Archive for the ‘Giveaways’ Category

Aden & Anais Original Swaddles Review and Giveaway

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010


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Both of my children were born wanting to be swaddled. In fact, Olivia is almost 2 and will still let me swaddle and rock her before she goes to sleep. That’s probably not normal, but I’ll take any snuggle time I can get. I learned early on that those 30 x 30 receiving blankets you pick up from the discount department store do not work. Not to mention they always were incredibly wrinkly when I took them out of the dryer. I scoured for the perfect swaddling blanket and at the time was only able to find them 40 x 40. Now though, now that I’ve been introduced to Aden + Anais  my swaddling world has changed.

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The Aden + Anais muslin swaddle is 47 in x 47 in and is made with 100% cotton muslin. These wraps are delicious. The generous size will allow the wrap to grow with your child. Like I said earlier, Olivia is almost 2 and I still swaddle her all up before bed. She has gotten to a point where she would rather not fall asleep if she does not have her muslin wrap in the crib with her. She also uses this to cover up in the car with and in the stroller. In addition to the size, the fabric is what will make me buy these swaddles over and over again. Not only the prints on the fabric, which are whimsical and unique, but the texture. They are completely breathable, soft and the open weave of the muslin allows your child’s body to regulate the temperature for what their body needs.

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As a photographer, I would also like to point out that these can be useful. Nothing soothes an unhappy newborn like being swaddled. There are a variety of fabric prints that will make a perfect “swaddled baby pose”. The variety here gives you the ability to be creative.

There is not one thing that I would change, or can think of that should have been done differently. I feel relief knowing my baby is sleeping with something so breathable, in fact I believe I’ll be ordering her a dream blanket to keep right in her crib. I know that when I purchase from Aden + Anais my money is going towards quality, and could possibly help another in a time of need. Aden + Anais founded the Swaddle Love Foundation and supports a variety of organizations.

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Every item Aden + Anais have to offer would make a perfect baby shower gift or a special gift to yourself and your new baby. You can find Sleeping Bags, Towel and Washcloth sets, Burby Bibs and more. Visit AdenandAnais.com to browse around. Currently they are offering Free Ground Shipping on orders totaling over $60.00.

The Giveaway:

Aden + Anais are offering one Through Hazel Eyes reader the chance to win a swaddle 4 pack of their own! To enter, please tell me in the comments which print is your favorite.

Additional Entries:

-Join Aden + Anais’s mailing list

-Subscribe to Through Hazel Eyes via reader or email

-Follow me via Google Friends connect

-Follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway

Remington Wet 2 Straight Flat Iron, Samy, Paul Mitchell-Hair Care Review and Giveaway

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

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To avoid split ends and keep your hair at it’s silkiest, finest condition there are very important steps you must follow from the very beginning to the very end of your hairstyle. It starts with the Shampoo and/or Conditioner:

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Samy Fat Hair, 0 Calorie Amplifying Shampoo and Conditioner-I’ve been using the Shampoo from this line for several weeks now and have noticed a remarkable difference. My hair is naturally pretty thick already, as in dense, but each strand is on the finer side. Since using this shampoo I’ve noticed I have fewer split ends and stronger hair. I especially like this during the colder months as it seems to help with the dryness I’ve been experiencing. The thickening shampoo is sulphate free and 100% vegan.

Before the use of a Wet to Dry Flat Iron, or after blow drying:

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Paul Mitchell Hot Off the Press, a Thermal Protection Spray-I cannot stress enough the importance of a barrier between your hair and your flat iron or curling iron. This will ensure your hair stays shiny and healthy with regular use of a hot tool. If you’re going to go with something such as a Wet to Dry Iron then apply Hot Off the Press after towel drying your hair. If you’re going to blow dry and use your hot tool when your hair is dry then apply this after your blow dry. When you run the tool over your hair after Hot Off the Press you will notice a steam rise from you hair. DO NOT be alarmed, this is normal and a good sign that it is working.

The reason I would encourage Hot Off the Press over other protection is due to several reasons, other than the main reason of it protecting those precious locks. It offers a flexible hold for your finished product. That means when your all done getting those curls in or straightening it out, it won’t fall out on you and you will still be able to run your fingers through. Additionally, it will style faster. You won’t need to run that flat iron through 16 times before the hair straightens, it should work right away.

The Style:

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Remington Wet 2 Straight Straightener- Who doesn’t want to speed up their “getting ready” routine every day? The Remington Wet 2 Straight Straightener offers that convenience. You can use this on dry or wet hair. It omits a nice steam when using on wet hair while running it through, and then voila,  you have dry hair. I want to highly recommend turning the temperature down when using on dry hair though. This is something that is stated in the directions, so make sure you read through them. There are very thorough directions included stating what temperatures you should have it at. I liked this because it did cut off about 10-15 minutes of my routine and didn’t pull or snag at all while running it through my hair.

The Finished Product:

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Samy Fat Hair, 0 Calories Amplifying Hairspray-I always have a hard time finding the perfect hairspray. I have a couple favorites that I don’t vary away from much. This is one of them. I hate when you can tell I have hairspray in my hair, and I hate the crunchy feel of certain sprays. I look for something flexible, that still maintains style and hold. I also want it to smell good, being that this is the last product I will apply to my hair for the day.

Samy Fat Hair Amplifying Hairspray contains all of my required qualities. An added bonus is that it’s aerosol, aerosol just seems to coat my hair a little more evenly. It lasts the entire day, has a fresh smell and my hair stays in the desired style until I wash it out. I can run my fingers through it, brush it if I need and it keeps static at bay.

There you have it, everything you need for a morning (or evening) hairstyle routine. To make it even more exciting I have a prize package including everything mentioned to offer one Through Hazel Eyes reader.

To Enter:

Please tell me in the comments what it is about your hair that you would like to see change. Is it too thick? Thin? Too long, or split ends? I want to know!

Additional Entries:

-visit each website provided-Samy, Paul Mitchell, Remington-and tell me what else of theirs you have tried or would like to try. (one entry for each site)

-follow via google friends connect

-subscribe via email or reader

-follow on twitter and tweet about this giveaway


Some or all of the material used in this post have been provided to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.

Giella Custom Blend Cosmetics-Review and Giveaway

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

146Wearing cosmetics is certainly not something we have to do to maintain our appearance. However, the choice to apply your favorite cosmetics for the day might make all the difference in your self confidence.  You can go light and airy during the day and then turn around and become a little more dramatic for a night out (just don’t forget to cleanse and moisturize after!). You can bring out those cheek bones, those beautiful eyes and luscious lips.

Because my skin is so sensitive I have to be cautious of what types of foundation, or any cosmetic for that matter, I apply.  I want my foundation to be very light weight, yet still be able to even out my skin tone and mask away the oil in my T-zone. Giella Custom Cosmetics does just as their name states. I reviewed a foundation and concealer that were made to match my skin and needs perfectly. I was asked a series of questions to determine my skin type and what would work for me. After that I received my custom foundation and a concealer within a week. The match is perfect. I can hardly feel the weight of it on my skin, and it maintains perfect coverage. Based on my skin type the foundation is made to reduce oil, produce firmness and a subtle glow. On top of all of the above, a little goes a long way. I only use a 1/2 pump for each application, I apply to my hand as pictured below and then apply with my foundation brush. Giella has met my expectations and more.

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Have a favorite lip color that has become discontinued? I know that has happened to me, and then it is quite near impossible to find something even similar. Giella can take your old lipstick tube and match the color for you. Giella has the ability to meet all of your cosmetic needs. Aside from being able to match your favorite lip color, you can create an entire face with Giella as well as find the accessories to apply, the skin care needs for the base of healthy skin care and fancy nail polish.

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The Giveaway:

Giella will create a custom foundation for one lucky Through Hazel Eyes reader.  To enter, please browse the Giella website and tell me something new you have learned or would love to try.

Additional Entries:

Subscribe via email or reader

Follow via Google friends connect

Follow myself and Giella on twitter and tweet about the giveaway (2 entries)

Some or all of the material used in this post have been provided to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions stated are my own and are not influenced by monetary compensation.