might want to let this scent "breathe" a bit before going out. It is SUPER potent when first out of the bottle and for the love of your date and public transportation riders everywhere, please, I beg you to remember, "a little goes a long way".

The bottle is super cute, it comes adorned with a charm necklace... basically what you see on the left.

The creme is very hydrating and (here's that word again...) has a hint of shimmer. I DO like the creme. I would bathe in the stuff it's so luxurious! It does have the Juicy smell but I find it a bit different in the lotion. In my opinion using this and the perfume at the same time would be over kill. You could get away with the creme in the summer time though. Soooo, really great product, just not my cup of tea.

Again, this giveaway is for the Juicy couture perfume 3.4oz and the Royal Body Creme.

Follow the rules below or you will be DISQUALIFIED!! Please do a new post for each entry! The contest starts on 07/17/2010 and ends 07/24/2010 @11:59pm CST. One winner will be chosen via randomizer. As always, big hugs and high fives to our sponsors! Remember, I check ALL entries!

^^^MANDATORY^^^

Add me as a friend on Google friend Connect and post that you did so. (hit the follow button on the upper right hand side of the blog)

Extra Credit

add me on Twitter (the link is in the widgets) tell me you have added me.

for an additional entry every day, tweet; Go to @mae_day84 blog at http://thecupcakecoalition.blogspot.com/ daily contests, blogs, and she's cute" in your status update. tell me you have done so. ;)

add me on facebook ( the link is in the widget box) tell me you did so.

add me to your blog and/your blog roll (leave a comment saying you've done so)

The easiest of all, vote for me HERE. This is a direct link scroll down the page and click the vote button. It should be a caramel apple cupcake.

disclaimer
Open to US Only 18 + 1 entry per house hold
I received this product at no cost to post a review. The opinions stated in this review are my own and I was not compensated in any way for a positive review..

Dylan's Candy Bar -- Lip Saver Review

Dylan's Website

I was SO excited to get this...

A. The flavors sounded enticing.

B. It comes in tubs you can stack.

C. I have an obsession with lip gloss.

D. I had been wanting this forever!

When the package came, I was like a kid at Christmas nearly knocking everyone out of my path to obtain the box at the front door.. I barely had one foot in the door before I had the sucker open! There it was, brightly colored tubs of lip heaven all for my enjoyment... I gleefully dipped my finger into the pot of and placed a fair amount on my dry, pink, lips... I winced.. yes, winced. As if I had just drank a spot of curdled milk.

Okay, the coconut bon bon was bad.. Let's try strawberry licorice! Again, same reaction. At this point things were looking dismal. I tried the remaining flavors Chocolate Cupcake and Birthday Cake, alas, to no avail.

Okay, so the scents stunk, what about the texture? Moisturizing properties? Anything? Hello? Is this thing on??

These come in pots, so, not real convenient if you're on the go. The texture is alright, however, it gets a little funky after about 45min. of wearing it, drinking with it on, being in the sun... breathing. Ha.

There wasn't much of a moisturizing component either. I wore the Lip Savers for several days, many times a day... just to find SOMETHING decent to say about the product.. SOMETHING to justify it's $30.00 price tag.... Nada.

Dylan's really dropped the ball on this one. I doubt I will ever try anything they come out with again. The one nice thing I can say... The packaging was super cute and the stacking tubs were pretty genius.. But thirty dollars is an awful lot to spend on pretty colors and plastic, especially in this economy.

Giveaway #1 Mark. Makeup

 CLOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got these products in the mail a couple of weeks ago (one for myself and one to give away). And I decided to use it for a girls night out. Risky, I know.. but that's the kind of woman I am! To be perfectly honest with you... I am a makeup SNOB. So, I was confident that Mark. (not being one of my typical well known or high end brands) was going be an epic fail. However, I was pleasantly WRONG!!!

This Makeup rocked the (proverbial) party! The tinted moisturizer in Light provided all the coverage and hydration I needed, the lip gloss in Moody was smooth and didn't start off sticky or get gross (you know what I'm talking about ladies!!), the Urban Glow blush had the right amount of shimmer... OH! But it DOES NOT STOP THERE!!! After I got home to wash off said makeup with Mark. Calming Effect Cleanser in Banana Oat. I then used the Go With the Grain exfoliating beads to remove any makeup residue, then I applied the Mark. Clearly Brightening Moisturizer. Usually I can tell if a product is going to dry my skin out, these items had a great amount of balance to them.

When I awoke in the morning, I was stoked because, like many of you with new things to try, I had MORE Mark. stuff to use.. there was the Skin Refresher (Mist opportunity) which is a great "pick-me-up" after a long day or "wake-me-up" before your cup of coffee! After spraying my face and neck with the Refresher, I applied the one individual gloss mini i got called Glow Baby Glow in the color Hookup (maybe I should have used that the night before! Ha, KIDDING! I forgot to mention that the eye shadows, blush, and lip gloss all came in a handy little flip it package (with a mirror) that I now take everywhere in my purse.

My only complain is that none of the packet items came with any brushes.. which I found a bit odd, hopefully it was just a company oops. Also, there wasn't a ton of fragrance to the facial soaps, cleansers, lotions. I at least like there to be a light "clean" scent to these types of things. Other than that, They hit the (no pun intended) Mark.


The Compact is perfect for mom's on the go, college gals, and busy women in general! These items were all great, they even came in a cute, clearish pink, makeup bag. I have to hand it to them, the people at Mark. really know how to "woo" a girl, and they've certainly got me!!!

OKAY!! ONE lucky T.G.H.H reader is going to receive the ENTIRE SET that I got! This set includes:

The flip For it compact **note the shimmer is not like the glitter used in kids products, nor will you look like you stuck your head in glue and let your children decorate it. Shimmer is elegant, classy, and gives you that touch of sparkle that gives the illusion you are glowing!**

side one has the mirror, two eye shadows in Metro (creamy/faint pink color with slight shimmer) and Skyline (velvety brown with hints of shimmer), and a Blush in Urban Glo (Peaches and cream with gold reflecting shimmer ).

side two contains four lip colors, Ambiance (smooth, clear, shimmer gloss), Attitude (red gloss with gold flecks), Siren (tawny with shimmer), and Moody (pinkish peach and golden shimmer).

you will also get the lip gloss mini Glow baby Glow in Hook Up (Soft pinkish/peach with gold flecks)
Glow Baby Glow

This is the lip gloss mini in Hook Up. It's a vibrant pink with (here's that word again) shimmer. Slight scent of mint and a sponge applicator.

Mist Opportunity

This is the multi-tasking skin refresher. Non Scented

Calming Effect

Comforting milk cleanser in banana oat. Very light banana and oat fragrance.
Exfoliating Beads

Go With the Grain. No scent.

See Things Clearly

Brightening moisturizer with shimmer. Gives a youthful, dewy, glow. Light lotion scent.

And, of course, everything comes in this lovely Clearish - pink pouch!

****PLEASE READ OR YOUR ENTRY COULD GET DISQUALIFIED!!!****

Anything listed under MANDATORY requires you do that post BEFORE you create and other entry's.

***MANDATORY***

INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ON ALL ENTRIES PLEASE!!

1. Go to the Mark. page and pick out one thing (that I didn't mention in this review) that you would love to try. Tell me what it is
2. ADD me on GFC. Write me a note telling me you did. (worth 3 entries, leave only one comment for mandatory entries.)

***Extra Credit***

Write separate comment for each entry!

***add me to Twitter and copy paste this to your status " Check out @mae_day84 and her blog to get your chance to win prizes daily! This weeks GRAND prize is a Mark. beauty bundle! *** --3

Click here and add Mark. on Facebook and Twitter --2

Add Me to your FaceBook and add My Business --5

Vote for me here (caramel apple cupcake)--10


That's it!! Make sure to add me to your RSS or email (located on the left) for more contest opportunities!! At least ONE daily!!


This contest starts on 07/17/2010 ends at 11:59 pm CST on 7/24/2010

disclaimer
Open to US Only 18 + 1 entry per house hold
I received this product at no cost to post a review. The opinions stated in this review are my own and I was not compensated in any way for a positive review..

Hooray, Hooray, the Weekend's Here..

Well, the weekend is finally upon us and while most of us breathe a sigh of relief some of us are still very hard at work. My previous blog was hacked into.. I hope they enjoy my rants... or are able to make their own rants under my name? Whatever their purpose I supposed is was .... good (insert sarcasm). With that, before I go to bed, I will list a new Giveaway. I hope you all enjoy. Have a very safe, happy, weekend. Enjoy the ever fleeting summer days. xo.