Giveaway : $10 Amazon Gift Certificate / Gift Code ends 2/9/11)

It's that time again... time for some reader appreciation! I just purchased a gift last week on Amazon.com which gobbled up my remaining gift card balance, but lo and behold, found another brand spankin' new certificate in my inbox this morning. Since it's been a few months since I've done one of my own giveaways (and I adore you all so very much), I think today shall be the day that I pass on a little gifty to one of you! Just a little way of saying thank you for the support over the past few years.

Soooo without further ado.. here's the details on how to win:

To enter all you need to do is leave a comment on this post! Please leave your contact info (email address, twitter ID, facebook link, etc.) so I can get in touch with you if you win. You may comment once per day for one extra entry each).

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of AND tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)

This giveaway will end on February 9, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to readers worldwide. Good luck!

**This post is sponsored by me and me alone. I did not receive any free swag or monetary compensation for this post. **

PLEASE NOTE : We've now moved to a new URL and this giveaway has been moved there. Please visit our new website Brixton Street to enter. If you've already entered here, no worries, your entry is still valid and will be counted. Please leave any new entries, daily main entries or daily tweets on the new blog. Thank you!

Giveaway : Tatcha Japanese Beauty Papers (2/6/11)

TATCHA founder Vicky Tsai once endured the questionable joy that many of us have before (or perhaps currently endure...)- the joy of filling up a vanity with bottle after bottle, vial after vial of expensive beauty products. After traveling to Asia, Vicky discovered the joys of a much more minimal approach to beauty and as a result created Tatcha.

Tatcha is a maker of Japanese beauty papers (aburatorigami) which are perfect for freshening up bare skin (Tatcha suggests using them after moisturizing before applying makeup) and as blotting sheets for absorbing excess oil without disturbing makeup. Tatcha beauty papers are particularly special in that they are handmade in Japan with all natural, 100% Abaca leaf and gold flake- no synthetic colors, fragrances or powders involved, making the papers perfect for those of any skin type, including sensitive.

The papers are surprisingly gorgeous, speckled lightly with thin gold leaf that sparkles and looks stunning against the natural beige fibers of the papers. The sheets are generously portioned into ~3.75" squares and size of the paper is not only functional (you need only one sheet for the entire face and the durability enables you to use both sides of the sheet), but the also lends to premium, luxurious look and feel.



After trying these papers out, they have definitely become one of my favorite beauty items! I especially love that they are unscented and have a such a natural, elegant look to them without the use of any additional, added coloring. Performance-wise they are excellent! The papers aren't flimsy and don't rip, they feel great against the skin and, most importantly, nicely remove excess oil without disturbing makeup for a nice, matte face. I also tried these papers after moisturizing since I am oily skin prone and absorbing up the excess skin care product was definitely a wonderful way to prime the the skin for makeup.

While I love using these papers myself, I think they would also make an excellent and unique gift for any beauty lover. The papers are gorgeously packaged and would certainly be a welcome gift!

Tatcha Aburatorigami can be purchased online on the TATCHA website ($12 for one pack of 30 sheets, $30 for 3 packs) and at various retail locations including Henri Bendel and C.O Bigelow.

Follow Tatcha via Facebook for product updates!

-----------------------------------


Tatcha is generously offering three (3) readers a single pack (30 sheets) of blotting papers ($12 value) !

To Enter: Visit the Tatcha website and leave a comment letting me know a Tatcha item you might pick up for yourself or for a gift, something you learned from the website or something you like about the products.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of and Vicky at Tatcha on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway (or retweet here) + leave a link to your tweet or re-tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each).

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Please also leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end February 6, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to readers in the US and US territories only. Good luck!

*I was provided with the products mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. *

PLEASE NOTE : We've now moved to a new URL and this giveaway has been moved there. Please visit our new website Brixton Street to enter. If you've already entered here, no worries, your entry is still valid and will be counted. Please leave any new entries or daily tweets on the new blog. Thank you!

NuGo Nutrition : Real Chocolate Snack Bars

NuGo Nutrition is dedicated to creating healthier, more wholesome snack options that will appeal to a wide range of tastes- NuGo's delicious snack bars are available in varieties that are suitable for a wide range of needs including dairy free, vegan, pareve, kosher and gluten free diets. Courtesy of NuGo I was able to sample some of their nutrition bars and share my thoughts about them here on the blog!


NuGo Dark in Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Mocha Chocolate and Mint Chocolate Chip (dairy free/pareve): NuGo Dark bars are made with real cacao dark chocolate and contain a deep chocolate flavor with a nice crunch that comes from an abundance of soy and rice crisps in the bar's filling. I was actually a bit surprised by how dense and filling these bars were, definitely not just your average light snack/candy bar, but something with a little more substance (though their crunch is indeed light and airy). I really liked that these particular bars weren't too sweet and combined with the dark chocolate their flavor was slightly 'mature' than the standard fare. The Mocha Chocolate variety had a rich coffee aroma that was very pleasant (though I'm not a coffee drinker), while the mint chocolate had a nice refreshing element to it. The bars each contain a nice amount of protein (10g) which is great for meat fee diets!


NuGo Free in Dark Chocolate Trail Mix (dairy free/vegan/pareve/gluten free): The NuGo free line is certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Association and comes in three varieties (carrot cake & dark chocolate crunch also available). This particular bar contains a variety of nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (pumpkin, flax), and dried fruit (cranberry) which gives the bar a lovely combination of crunchy and chewy. The textural element was absolutely wonderful and due to the wide variety of ingredients the bar itself was bursting full of flavor! The bottom of the bar is dipped in dark chocolate to round off the mixture of flavors, giving a slightly bitter and sweet component, definitely one of my favorite bars in the lot! I can also see this bar as being suitable for children, especially those on a gluten free diet.



NuGo Organic in Dark Chocolate Pomegranate (dairy free/vegan/kosher): The Organic bar line is packed full of organic ingredients including organic dark chocolate, organic fruit, organic agave syrup, organic soy crisps and oh-so-much more. These bars were slightly chewier than the dark bars due to the addition of the fruit but they still had a nice amount of crunch to them. The fruit flavor provided an additional sweetness to the bar along with a slight amount of sour as well. Definitely a nice snack- made even better with the additional benefit of being organic!

NuGo Nutrition bars can be purchased on the NuGo website or at various retail locations including Whole Foods and Bristol Farms.

Book Giveaway : Peace and Plenty : Finding Your Path To Financial Serenity by Sarah Ban Breathnach (1/30/11)

Peace and Plenty : Finding Your Path To Financial Serenity is the latest work from #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Sarah Ban Breathnach. Ban Breathnach became famous in the 90s with the publication of Simple Abundance, which to date has sold millions and millions of copies in the US alone. Since the publication of the best selling book, Ban Breathnach has experienced both great financial gains and great financial losses. Peace and Plenty chronicles some of Ban Breathnach's most tragic financial moments and gives tips and advice to readers on how to cope with their own financial down falls (and windfalls as well in a "don't make the same mistakes I did" way). The content of the book is not so much about actual financial advice (though there is some of that) as it is about spiritual and organizational guidance. As a whole, the book is some parts autobiography, spirituality, financial savviness, and seemingly all around cathartic for the author. At times the advice in Peace and Plenty almost feels a little bit too personal and specific to Ban Breathnach herself, so much so that it seems to verge on narcissistic. In once instance the book provides a list of things a "prepared" woman might have in her purse, a list spanning 25+ items, quite distanced from my usual 10 items max (okay okay, maybe 15 on a bad day), but to each their own.

The style and content of the book is very likely to strike a chord with many readers (Simple Abundance does enjoy a 4.6/5.0 rating on Amazon.com after all). Peace and Plenty provides practical advice and comforting words to readers, words that seem to have the potential to boost confidence and give warm fuzzy feelings inside. At 400+ pages, the book also deals with an impressively wide array of topics- at least a few that will apply to any reader: bankruptcy, foreclosure, marriage, divorce, work, spending, shopping, spirituality and oh so much more.

While the book will definitely appeal to many readers in some ways I found this book slightly too dated for my tastes: quotes and excerpts from materials written during the Great Depression (some even earlier than that), tales of binges on Manolo Blahniks (sooo 10 years ago), a writing style reminiscent of the relationship advice section in a fashion mag, and even an I Love Lucy quote thrown in for good measure (though I admit, I do love Lucy). Then again, that is very much the precise aim of the book, to take examples from the past (be they good or bad) and find the silver linings, the heartache, the lessons, the inspiration.

From the Hachette website:

""When money is plentiful, this is a man's world. When money is scarce, it is a woman's world." Unearthed in a 1932 Ladies Home Journal, this quote is the call to arms that begins PEACE AND PLENTY, Sarah Ban Breathnach's answer to the world's-- and her own personal-- financial crisis. As only Ban Breathnach can, she culls together this compendium of advice, deeply personal anecdotes, and excerpts from magazines, books, and newspapers-- particularly those of the Great Depression-- to inspire readers who are mired in today's financial difficulties.

Focusing on her own personal path, Sarah Ban Breathnach will relate never-before revealed details about how she fell from the financial top to the bottom. Readers will immediately see how deeply she understands the plight of those trying to maintain a happy and comfortable home, while at the same time not even knowing if they will be able to make the mortgage to keep that home.

Sarah has proved to be the voice of comfort for years to women who are spiritually bankrupt, and now she will reach to those who are financially strapped, showing them how to pull themselves out of their psychic and fiscal crises while providing deep comfort and reassurance throughout."

--------------------------

Hachette Book Group is generously offering three lucky readers a hardcover copy of "Peace and Plenty: Finding Your Path To Financial Serenity" by Sarah Ban Breathnach ($24.99 value each).

To Enter: Leave a comment!

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of on twitter and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)
NEW Bonus Entry : Stop by our new blog Brixton Street and leave a relevant comment on any post there then let me know where you commented (you may earn one entry per day during each day that you leave a new comment).

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Also make sure to leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end on January 30, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US and Canadian readers only. Good luck!

**I was provided with the book mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. **




PLEASE NOTE : We've now moved to a new URL and this giveaway has been moved there. Please visit our new website Brixton Street to enter. If you've already entered here, no worries, your entry is still valid and will be counted. Please leave any new entries or daily tweets on the new blog. Thank you!

Giveaway : Three Sisters Cereal & Oatmeal (2/4/11)

Three Sisters Cereal is a Minneapolis, MN based company that specializes in both cold and hot cereals that are "natural, sensible and sustainable". Their products are free of hydrogenated oils/trans fats, corn syrups, artificial preservatives, artificial colors and artificial flavorings. Their products are packaged minimally, with the cold cereals available in a self-sealed bagged form (not boxed) to minimize waste production and the use of vital resources (the cereal packages are not recyclable however). The company also uses renewable wind energy to create their products, niice!

Three Sisters Cereal recently sent me a sampling of 2 of their cold cereals and 2 of their new hot cereal/flavored oatmeal:

Honey Oaties: The Honey Oaties are an "O" shaped cereal made with whole grain oats and coated with honey. The cereal is light, crisp and flavorful with an amazing freshness to it. The density of the O's and the level of sweetness are superb. Not too dense, not too light and with just the right amount of honey flavor to satisfy both adults and children.


Sweet Wheat: The Sweet Wheat is a shredded wheat cereal made from whole grains and coated with a sweet, sugar frosting layer. The cereal is crunchy, fresh tasting and fills you up without the feeling of being overstuffed- definitely a great way to start the day! The frosting is sprinkled on in a nice amount, not a thick globby sugarly layer but a thin, snowy coating that packs in just the right amount of sweetness.

Please note that Sweet Wheat is not a vegetarian product as the frosting contains animal based gelatin.


Dark Chocolate Instant Oatmeal: Each box of oatmeal comes with 5 individual, prepackaged servings- just place the contents of one bag in a microwave safe bowl, measure out some water (the bag doubles as a measuring cup, quite nifty) and you're pretty much good to go. The Dark Chocolate flavor contains small chocolate chips, cocoa powder and flax seed which gives the oatmeal additional texture and the benefit of omega-3's. The chocolate flavor is not too sweet and not too bitter and there is also a salty element to this particular oatmeal. The chocolate flavor pairs nicely with the texture of the oatmeal and would make an excellent meal for children!

Please note that although made with dark chocolate this product does contain dairy ingredients.


Cinnamon & Apples Instant Oatmeal: The Cinnamon & Apple flavored oatmeal is made with dried apple pieces, cranberries and also some flax seed thrown in for good measure (more of those great omega-3s). The oatmeal is spiced nicely with a good balance of sweet and slightly sour (from the cranberries and apples) and also a slight nuttiness from the texture of the oatmeal and the flaxseed. Unlike the dark chocolate flavor, there is no saltiness to this oatmeal (personally I prefer less salty foods). The fruit pieces are generously sized and provide some additional texture and flavor to the oatmeal- overall quite delish!

Three Sisters Cereals are available exclusively at Whole Foods Market. Click here to find a Whole Foods location near you.

-----------------------------------

Three Sisters have generously provided me with Four (4) Free Product Coupons which I am giving away to one lucky reader!

*please note that Three Sisters Cereal can only be found at Whole Foods Markets*

To Enter: Visit the Three Sisters Cereal website and let me know the name of a product you'd pick up if you won.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)
NEW Bonus Entry : Stop by our new blog Brixton Street and leave a relevant comment on any post there then let me know where you commented (you may earn one entry per day during each day that you leave a new comment).

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Please also leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end February 4, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US readers only. Good luck!

*I was provided with the products mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine.

Although Three Sisters provided the prize for this giveaway they are not sponsors, endorsers or affiliated with this giveaway. *







PLEASE NOTE : We've now moved to a new URL and this giveaway has been moved there. Please visit our new website Brixton Street to enter. If you've already entered here, no worries, your entry is still valid and will be counted. Please leave any new entries or daily tweets on the new blog. Thank you!

Giveaway : Go Max Go Foods Candy Bars (1/30/11)

Go Max Go Foods takes inspiration from familiar flavors to create their own chocolate bars which are free from hydrogenated oils, trans fat, cholesterol, diary and egg ingredients. Go Max Go Foods recently sent me one each of their four chocolate bar offerings : Jokerz (dry roasted peanuts, nougat, caramel), Twilight (nougat, caramel), Buccaneer (nougat) and Mahalo (coconut, dry roasted almonds). Each of the bars looks gorgeous and tastes just as amazing as they look!

Jokerz :

The nougat is packed full of flavor and has an almost fudge like taste and consistency which seems slightly darker, chewier and stickier than the 'traditional' candy bar nougat. The caramel is equally flavorful with just the right consistency and sweetness to complement the chocolatey nougat. In keeping with familiar traditional candy bar flavors, the chocolate coating is a milk chocolate (the milk in this case being rice milk) which has a light flavor that highlights the flavor of the fillings quite well. Personally, I think I would prefer the overall flavor if the coating were simply dark chocolate (the rice milk seems to damper the chocolate flavor a bit), but with the milk chocolate coating the flavors are super classic and super familiar which is nice too! One other thing to take note of is that these bars do contain corn syrup.

Twlight:

Buccaneer:

While I liked all the bars, the Mahalo flavor was hands down my favorite- it was almost like biting into a huge, chewy chocolate covered coconut macaroon speckled with crunchy almonds, so so good.

Mahalo:

Definitely a great option to satisfy those sweetness cravings!

You can find Go Max Go Foods products at many retail and natural grocery locations throughout the US and abroad (including at Whole Foods Markets) orrr you can win some by leaving a comment below!

-----------------------------------

Go Max Go Foods is generously offering one reader a bar each of their Mahalo, Buccaneer, Twilight and Jokerz chocolate bars!

To Enter: Leave a comment letting me know which flavor candy bar you're most interested in trying.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of and Go Max Go Foods on twitter and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)
NEW Bonus Entry : Stop by our new blog Brixton Street and leave a relevant comment on any post there then let me know where you commented (you may earn one entry per day during each day that you leave a new comment).

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Please also leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end January 21, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US readers only. Good luck!

**I was provided with the products mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. **





PLEASE NOTE : We've now moved to a new URL and this giveaway has been moved there. Please visit our new website Brixton Street to enter. If you've already entered here, no worries, your entry is still valid and will be counted. Please leave any new entries or daily tweets on the new blog. Thank you!

Giveaway : Pocoyo Bath Fun Figurine from Bandai & Toys R Us (1/16)

January 8th is National Bubble Bath day and in celebration Bandai and Toys R Us is giving away a cute Pocoyo Bath Fun Figurine (18+ months) to one of my readers + a 14-day Premium Club Subscription to Pocoyo’s online virtual world, www.pocoyoworld.com- yay!

I'm not very familiar with Pocoyo, but apparently it is a children's TV show aimed at pre-schoolers that originated in Spain and also has an English language version that airs on Nick Jr. and PBS. All fine and dandy but most importantly, just look how cute the characters are!

Here's the deets on the bath toys:

• Available at Toys R Us stores and www.toysrus.com

• Bath Fun Figures for ages 18 mo+
  
• 2.5-inch figures of Pocoyo & Elly have a special water squirting chamber and Pato floats.
  
• Single Pack SRP: $2.99, Three Pack SRP: $7.99
  

• Also available: Bath Fun Water Taxi for ages 18 mo+
  
• Scuba Pocoyo and friends can float in the tub or be pushed along the floor in the water taxi.
  
• SRP: $9.99
  

--------------------------

Bandai is generously offering one reader a Pocoyo Bath Fun Figurine ($2.99) + a 14-day Premium Club Subscription to www.pocoyoworld.com.

To Enter: Leave a comment about Pocoyo or another animated cartoon/television show that you or your children enjoy.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Also make sure to leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end January 16, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US readers only. Good luck!

Giveaway winner: 3 Giggly Monsters

**I was not compensated in any way for this post except to offer a giveaway prize to a blog reader.**

Giveaway : Pureology Holiday 2010 Collection (1/21/11)

The holidays are almost officially over, but fret not, Pureology has one last holiday gift for you: the gift of great looking hair. For the 2010 holiday season, Pureology created three glorious limited edition gift sets that are the perfect treat for yourself, friends and family to make that perfect first new year impression.

PRESS RELEASE: "Whether it’s a stocking stuffer or a hostess gift at your next holiday soiree, Pureology offers the perfect gift to suit every taste, especially sustainable ones. As an ongoing supporter of Global Green USA, Pureology Serious Colour Care is working towards a more sustainable future and will offer a special promotion this holiday season. With the purchase of every holiday kit, receive $10 off a $50 Global Green USA PureGreen membership and enter to win two tickets to Global Green USA’s 2011 Pre-Oscar party (visit www.pureology.com/holidaygg to enter). Global Green USA’s Pre-Oscar party is attended by A-list celebrity supporters, and features musical performances by some of the most popular musical talent, including Maroon 5, Sheryl Crow, and Gavin Rossdale.


Holiday Essential Repair Holiday Gift Set: Present this beautiful gift box featuring Pureology’s luxurious, reparative daily care system to the “hostess with the mostest.”

• EssentialRepair Shampoo (10.1 oz. retail)
• EssentialRepair HairCondition (8.5 oz. retail)
• EssentialRepair ColourMax (8.5 oz. retail)
• Price: $54.00
  

Hydrate Stocking Stuffers: Hydrate hair during the winter months with top selling HydrateShampoo and Condition! Products come in a chic purple satin clutch/cosmetic bag. In addition, seal split ends with EssentialRepair SplitEndCorrectingTreatment.

• Hydrate Shampoo (10.1 oz. petite)
• Hydrate HairCondition (8.5 oz. petite)
• EssentialRepair SplitEndCorrectingTreatment (.5 oz. petite)
• Price: $19.00

PureVolume Stocking Stuffers: Plump up holiday stockings with the petite size PureVolume System packaged in a holiday party-ready white satin clutch/cosmetic bag.

• PureVolume Shampoo (2.0 oz. petite)
• PureVolume Condition (2.0 oz. petite)
• PureVolume ThickeningMist (1.0 oz. petite)
• Price: $19.00
  

Availability: October 2010 in salons while supplies last. Visit Pureology.com for a Pureology salon in your area .

About Pureology Serious Colour Care: All Pureology formulas offer an industry first: Longer Lasting Hair Colour – Guaranteed! For more information visit Pureology.com or Become a Pureology Facebook Fan. Please note, Pureology products can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from a salon. We request that you do not credit drugstores, “beauty websites” or other unauthorized retailers.

About Global Green USA: Global Green USA – the American arm of President Gorbachev’s Green Cross International – was founded in 1994, and is a national leader in advocating for smart solutions to climate change that benefit humanity by saving energy, reducing CO2 emissions, improving health, creating green jobs, and securing a more sustainable future. For more than 15 years, Global Green has greened nearly $20 billion in new school and affordable housing construction; authored multiple state and national laws and policies on green building, climate change and energy-efficiency; and responded to environmental disasters from hurricanes, to chemical weapons dumping, to sea level rise and the melting of the poles.

This month Pureology provided me with samples of their EssentialRepair Holiday Gift Set & PureVolume Stocking Stuffers to test out at home. Being a huge fan of the Pureology Hydrate system (which comprise my current daily staples), I was super excited to try out both the EssentialRepair and PureVolume lines, neither of which I had ever tried before. Thank you Pureology, I just luvs ya!

The Pureology EssentialRepair system: Like Hydrate system, these products have an amazing scent that isn't synthetic smelling, too perfumed or too heavily floral scented. The scent is actually really the perfect complement for the holidays with the slightly woody, slightly minty essence of Rosewood combined with Jasmine and Ylang Ylang... truly invigorating! The system itself works wonders on damaged hair. My hair is quite long and thick so the bottom tips of my hair tend to dry out and become somewhat crispy with faded color and some split end formation (oh yes, that does sound like a mess). The EssentialRepair system was awesome with softening up, hydrating and bringing some life to those severely damaged ends (great for those times between trims). While the other portions of my hair weren't as smooth and as when using the hydrate line, I would definitely recommend this system for anyone with all over damaged hair (particularly brittle hair) that has been damaged due to bleaching, coloring, etc.

The Pureology PureVolume system: Another great line, the PureVolume system contains Lavender, Papaya, and Lemongrass scents and is slightly sweeter smelling than the Hydrate and EssentialRepair lines (the conditioner is especially sweet smelling). My hair is very thick, so in the past I've normally stayed away from volumizing shampoos because volume has pretty much been the one thing I don't want. However, in the past few years I've started embracing the thinning shears and a little extra volume no longer hurts. The PureVolume line does add some nice volume, but as expected this comes at the expense of some hydrating effect. The roots of my hair do tend to be somewhat oily so I sometimes have problems with over greasiness when I use moisturizing shampoos- the PureVolume line provides a nice counter to that effect. As a daily sort of shampoo, I would recommend this line to those with moderately healthy, fine hair that needs some extra oomph.

-----------------------------------
Pureology is generously offering one reader a PureVolume Stocking Stuffer consisting of a petite size PureVolume System packaged in a white satin clutch/cosmetic bag ($19 value)!

To Enter: Visit the Pureology website & leave a comment letting me know a product you'd like to try (that wasn't mentioned in this post) or something you learned about the company.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of and Pureology on twitter and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)
Bonus Entry 3: Join the Pureology email newsletter (subscription form at the bottom of the page).
NEW Bonus Entry : Stop by our new blog Brixton Street and leave a relevant comment on any post there then let me know where you commented (you may earn one entry per day during each day that you leave a new comment).

This giveaway will end January 21, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US readers only. Good luck!

**Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Please also leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile. Open to readers in the US only**

*I was provided with the products mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. *






PLEASE NOTE : We've now moved to a new URL and this giveaway has been moved there. Please visit our new website Brixton Street to enter. If you've already entered here, no worries, your entry is still valid and will be counted. Please leave any new entries or daily tweets on the new blog. Thank you!

Entertaining with Oneida

I love to mix and match dinnerware sets for a casual, warm look - but some occasions really beg for matched sets. For both occasions I completely adore the durability, sensible looks and affordability of Oneida's "Culinaria" dinnerware collection. The amazingly sturdy, classy looking stoneware pieces come in a wide range of colors that are great for creating both single and multi-color table place settings.


From the Oneida website:

"A Brilliant Statement. Enhance your table with the Culinaria dinnerware collection, a solid color pattern that has long wearing durability. Circular banding and a Restaurant Rolled Edge line the outer portion of this mid-rim shape, providing a pleasing tactile quality along with easy handling. Culinaria offers a broad color palette, so designing your own custom table presentation will be effortless."

• Twice fired, Vitrified durable stoneware, glass-like finish
  
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
  
• Mix and match Culinaria's colors for a unique table presentation

Oneida recently provided me with a 16 Piece Service for 4 of their Culinaria dinnerware (round) in the "A La Mode" color (a cream/off white)- which is pictured above. The set includes 4 each of dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls and mugs. The 16-piece set has a retail value of $160 but can be purchased for $79.99 on the Oneida website. The pieces feel strong and solid, but not too heavy, giving each piece a very reassuring feeling of durability. The A La Mode color I selected is a nice understated cream color which is quite pretty and works well as a neutral that can be easily mixed & matched or used alone. Each piece of stoneware has a nice size that is large enough for adults/larger servings but appropriate as well for children or smaller portions. My favorite piece from the collection is definitely the mug! The shape and size of the mug and handle is extremely ergonomic and has a lovely feel when handled.

Oneida creates wonderful pieces that would be a great accompaniment to your entertaining at home (think: holidays) - from dinnerware to flatware to drinkware to cookware Oneida has an amazing selection of kitchen products worthy of taking a peek at.

Check out the Culinaria collection and more on the Onieda website!

Hue : Corduroy Leggings for Fall/Winter 2010

Hue specializes in socks, knee hi's, panties, and tights but their main attraction is definitely their leggings. With a selection of over 20 legging styles at any given time, you'd be hard pressed to not be intrigued by at least a few of their offerings- personally, I like the looks of them all. Hue's styles range from classic to contemporary- youthful but completely wearable syles that are not too flashy or too gaudy. Hue's "IT" item for the fall are the Corduroy Jeanz Stretch Leggings ($34) that are both affordable and stylish. The Courdury leggings are available in sizes xs to xl and come in a multitude of colors, perfect for any preference!


From the Hue website: "Our new legging in a super soft, stretch cotton polyester blend. The look of great corduroy, and the feel of soft velvet.Pull-on style elastic waistband with a slim fit. Faux fly and front pockets; functional back pockets."

I was sent out a pair of the Corduroy Jeanz Stretch Leggings in "forest" (mossy dark green) to try out and absolutely love them! They leggings are lightweight but warm and feel extremely comfortable. The fabric is thicker than most standard leggings making them a bit more durable (and wearable as pants without looking ridiculous) but still thin enough to maintain classic legging stretch and comfort. Cord leggings look great worn in traditional legging style (with longer tops, tunics, etc.) or with styles you'd typically wear with pants or jeans (with tees, shorter tops, etc). My favorite details about the leggings are the real back pockets (super convenient) and the faux front pockets- so cute!


Also be sure to check out some of Hue's other great legging offerings:

left to right: skinny jeanz leggings ($34), reptile leggings ($30), cotton leggings ($25)

Check out Hue's official website to see these and all other current offerings. Hue products can be purchased online via the Hue website or at select retailers throughout the US including Nordstrom, Macy's and Bloomingdales.

**I was provided with the product mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. **

Music Review : Norah Jones : ....Featuring"

Read more »

Giveaway : DownEast Basics Clothing : Holiday 2010

DownEast Basics is an online clothing retailer that specializes in affordable clothing and accessories (most items are less than $60) in both classic and contemporary styles. The line can be found at their own brick and mortar locations in the west and southwestern US and also via their own online shop.

After taking a look at the line for the first time, the first thing I noticed was how well the pieces appeal to the fashion sensibilities of women of all ages. The cuts are current, yet modest, and can be styled to create fun and flirty or more demure and modest looks. Most pieces are available in pretty, muted colors that would work well in fall and winter wardrobes. The new arrivals section is currently filled with lots of great looking winter appropriate pieces such as coats, jackets, and jeans. Also available are a number of short sleeve tops, skirts and even clothing in kids sizes.

Here's just a few current pieces from the website that caught my eye:

Know When To Fold Jacket ($39.99), Platinum Jean ($24.99 sale), Sophistication Dress ($36.99)

I recently had the opportunity to try out a clothing item from the DownEast Basics Holiday 2010 collection and picked up their Oh La La Overcoat ($42.99) in pumice stone (pictured below right).


As soon as I saw the jacket I began noticing how much care to detail was taken in both the design and construction of the piece. There are so many super cute details on the jacket that I immediately fell in love with! A few highlights: a subtle pastel floral trim inside the jacket at seams, a fully detachable hood, military style shoulder flaps with buttons, a very unique collar, removable waist belt.... sooooo many great details that I just wasn't expecting. The jacket itself is also super soft (making it easy to move around in) and also nice and warm without being too bulky or heavy. Definitely will be one of my favorite pieces to wear this winter!




Want to pick up an Oh La La Overcoat of your very own? Or perhaps you'd like to add a cute new skirt or top to your wardrobe? One of you will be getting a cute new DownEast Basics piece delivered right to your doorstep: enter below for your chance to win!

--------------------------

DownEast Basics is generously offering one reader a clothing item of their choice from their new arrivals section.

To Enter: Visit the Down East Basics website & leave a comment letting me know which new arrival item you'd select if you won.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of and DownEast Basics on twitter and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)
Bonus Entry 3: Sign up for the DownEast Basics email newsletter.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Also make sure to leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end December 19, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US readers only. Good luck!

Giveaway winner: Cherry Blossoms

**I was provided with the product mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. **

Giveaway : Areaware Magno Radio ($250 value) + Holiday Gift Guide

Areaware is a New York City based company that specializes in unique design products for the home that are equal parts quirk and function but also 100% awesome. From fun jewelry to adorable pillows to funky dishware, Areaware carries an impressively wide range of products with some of the most interesting and appealing designs I have ever encountered.

While I love decorating my own home with Areaware pieces, their product range provides especially unique options for all purpose gift giving. With the holiday season fast approaching, I thought I'd offer up some of my favorite gift giving ideas with you!

My top picks for gifts from Areaware:

Rabbit Large Cushion & Owl Large Cushion in organic cotton, $84 each
(also available in smaller sizes for $24-36)

Forget Me Knot Ring in Platinum ($720), 14K gold ($200) or Sterling Silver $50

Magno Radio ($150-300)



Animal Box: Rhino, $49



Loop Rattle (German Silver), $70 & Fawn Infant Body Suit (organic cotton), $30

My hands down favorite item from their lineup is the Medium Magno Radio ($250) which Areaware has very kindly provided me to tinker with!

front (beaaautiful wood body & dials)

back (fabric covered speaker + battery compartment)

I've decided that just about everything about this radio is perfect. From the gorgeous neutral color palette, oversized dials, contemporary-classic style hybridization, and beautiful wood grain to the sustainably harvested materials, Mp3 compatibility and lightweight portability.... I can't really think of a single thing I don't like about this design.

The radio can be plugged into the wall with an AC adaptor (not included) or powered via four AA batteries. An external antenna is also included as well as a connector cable that allows you to plug your ipod/mp3 player into the radio and use the radio as a speaker. The sound quality and reception is excellent and the product is very user friendly (perfect for all ages). At 7.5 x 7.5 x 4.25 inches, the radio isn't too huge/bulky but is large enough to be an attractive attention grabbing piece in a room. The Magno radio has definitely got to be one of the coolest things that I own!

goooorgeous details!

The designer of the radio, Indonesian native Singgih S. Kartono, has gone to great lengths to ensure that this product is designed and manufactured in the most ethical manner (through low environmental impact, providing jobs to villages in need of economic growth + more). The story behind the product really is wonderful and you can read much more about Kartono and the story behind the Magno radio here.

--------------------------

Areaware is generously offering one reader their very own Magno Medium Radio (a $250 value)!

To Enter: Visit the Areaware website & leave a comment letting me know a product you saw there that you'd love to own.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Also make sure to leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end December 5, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US readers only. Good luck!

Giveaway winner: Steph

**I was provided with the product mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. **

Book Review : The Fashion File: Advice Tips and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men by Janie Bryant

The Fashion File by Janie Bryant ($26.99) encompasses a wide range topics related to personal wardrobe selection... the fine art of matching your own style preferences to what actually looks best on you. The Fashion File is designed to provide you with fashion inspiration, tips, and other little gems of information. The gorgeously designed 175-page book covers an impressive range of topics- from the standards (choosing pieces to complement body shape, makeup, accessorizing, etc.) to somewhat overlooked topics (menswear, fabric selection, lessons on vintage clothing, etc.)- the book manages to cover an impressive amount of ground.

Bryant, the costume designer for AMC's Mad Men is no stranger to fitting personality with personal style. Her job requires her to match character with clothing and accessories with attitude. But although the book uses the Mad Men series as one of its selling points, you don't actually need to be a fan of the show in order to enjoy the entire book. In fact, Mad Men is used only really used in passing references such as relating certain characters in the series to a particular fashion style or idea. As long as you are familiar with the looks of the characters (the book provides photos), you won't be lost on these references.

No matter what your age, the advice is this book is age appropriate. The book covers universal styles, such as the "little black dress" and basics- things that anyone of any age can wear without looking or feeling ridiculous. The most unique aspect of the book is perhaps that it places such a strong emphasis on options, it provides readers with multiple points of inspiration and allows them to choose among them or to venture elsewhere. For example, the book looks at a number of classic fashion muses (both men and women) from different eras and with very different looks and explains why and how their own unique styles worked for them. Even if you have a strong sense of what you like and what works for you, chances are you will find some advice in the book that you can take to heart.

Giveaway : $150 Worth of Pureology Colour Stylist Hair Products + Hydrate System Review

Pureology is a Southern California based hair care company that specializes in shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments & styling products specifically designed with color-treated hair in mind (and also excellent for untreated hair). Pureology's extensive range of products carry a guarantee for longer lasting hair color and the brand is #1 in the USA among color care brands! Especially impressive considering the entire product range is fully cruelty free- no animal testing and free of animal derived products... quite rare for a salon brand.

Pureology recently sent me an amazing selection of products from their always classic Hydrate line to try out here on the blog:

Hydrate Shampoo ($27) : This shampoo cleanses extra gently and uses Advanced Nano Technology in combination with Pureology's AntiFadeComplex to prevent hair color from being stripped, extending the the life of hair color (guaranteed), and enhancing hair color. The shampoo both cleanses thoroughly and moisturizes, making it especially good for dry and brittle color treated hair. Regardless of the condition of my hair, I've found this shampoo to work wonders in creating shiny, smooth locks without compromising volume- I'm always impressed by how nice my hair looks after shampooing! My hair is heavily thinned out so I tend to have lots of flyaways, but this particular shampoo really helps to smooth them out with its hydrating effects. The aroma is also amazingly soothing & calming with its lightly herbal, subtly minty scent.





Hydrate Condition ($27) and Hydrate Light Condition ($27) : These conditioners are designed to keep hair soft and moisturized without weighing down. The Light Condition formula is specifically designed for fine hair and for those who are sensitive to menthol. Like the shampoo, these conditioners use Advanced Nano Technology & AntiFadeComplex to protect and maximize the life of hair color. Jojoba and shea butters provide additional hydration for even softer, smoother results. Both conditioners yield excellent results when used in combination with the Hydrate Shampoo. With the shampoo alone, my hair looks wonderful, but the conditioner really helps to provide a sleeker, smoothed out look. The scent is mintier and less herbal than the shampoo providing a nice, invigorating aroma.





HydraWhip ($45) : HydraWhip is a light hair soufflé/treatment that contains AntiFadeComplex to maximize colour retention and can be used in lieu of your normal conditioner- simply use after shampooing and leave in for 2-5 minutes. The product contains avocado, jojoba, shea and mango butters to moisturize without weighing hair down. The product provides conditioning and enhances shine with botanicals of green tea, rosemary and sage. The result is a gloriously moisturizing, silky effect! Like the Light Condition product, HydraWhip is designed for those with finer hair and for those who are sensitive to menthol- for those with thicker hair, HydraCure (hair masque) may provide the best results based on your hair care needs. As my hair is quite thick, HydraCure is my hair treatment of choice for restoring maximum shine, strength and smoothness to my hair. I use either HydraWhip or HydraCure when I want a 'fresh from the salon' sleek, shiny look or to help replenish hair that looks especially dull or dried out.

Even when my hair is not colored, Pureology makes some of my favorite hair products for maintaining great looking hair that is both shiny and smooth. I've never been disappointed with the results I get from using their products and am always in awe of how wide their selection of products is. It is sometimes difficult to find a high quality salon product that is cruelty free, but Pureology is really top notch in this regard.

I also wanted to mention that this month Pureology launched their new Colour Stylist collection. The collection is designed to specifically address the needs of color treated hair and contains 6 hair styling products. Like all other Pureology products, although this line is designed for color treated hair, they work just as well on non-color treated hair!

You can find Pureology products at select salons nationwide.

--------------------------


Pureology is generously offering one reader their entire line of brand new Colour Stylist products ($150 value) including:

• Fortifying Heat Spray Protective Primer ($22)
  
• Silk Bodifier Voluminizing Mousse ($24)
  
• Anti Split Blow Dry Styling Cream ($28)
  
• Nourishing Nectar Sculpting Gel ($26)
  
• Cuticle Polisher Shine Serum ($26)
  
• Strengthening Control Zero Dulling Hairspray ($24)
  

To Enter: Visit the Pureology website & leave a comment letting me know a product you'd like to try (that wasn't mentioned in this post) or something you learned about the company.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of and Pureology on twitter and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)
Bonus Entry 3: Join the Pureology email newsletter (subscription form at the bottom of the page).

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Also make sure to leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end November 28, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US readers only. Good luck!

Giveaway winner: Hana

**I was provided with the products mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. **