Captivating Claws (International)
Konad Addict (US Only)
Meisie's Nails (International)
Pearls, Lace and Ruffles
Sara Hassan's Blog (International)
Sparkly Vernis (International)
The Vero Blog (International)
Friday, February 3, 2012
Ending 2/4
Best Things In Beauty (International)
Captivating Claws (International)
Konad Addict (US Only)
Meisie's Nails (International)
Pearls, Lace and Ruffles
Sara Hassan's Blog (International)
Sparkly Vernis (International)
The Vero Blog (International)
Captivating Claws (International)
Konad Addict (US Only)
Meisie's Nails (International)
Pearls, Lace and Ruffles
Sara Hassan's Blog (International)
Sparkly Vernis (International)
The Vero Blog (International)
For Friends & Followers Blog Hop Week 12
Welcome to week 12 of my Friends and Followers Blog Hop. I hope you can find some new blogs here and also get a few new followers!! :)
The Rules:
1. Follow your host, The Giveaway Lifestyle, publicly via GFC. I will follow you back, just leave me a comment on this post.
2. Add your site to the linky. Please only your main page.
3. Follow any blogs that spark your interest and leave them a comment so they can follow you back.
4. This hop is open all week, so feel free to continue to check back and share until next Friday.
4. This hop is open all week, so feel free to continue to check back and share until next Friday.
5. I would love if you shared this blog hop via blog post, Twitter, FB, or grabbing the Blog Hop button, but it is not necessary.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Infinity Scarf Winner!
Thank you all for the support you have shown my blog and Martina's shop during this giveaway! The response was simply astounding!Without further ado....
The winner chosen by Rafflecopter is.....
Samantha Fox!!!
Congrats!! An e-mail has been sent to you, please reply within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.
Don't be discouraged if you didn't win, there are plenty more giveaways coming up!! :-D
Cherry Culture Haul
In my mind, I wanted to take beautiful swatch pictures of everything, but the days have been dreary and I seemingly forgot that my 40 dollar camera is a joke. Oh, I can't wait to get a nice camera with some better focusing and zooming technologies. Anyways, I still wanted to share my Cherry Culture experience and haul.
Let me start by saying, they have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with, hands down. I received a gift card via email from a giveaway on December 23rd. It was not activated. I emailed the girl that purchased the card, and she let me know that the charges had went through on her end. I tried emailing and calling Cherry Culture. Whenever I called, I was forwarded to a voice mail box that was full, so you couldn't leave a message. Also, it should be noted that I called more than once and every day. I did not get an email reply until January 3rd, and that is when my gift card was finally activated.
During this time that I was waiting, they were having a 25 percent off sale items promotion. It ended on the 27th of December. I should have been able to take part in this promotion, but was not able to because of THEIR mistake or gift card incompetence. I asked about this in my email to them, and instead of offering me a coupon code or some kind of credit to make up for that, they simply told me that there would be more sales coming up. Which, mind you, it is now the end of January and there has not been another sale like that yet. They are promoting sale prices right now, but they are the same exact prices back from December when I could have gotten the extra 25 percent off.
My order was processed in a decent enough time, I would say about 3 days, and shipped quickly. My main complaint was that customer service was impossible to get a hold of, very slow in their response time, and also not accommodating at all for something that was their own mix-up.
Now, onto the things that I chose.
I had an urge to try some new shades of lipstick, so I decided to snag a bunch of NYX Round Lipstick colors that I thought would all be pretty different from each other. With a price tag of only $2.50, I didn't feel bad getting a bunch! These first ones were different, but you will see the following shades were all pretty similar. I didn't wear these long enough to get a good idea of longevity, but they all went on smooth, buttery and were all very pigmented. Oh, and the swatches on the Cherry Culture site are junk. If you want to buy any of these, I suggest doing a Google search for swatches.
Fig: This shade was my lips, but pinker. It's a very natural shade and easy to wear. It was pretty much the same tone as my lips, but just a tad more pink, if that makes sense.
Louisiana: Very bright, hot pink. Like what you would see on a Barbie.
Hebe: A deep red with subtle shimmer. This color looked really good on me. It's a great alternative for a red lip, which can look rather jarring on me.If any of you light skinned ladies want to try out red lips, I say get this one to see if you like it.
B52: Very close to Fig, but a bit darker and not quite as pink. Where Fig was my lips, but pinker, B52 was my lips, but darker.
Raisin: The only color that I didn't like at all on me. It was a very deep, brownish red. I was hoping this would turn out more on the red side, but I was wrong. It looked very goth on me...maybe once summer comes around and I have a tan, I will like this better.
Let me start by saying, they have the worst customer service I have ever dealt with, hands down. I received a gift card via email from a giveaway on December 23rd. It was not activated. I emailed the girl that purchased the card, and she let me know that the charges had went through on her end. I tried emailing and calling Cherry Culture. Whenever I called, I was forwarded to a voice mail box that was full, so you couldn't leave a message. Also, it should be noted that I called more than once and every day. I did not get an email reply until January 3rd, and that is when my gift card was finally activated.
During this time that I was waiting, they were having a 25 percent off sale items promotion. It ended on the 27th of December. I should have been able to take part in this promotion, but was not able to because of THEIR mistake or gift card incompetence. I asked about this in my email to them, and instead of offering me a coupon code or some kind of credit to make up for that, they simply told me that there would be more sales coming up. Which, mind you, it is now the end of January and there has not been another sale like that yet. They are promoting sale prices right now, but they are the same exact prices back from December when I could have gotten the extra 25 percent off.
My order was processed in a decent enough time, I would say about 3 days, and shipped quickly. My main complaint was that customer service was impossible to get a hold of, very slow in their response time, and also not accommodating at all for something that was their own mix-up.
Now, onto the things that I chose.
Digital, Hi-Res, 3D, HD, Cyberspace, Hi-Tech
Milani 3D Holographic Collection. I love these polishes! They are opaque in 2 coats and are a beautiful, pastel shade. They remind me of Easter eggs, if Easter eggs were holo! They don't have the strongest holo effect that I have ever seen, but they are still so pretty. Also, the formula is great and they dry amazingly shiny and glossy. I could not be happier with these!
I had an urge to try some new shades of lipstick, so I decided to snag a bunch of NYX Round Lipstick colors that I thought would all be pretty different from each other. With a price tag of only $2.50, I didn't feel bad getting a bunch! These first ones were different, but you will see the following shades were all pretty similar. I didn't wear these long enough to get a good idea of longevity, but they all went on smooth, buttery and were all very pigmented. Oh, and the swatches on the Cherry Culture site are junk. If you want to buy any of these, I suggest doing a Google search for swatches.
Fig, Louisiana, Hebe, B52, Raisin
Louisiana: Very bright, hot pink. Like what you would see on a Barbie.
Hebe: A deep red with subtle shimmer. This color looked really good on me. It's a great alternative for a red lip, which can look rather jarring on me.If any of you light skinned ladies want to try out red lips, I say get this one to see if you like it.
B52: Very close to Fig, but a bit darker and not quite as pink. Where Fig was my lips, but pinker, B52 was my lips, but darker.
Raisin: The only color that I didn't like at all on me. It was a very deep, brownish red. I was hoping this would turn out more on the red side, but I was wrong. It looked very goth on me...maybe once summer comes around and I have a tan, I will like this better.
Femme, Rose, Miracle, Sunflower, Twist
Oh boy, these did not photograph well at all! They are all pretty similar coral shades, which was something I wanted anyways. Miracle, Sunflower, and Twist all had shimmer in them and I was pretty apprehensive about a 'frosty' appearance, but it doesn't really show up on the lip.
Femme: A Birgit orange-ish pink coral color. On the lip, this looks rather pink, but when held up next to a true pink, you can really see the orange in it.
Rose: Very close to Femme, but definitely a more pink/red bright coral and much less orange. The brightness is about the same, though.
Miracle: A very pretty pink coral shade. This is pretty much what I had in my head when I wanted a coral lipstick. Not too bright that it looks 80's, but bright enough to look like you have lipstick on.
Sunflower: Super similar to Miracle, but a smidge more red and a shade darker.
Twist: Almost identical to Sunflower, just a shade darker and maybe a little more orange-y tones to it.
I was VERY happy with the lipsticks. I wish some colors (Miracle, Sunflower, and Twist for example) I would have just picked one and gotten some other more unique shades, but overall I am happy. I think the only ones I won't be wearing too much are Louisiana and Raisin.. And I can only see myself wearing Femme and Rose during the summer when my skin is a bit darker and wearing some cute sunglasses. It's a bit too bright for winter months.
I also ended up with a dollar extra, so I got two Amuse eyeliner pencils in purple and green. Every now and then I want to wear colored eyeliner.
I would probably order from Cherry Culture again during a good sale, I just think I had a bad experience this time.
Ending 2/3
Beauty Crazed in Canada (International)
Confessions of a Small Town Girl (International)
Gossip About Makeup (International)
JS Reivews and Giveaways (US Only)
Miranda's Makeup and More (International)
Obsessive Compulsive Nail Painting (International)
Simone's Fashion Closet (Phillipines Only)
The Trace Face Philes (International)
Confessions of a Small Town Girl (International)
Gossip About Makeup (International)
JS Reivews and Giveaways (US Only)
Miranda's Makeup and More (International)
Obsessive Compulsive Nail Painting (International)
Simone's Fashion Closet (Phillipines Only)
The Trace Face Philes (International)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Rewards Recap
So, I have decided that I will be getting a new camera once I cash in all my rewards. I'm still not sure if I will use Amazon or just cash them out via Paypal and get a camera from a store. I will have to do some shopping around once I find the one that I want.
My recap for the month of January:
Swagbucks: 4219 points = $35 Amazon Card (4500 points for $40)
Join Swagbucks
Superpoints: 2065 points = $20 Amazon Card (2500 Points for $25)
(each invite is only good for one person)
Join Superpoints
Join Superpoints
Join Superpoints
Join Superpoints
Join Superpoints
Mypoints: 2076 points (3950 points for a $25 Amazon Card)
Join Mypoints
Google Adsense: $9.25
(Cash out at $100.00. Maybe in five years! lol.)
Current Amazon Balance: $23.85
My recap for the month of January:
Swagbucks: 4219 points = $35 Amazon Card (4500 points for $40)
Join Swagbucks
Superpoints: 2065 points = $20 Amazon Card (2500 Points for $25)
(each invite is only good for one person)
Join Superpoints
Join Superpoints
Join Superpoints
Join Superpoints
Join Superpoints
Mypoints: 2076 points (3950 points for a $25 Amazon Card)
Join Mypoints
Google Adsense: $9.25
(Cash out at $100.00. Maybe in five years! lol.)
Current Amazon Balance: $23.85
February Giveaway: Julep!!!
I am so excited to announce my February Giveaway! Julep has offered to sponsor this wonderful giveaway for my readers, old and new! The winner will receive an introductory box from Julep in their own Maven profile colors.
If you haven't heard of Julep, they are a monthly subscription service where you take a style profile quiz, and based on your answers, you get a box each month with certain colors of polish and other goodies! It's so fun. I've reviewed them twice, here and here. If you are interested in signing up for this service, use the code Maven5 and you will get your introductory box for only $5.00 instead of $19.99!! How can you pass that up?! And you can cancel at any time, even after your first box.
Here is your chance to WIN an introductory box!
The Rules:
*There are only two mandatory entries.
*Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below.
*The prize will be shipped directly from the sponsor, Julep.
*This giveaway is open to the US & Canada only (sorry, international ladies!) and will close on 2/29/2012 @ 11:59 PM EST.
*Winner will be e-mailed and if they do not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.
*If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below or email me (sarahandmike@hellokitty.com).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Swagbucks Tips
If you haven't heard of Swagbucks, it's a simple rewards program that you earn points by doing basic online activities like searching, doing surveys, and watching videos. You can then redeem the points for many things, but the most popular is probably Amazon Gift Cards and Paypal cash. I just wanted to make a little post to help out those who were maybe overwhelmed when they first joined, just didn't get it, or haven't joined yet.
1. Search - Some people install the Swagbucks Toolbar, which also gets you points other ways, but I don't like clutter on my browser. I simply install the Swagbucks search plug-in, and it lets you search Swagbucks directly from the search bar already on your browser. When I am going to Facebook, I just type in Facebook in the search bar. Same thing for Blogger, Amazon, Google, whatever site I am going to. This gives me more opportunities for search points, as they are random, and I don't search THAT many different things a day. By doing this, I usually win points around 3 times a day, for give or take 25-30 points. That's anywhere from 9000-11000 points a year.
2. Daily Polls - Each day, they have a new poll up. Vote in it, and you earn 1 Swagbuck. It's not a huge amount, I know, but it adds up with all the other points you can earn in a day. 365 Points a year.
3. NOSO - This is another small daily point earning opportunity. View a few offers (I always click 'No' or 'Skip' on all of them) and get 2 Swagbucks. 730 points a year.
4. Swag codes - During the week, they usually put out a special 'Swag Code' that will get you anywhere from 5 - 10 Swagbucks. I believe if you have the toolbar, it will alert you when there is a new code. If not, just check the Swidget or usually people will let you know on the Swagbucks FB page when there is a code and when it expires. NOTE: Never share the actual swag code, only the location of it! 1300 - 2600 Points a year.
5. Inbox - Check your Swagbucks inbox! Everyday they will send a 'Watch and Earn' type reward worth 3 Swagbucks. You just have to watch a video on Swagbucks TV, click the ad at the beginning, then answer a quick yes or no question. They will also send random special offers, such as liking a FB page for a certain amount of points. 1100 Points a year.
6. Twitter - Everyday, they choose winners that have tweeted with the hash tag #Swagbucks to recieve 100 bonus points. They also have special events every Tuesday, during the holidays, and during Swagbucks promotions where you tweet a certain hash tag to try to score extra points. I have gotten this once, and I just tweet when I win points. A little box will pop up that says how many points you got and it has buttons to share on Twitter or FB. I just share on Twitter and put the hash tag in. It's not guaranteed points, but it only take a few extra seconds!
Those are the main ways that I earn my points on Swagbucks. Just with those basic methods, you can earn up to almost 15,000 points! That's not counting all the other ways you could be getting points, like surveys, special offers, and tasks, as well! Take a few minutes and familiarize yourself with their site and social networking pages, and I promise it will benefit your points greatly!! Nothing better than free money, right?!
If you have any other tips or questions, please leave a comment! I love hearing other people's take on things like this.
1. Search - Some people install the Swagbucks Toolbar, which also gets you points other ways, but I don't like clutter on my browser. I simply install the Swagbucks search plug-in, and it lets you search Swagbucks directly from the search bar already on your browser. When I am going to Facebook, I just type in Facebook in the search bar. Same thing for Blogger, Amazon, Google, whatever site I am going to. This gives me more opportunities for search points, as they are random, and I don't search THAT many different things a day. By doing this, I usually win points around 3 times a day, for give or take 25-30 points. That's anywhere from 9000-11000 points a year.2. Daily Polls - Each day, they have a new poll up. Vote in it, and you earn 1 Swagbuck. It's not a huge amount, I know, but it adds up with all the other points you can earn in a day. 365 Points a year.3. NOSO - This is another small daily point earning opportunity. View a few offers (I always click 'No' or 'Skip' on all of them) and get 2 Swagbucks. 730 points a year.
4. Swag codes - During the week, they usually put out a special 'Swag Code' that will get you anywhere from 5 - 10 Swagbucks. I believe if you have the toolbar, it will alert you when there is a new code. If not, just check the Swidget or usually people will let you know on the Swagbucks FB page when there is a code and when it expires. NOTE: Never share the actual swag code, only the location of it! 1300 - 2600 Points a year.
5. Inbox - Check your Swagbucks inbox! Everyday they will send a 'Watch and Earn' type reward worth 3 Swagbucks. You just have to watch a video on Swagbucks TV, click the ad at the beginning, then answer a quick yes or no question. They will also send random special offers, such as liking a FB page for a certain amount of points. 1100 Points a year.6. Twitter - Everyday, they choose winners that have tweeted with the hash tag #Swagbucks to recieve 100 bonus points. They also have special events every Tuesday, during the holidays, and during Swagbucks promotions where you tweet a certain hash tag to try to score extra points. I have gotten this once, and I just tweet when I win points. A little box will pop up that says how many points you got and it has buttons to share on Twitter or FB. I just share on Twitter and put the hash tag in. It's not guaranteed points, but it only take a few extra seconds!
Those are the main ways that I earn my points on Swagbucks. Just with those basic methods, you can earn up to almost 15,000 points! That's not counting all the other ways you could be getting points, like surveys, special offers, and tasks, as well! Take a few minutes and familiarize yourself with their site and social networking pages, and I promise it will benefit your points greatly!! Nothing better than free money, right?!If you have any other tips or questions, please leave a comment! I love hearing other people's take on things like this.
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