Woven by Words

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Keurig Platinum B70 Brewer Giveaway Week 3

Good things come in three's right? That means Week 3 of the Keurig Brewer giveaway could be YOUR week to win! I adore using mine every single morning! Now it's your chance to win one!

Have A Keurig Holiday Event

Hosted by Mom Powered Media

Special thank you to our lovely co-hosts: Spend With Pennies and My Vegan Gluten-Free Life

The Keurig Platinum Brewing System brews a perfect cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa or iced beverage at the touch of a button. With an award-winning design, this brewer features a blue, backlit LCD display that allows you to program water temperature, set the digital clock, Auto On/Off and your favorite cup size. With the choice of five cup sizes, the Platinum brewer offers a removable drip tray to accommodate travel mugs.

Includes

Keurig Platinum B70 brewer
My K-Cup filter
Removable drip tray
Water filter kit
Five brew sizes: 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz
72-oz water reservoir
Measures 13-1/2"L x 9-3/4"W x 12-1/2"H
48 K-Cups to get you started

One lucky reader will receive a Keurig Platinum B70 Brewer with 48 K-Cups!

Giveaway ends November 23rd at 11:59pm, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Woven by Words is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Geek Squad Tech Support: What Your Device Needs

My first time visiting the Geek Squad site, I immediately got into a chat with tech support. It streamed for a bit as it tried to connect me to a Geek. When I was finally connected, I got a great message letting me know they were super busy and that my support was busy helping several other people at once. I appreciate that on a number of levels.

First, it gives me the opportunity to either stay in the chat and wait my turn or I can leave and go back later when I have more time. Second, I was treated like a person, not a number. As in, I was acknowledged for being logged in and I knew that someone would be with me when they were finished with their other clients.

I also like that I can “see” who I’m talking to since they have an image on the chat as well as the time each of us logs a comment. I can keep track of how long it takes for him to respond or how long our discussion is. I have to be honest, sometimes when you’re in a conversation like this, it can be seriously irritating to not know how long each response is taking. lol “Did I comment like 5 minutes ago and I still haven’t gotten a response?”

Both of my girls have laptops and they have both had issues by the 2nd year. And I don’t mean something small, I mean “not working whatsoever” problems! Not conducive to a college student who needs it for everything they do! We used the warranty for my oldest daughter’s computer about a year and a half ago. We had to wait for the shipment box, ship out the laptop, have them fix it and then ship it back. What a pain in the hind end!

Now my other daughter, who’s had her laptop for not quite 2 yrs now, is having issues with hers. Let me say this, both of my girls have the same laptop for the most part from the same company. I can guarantee you that we won’t be getting any more from them. My oldest switched to an Mac and my 2nd daughter, she’s still contemplating what to do.

Now, the laptop I have, an HP Pavillion g7, I purchased with the help of my friend, Mark, last summer from Best Buy! I obviously have the warranty, but I tell you what, it will be SO much easier to just take it to a Best Buy and have the Geek Squad fix it than to ship it off somewhere! Otherwise, I can just hop online, ask a few questions, see if we can figure out issues remotely and viola, problem solved!

Since we’re covered for a year, let me tell you some details about it! A year subscription retails for $199.99 which covers up to THREE computing devices and tablet devices - no matter where you bought them. You have four ways to get in touch with the Geek Squad: phone, online, at the store and at home!

You also have access to a library of “how-to” videos to make sure you’re getting the most out of your device.

*The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

Friday, November 16, 2012

CVS Pharmacy & Beauty Club $50 Giveaway: Holiday Gift Guide

Ok, so I’ve mentioned it recently over the past several months that I’m finding my way back to my feminine side. One part of that is taking care of myself. A bit of pampering here, a bit of it there. I was sent a mascara last year and figured, what they heck, I’ll try it. Now it’s something I use on a daily basis and can’t imagine not wearing any more.

In fact, I had one of my co-workers ask me a couple weeks ago, “Can I ask you a personal question? Are those fake eyelashes?” Now, let me get one thing clear here. I’m lazy as they come. I have no time to put on fake eye lashes. lol I told her that it was only mascara and I brought in my tube to show her.

People notice when you’re taking care of yourself! I’m glad that I’m doing it for me, too. It makes ME feel better about myself and my feminine side. I enjoy it to a degree.

Working with CVS, I was able to ask Dr. Dina Strachan and Mickey Williams questions about health and beauty. Trust me I may be 43, but I have a long way to go about learning about beauty!

Here are what I asked and what their responses were:

Q&A

1) How should I be taking care of my face and body with the cold dry weather descending on us. I can already feel the difference since the beginning of October? I have sensitive skin, and I'm 43. Is there something I should be doing on a daily basis?

Dr. Dina Strachan:

To prevent skin from drying out, be gentle on your skin. Avoid using too much hot water in the shower and when cleansing, use a gentle cleanser like Dove Nourishing Deep Moisture Body Wash. After a shower or bath, moisturize skin with a product such as Nuance Salma Hayek JoJoba Dual Phase Body Oil.

For FACE, I recommend applying gentle such as Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 and for dry hair, consider trying a conditioner like Nexxus Humectress Hydrating Treatment Deep Conditioner.

2) I want to go out and have fun on New Years Eve. I don't usually wear a lot of make-up but if I'm going to be dressed up and sparkly, what would you suggest to make my face match my dressing up?

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Mickey Williams:

Nothing makes an eye more noticeable than a rich liner. Go for a cat-eye to make a transformation to glam. I'm obsessed with Loreal's cream liner. It stays in place, and comes with a brush that is super easy to use. Follow up with a few coats of mascara and you have a bold, gorgeous look without much effort.

http://cvs.com/shop/product-detail/LOreal-Infalliable-Lacquer-Liner-24HR-Eyeliner-Navy-172?skuId=883209

3) My hair has terrible static with the dry weather. As in, I can absolutely do nothing with it because it just stands up like I've just touched one of those static balls at the Science Museum. I have very long hair but it's also fine. I've got about 4-5 months of dealing with this.

Mickey Williams:

Even though your hair is thin, it needs moisture in order to not stand up and ultimately snap. Try weightless hydration in a shampoo and conditioner that will aid in keeping hair manageable. I have used static sprays for years in film and television on talent. It doesn't have the freshest scent, but it works at getting hair to stay low. Also, If you are wearing a hat this fall and winter, throw a bounce sheet in the hat.

http://cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Static-Guard-Spray-Fresh-Scent?skuId=218404

http://cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Bounce-Fabric-Softener-Sheets-Fresh-Linen-Scent?skuId=415978

http://cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Aveeno&174-Nourish--Volumize-Conditioner?skuId=477192

4) My lips can become dry and cracked, and I like lip balm, but would like something with a tint to it as well as moisturizer. Any suggestions?

Mickey Williams:

If you want to wear color, it’s important to add moisture with an additional product. Try a product like CoverGirl Outlast Moisturizing All-Day Lipcolor, which comes with a moisture balm.

Or use a balm with natural tints built into the formula. They won’t last as long, but your lips will thank you. One great option is Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer. My absolute favorites are by Blistex. I use them on every single client I work with. Deep Renewal works as an anti-aging lip treatment with hyaluronic acid and coenzyme q-10 for moisture with an added SPF 15.

5) I see there's some great overnight products for faces. I don't take care of my face by putting any moisturizer on it or exfoliating it. I know it should be done, but is there a good regiment for someone just starting out?

Dr. Dina Strachan:

For a daily skin routine, wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, such as CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and apply a moisturizer with SPF, such as CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM. At night, after washing your face and removing your makeup, apply moisturizer.

Minnesota winters can be brutal on skin and hair. One thing I definitely need to do is increase my water intake!

So, equipped with the answers I received from my questions, I headed to CVS to do a bit of shopping and to sign up for the Beauty Club. CVS is relatively new to our area, being in a very rural community. Thankfully we have one not too far from work!

I hadn’t heard of the Beauty Club before, but after learning about it, I signed up. Here’s what I found out:

ExtraCare Beauty Club info:

· Members receive $5 ExtraBucks Rewards with every $50 spend on qualifying beauty purchases

· Members receive a 10% off beauty shopping pass upon enrollment

· Members receive $3 ExtraBucks Rewards on member’s birthday

· Members receive email newsletters with exclusive coupons, tips and new product info and offers.

· “Like” CVS Beauty Club’s Facebook page facebook.com/cvsbeautyclub and follow @cvsbeautyclub on Twitter for access to additional special offers, giveaways and exclusive content from the Beauty Board

· Join Now!! To sign up for the ExtraCare Beauty Club or to learn more, visit your local CVS/pharmacy or www.cvs.com/beautyclub.

CVS Beauty Guarantee:

· If you don't love your beauty purchase, get your money back. It's a risk-free way to shop!

I definitely took advantage of this shopping trip and signed up! I love that there’s a money back guarantee. Makes me feel safe with the purchases I make!

As I walked through the aisles I was surprised at all the savings. If you look at my pictures above, you’ll see tags with a lot of the products. I definitely need to save money as a single mom and if I can do it without clipping coupons, all the better for me! I can walk into CVS and my savings are already on the shelves waiting for me!

With these savings along with the CVS Beauty Club $5 ExtraBucks Rewards I’m set to get my bathroom in shape to pamper me from head to toe and have extra down the road to add a bit here and there! I love it!

Dr. Dina Strachan:

· Member of the CVS/pharmacy Beauty Board, a panel of beauty experts who provide interactive content and advice for fans of the CVS Beauty Club Facebook page. Launched in June 2011 to bring additional value, exclusive beauty insight and real-time advice to ExtraCare Beauty Club’s 12 million members, the Beauty Board provides more personalized answers to fans’ beauty questions.

Mickey Williams:

Beauty Board member, celebrity makeup artist Mickey Williams, offers fans tips on makeup application, how-tos on the latest hairstyles and the inside scoop on the hottest trends and newest beauty products. Mickey regularly works with celebrities like Amy Adams, Aisha Tyler, Emma Roberts, and Debra Mazur, and is also a frequent on-air guest for television beauty segments nationwide.

*I received a gift card to shop for products from CVS. The opinions expressed are my own.

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World Vision Artisan Beaded Necklace: Holiday Gift Guide Giveaway

I’m am so blessed to be working with World Vision again this year. This is such a wonderful organization and they do so much for others!

I know that at this time of the year many people give to various charities for one reason or another. I would love for you to consider World Vision this year! “Gifts to the World VisionGift Catalog Maximum Impact Fund are used where resources are most desperately needed, to help children and families in struggling communities around the world. With a financial contribution, the gift giver can select one of 36 Maximum Impact items (a few are listed below) that can be given to a loved one and at the same time help a person in need.”

- Eco Cold Cup: This popular 16 oz. BPA-free tumbler comes in handy when on the run. Every sip is a reminder of those who’ve been helped.

- Veggie Tales "Incredible Vegetables" DVD: Heroic adventures and veggie fun for the family movie night! This newest Veggie Tale DVD is an action adventure that teaches kids how to conquer fear through a faith-based message.

- A set of plush toys - Gertie Goat, Chuma Chick and Pallu Pig: Gertie, Chuma and Pallu are available exclusively through World Vision and represent farm animals that are donated to children and families around the world and provide a steady supply of nutritious food and the surplus can be sold for extra income.

My second daughter has gone on two mission trips to serve where she can have an impact on the lives of women and children, especially children and this year I’m going to have her brothers choose what they’d like to get her!

In fact, we just went through and purchased “Share of Sheep” for $35! I was so surprised at how quickly and in agreement both of the boys were. They pretty much said “the sheep” at the same time! I know my Smooch will love this!

World Vision has so many items to choose from: Water, food, medicine, jewelry, something that would fit any friend or family member! If you have that hard to shop for person or someone who loves giving back instead of receiving a gift, this would be the perfect organization to contribute to.

I also think it’s a great lesson for our children in giving. I explained to my boys the organization and how they give back to others who are in need. It’s a simple way for them to get into the spirit of giving and having a part in impacting the lives of someone else.

I received the Artisan Beaded Necklace for review and wanted to give you an opportunity to win the same one to either keep or give to a loved one. This one will be going to my oldest daughter for Christmas.

The Artisan Beaded Necklace is handmade in Thailand. With a gift of $60 or more to the Maximum Impact Fund, you can receive this necklace! So you give a gift and receive this beautiful handmade gift! Giving and receiving all at once!

*I received the product for review. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Christmas Cash Blogger Opportunity

It's that time of year again when we want to give more than we receive! Now's your opportunity as a blogger to do that right before Christmas! Sign up today!