Dear John Review

I recently had the pleasure of getting Dear John by Nicholas Sparks in audiobook edition to review! It is read by actor and voiceover artist Holter Graham. I was really excited to review this, even in audio book format. I wasn't sure what to expect from an audio book edition. I was afraid that it would be boring to have to listen to it on cd, but it wasn't. Holter Graham has that slow southern voice that some may find to be too slow or boring. However, I think it made the story that much better. I think his voice fit well with the story and the character.

The story didn't turn out like I thought it would. While this story is sure to leave any Nicholas Sparks fan happy, I wasn't prepared for the ending. I was so sure that something would happen to John and that Savannah would be left alone. However, I was very wrong. In the end, someone is alone and sad. As a reader I'm left wanting more. I can't believe that Savannah would do what she did to John.

I don't want to giveaway the ending, just in case you want to read it or watch it. Let me assure you though it's still a tear-jerker! As a college student getting an endorsement in special education, I do appreciate the fact that Savannah is majoring in it. I also love that the story brings more attention to Autism and Asperger's. I must say I was impressed with Nicholas's skill in weaving that into the story.

Dear John is a soon-to-be-released major motion picture from Sony Pictures starring Channing Tatum ("G.I. Joe") and Amanda Seyfried ("Mamma Mia"). It comes to theaters on February 5! Check out the Dear John the movie website to see a trailer!

Disclaimer: I received Dear John in audio book edition for free for this review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Another UPrinting.com Custom Stickers Giveaway

UPrinting is an online printing company that offers a wide range of products. Everything is customizable and reasonably priced. They sell business cards, bookmarks, postcards and posters! They also provide Label Printing and Custom Stickers!

UPrinting.com offers many size options for their stickers as well as matte and glossy printing! They are easy to use and you can even choose the product turnaround time!


WIN! THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!

UPrinting is offering:

250 Stickers/Labels for One (1) lucky winner

Sizes: 2” x 3.5”, 2” x 4”, or 3” x 3”
Paper: 70 lb Label Matte
Specifications: Full color front, blank back; 4 Business Day printing

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only


To enter tell me how you might use the prize if you won!

(Make sure your email address is in the comment or is easily accessible via your blog profile or blog itself. I need to be able to contact you!)

This entry is mandatory, if you do not do #1, you cannot do the "extra" entries. Comments like "enter me" will not be eligible!

Extra Entries

For each extra entry please post an additional comment!

1. Follow @uprinting on twitter (come back and tell me).
2. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about the contest (post link in comment).
3. Blogging about the contest (post link in comment).
4. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).
5. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).
6. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).
7. Enter another one of my contests (Come back and tell me which one. You can get only one extra entry, no matter how many different giveaways you enter.)

Giveaway ends on February 10 at 11:59 pm EST.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don't hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I'll pick another.

GOOD LUCK!

*Open to US residents only

Disclaimer: I will be receiving 250 free stickers for this giveaway. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Coffee Cups Review Teaser

I'm happy to say that I'm getting to review some wonderful coffee cups from CSN Stores! CSN stores is comprised of more than 200 different stores! They offer bar stools, and cookware! You can even buy wine racks!

I will be getting the beautiful coffee cups pictured above to review in an upcoming post!

Disclaimer: I will be receiving the above cups for this teaser post and an upcoming review. No other compensation was received or offered.

Philosophy Winter Products Review & Giveaway

I was recently lucky enough to receive some fabulous product from Philosophy to review! I first got the set pictured above, called Philosophy First Snow!

stimulate your senses with the pure, crisp scent of fresh fallen snow. philosophy’s first snow gift set includes 4 oz. snow shower exfoliating shower gel, 2 oz. snow body shimmer lotion and .5 oz. snow kiss lip shine in a glittery gift box. the exfoliating gel gently polishes rough skin, and the shimmer lotion melts into skin for hydrating and skin-softening benefits. snow kiss is the ultimate high-gloss, very emollient lip shine. each product contains a hint of shimmer for a beautiful, winter glow.

This set has an interesting scent! I like the shower gel because of the exfoliating benefits. It isn't rough and it leaves my skin smooth! I also really like the lip shine! The body shimmer lotion is nice for a night out when I need a touch of color/glitter! This set is great now that it's winter! The keepsake box is adorable too!


I also got the Philosophy the gingerbread man scrub.

he’ll help smooth out the rough spots from hours of holiday shopping. the he’s here to help you take time for yourself. philosophy’s the gingerbread man salt scrub and body soufflé duo is the perfect gift for anyone who deserves to pamper themselves. the gingerbread man hot salt scrub exfoliates, smoothes and conditions the skin with sea salt and other natural extracts. for added skin-smoothing and softening benefits, follow with the gingerbread man body souffle, an ultra-rich, light-weight body moisturizer that melts into your skin.

This stuff is fantastic! I use before shaving my legs and it gives me nice, smooth legs! This is great for winter too because it gets rid of any dry flaky skin! It also smells pretty good!



Lastly, I tried the Philosophy Angel Food Cake Set! It is an angel food cake scented shower gel and lip shine set!

scent from heaven philosophy's angel cakes contains an 8 oz. foaming shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath and .5 oz. flavored lip shine in an adorable keepsake gift box. it smells just like a fresh-baked angel food cake to give you a completely indulgent shower or bath experience and the most delicious lips ever! it's the perfect gift for the sweet, precious angel in your life.

I tried this kit and it's wonderful! Both the shower gel and lip shine smell delicious! I just wanted to eat them both (but, I didn't). These are great for coming in from a hard day and you need a treat! It's a pick me up!


I haven't posted a giveaway in the past couple days, but this should make up for that....


WIN! THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!

Philosophy is very generously offering two lucky Laughing Lindsay readers the ENTIRE supernatural makeup collection. Not only is it healthy for your skin, but flattering to every complexion. This includes:



Philosophy lit from within cream blush

true beauty lies within. philosophy lit from within is a creamy, moisturizing glow-giver that creates optimum color and light reflection on cheeks and wherever you want to glow. free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, talc, sulfates, propylene glycol, pegs and fragrance, it won’t clog pores, irritate, or hide skin’s natural beauty. so perfectly natural, your skin looks radiant, smoother and lit from within in seconds. available in 3 superhealthy shades. price: $22.50





Philosophy you make me blush mineral blush

blushing is good for you with these skin-loving, real-you colors. pure minerals and vitamin antioxidants hydrate, improve and protect skin every time you apply. free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, talc, sulfates, propylene glycol, pegs and fragrance, it won’t clog pores, irritate, or hide skin’s natural beauty. each pair of powders gives you endless options to blush how and where you want to. highlight, warm up and flush madly. available in four super bendable shades. price: $25.00





Philosophy superglossy lipgloss spf 15

be a shining example. your moment to shine is here. glide on luminous shine and sheer, natural color with new supernatural superglossy. energizes lips with minty freshness as it pours on supernatural color, botanical oils and antioxidants. free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, talc, sulfates, propylene glycol, pegs and fragrance, it won’t clog pores, irritate, or hide skin’s natural beauty. Contains spf 15 and is available in seven shades. price: $16.50

I also reviewed this lipgloss previously!




Philosophy the supernatural instant sunshine

may all your days be sunny. put on a sunny, happy, healthy face. the best days are clear, bright, and warm. make every day a beach day with each tough of pure, luminous minerals plus spf 15 for instant sunshine and a happy, healthy glow. free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, talc, sulfates, propylene glycol, pegs and fragrance, it won’t clog pores, irritate, or hide skin’s natural beauty. price: $28





Philosophy the supernatural moonlight

let your light shine. this all-natural mineral reflecting powder is the next best thing to moonlight. the translucent white light adds a little sparkle and shimmer all over your face and shoulders. step into the moonlight and take your evening look from extra special to extra celestial. free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, talc, sulfates, propylene glycol, pegs and fragrance, it won’t clog pores, irritate, or hide skin’s natural beauty. price: $28




Philosophy the supernatural coloring book

natural is not only super, it is divine. all you need to create the supernatural face. the essential palette of colors you can believe in for your most natural look: two shadows, three blushes and two lip glosses. free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, talc, sulfates, propylene glycol, pegs and fragrance, they won’t clog pores, irritate, or hide skin’s natural beauty. price: $37.50




Philosophy the supernatural superbeautiful hybrid makeup spf 20

reveal your true self. the refreshing good-for-your skin color that magically makes you look healthier, more radiant and even-toned instantly. lightweight mineral color, clean hydrators, and antioxidants reduce the appearance of fine lines and imperfections, and protects skin. look beautiful and not made up with a formula free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, talc, sulfates, propylene glycol, pegs and fragrance. Contains spf 20 and is available in seven shades. price: $30

That's worth $375!


To enter: Go to Philosophy and tell me which one of these wonderful products you're most excited to try.

(Make sure your email address is in the comment or is easily accessible via your blog profile or blog itself. I need to be able to contact you!)

This entry is mandatory, if you do not do #1, you cannot do the "extra" entries. Comments like "enter me" will not be eligible!

Extra Entries

For each extra entry please post an additional comment!

1. Follow Philosophy on twitter (come back and tell me).
2. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about the contest (post link in comment).
3. Blogging about the contest (post link in comment).
4. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).
5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).
6. Enter another one of my contests (Come back and tell me which one. You can get only one extra entry, no matter how many different giveaways you enter.)
7. Become a fan of Philosophy on Facebook (come back and tell me).
8. Become a friend of Philosophy on Myspace.
9. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

Giveaway ends on February 9 at 11:59 pm EST.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don't hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I'll pick another.

GOOD LUCK!

*Open to US residents only

Disclaimer: I received the Angel Cakes, Gingerbread Man Scrub, and First Snow for free for this review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Colgate MaxWhite Review

I received some Colgate MaxWhite toothpaste & toothbrush to review. It is a hard-working toothbrush that has a unique design with circular bristle pattern and a unique tooth-polishing star. Colgate Max White is proven to remove stains to help reveal the natural whiteness of your teeth. The toothbrush paired with the coordinating toothpaste helps people reach max whiteness. I've been using them both for about a week now and here are my amazing results!



My teeth are whiter than they have ever been! All I've used is the Colgate MaxWhite tootbrush and toothpaste! It leaves my mouth feeling clean and looking great! I'd recommend Colgate MaxWhite to anyone wanting to brighten their teeth!


Disclaimer: I received a free tube of Colgate MaxWhite Toothpaste and a free toothbrush for review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Soft Scrub Total Review

I was recently selected to be a Soft Scrub Club Captain, as you can see by my badge to the right! As part of being a Captain I get to test out new products! My first product received was the Soft Scrub Total, a total cleaning experience in a single bottle! Soft Scrub Total's unique trigger delivers a full-coverage spray or deep-cleaning foam, and even sprays upside down. Here are my pictures from using on our tub! Here is the before:



As you can see, it was really dirty! Now, here is the after:



Wow! What a difference! I especially liked this product because of its usefulness and ease! It can be used upside down, making it easy to clean from all angles! I also like that it can be used on the tub and toilet (I'll spare you those pictures)! The bottle can dispense liquid spray or foam using a simple screen! Next time you need a new bathroom cleaner, check out Soft Scrub Total!

Disclaimer: I received a free bottle of Soft Scrub Total for being a Soft Scrub Club Captain to review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

L'Oréal Paris® Concentrated Lash Boosting Review

Thanks to BzzAgent I was to participate in the 4 week challenge with the first Lash Boosting Regimen from L'Oréal Paris® to give me visibly fuller, lusher natural lashes! These are my lashes before I took the 4 week challenge!



For Day and Night: L'Oréal Paris® Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum
Apply this serum in the morning underneath your mascara and on bare lashes at night. Lashes will appear thicker and multiplied in just 4 weeks with less lash fall-out when removing make-up. Designed with a patented Soft-Touch Applicator, the serum reaches both the base and the length of lashes for concentrated benefits.

For Day: L'Oréal® Paris Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara
With a serum-enriched Lash Boosting Primer on one end and an ultra-lengthening mascara topcoat on the other, this Lash Boosting duo builds longer, thicker, fuller lashes day after day. Apply the Lash Boosting Primer first to prep lashes and boost their condition, then apply the Ultra-Lengthening Mascara topcoat for 80% longer lashes instantly. Boost and beautify lashes in just one product. Now can your mascara do that?


I used both of these product for four weeks. I must admit that I didn't use the products religiously, I missed a couple days here and there for various reasons. Here are my lashes at the end of the four weeks!



As you can see, even though I didn't use the product as often as I could have, my lashes are thicker and longer! I also noticed that my lashes didn't seem to fall out as easily! These products are ophthalmologist- and allergy-tested, and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers! Visit Loreal Paris to learn more!


Disclaimer: I received the serum and mascara for free from BzzAgent for review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Fruit2O Essentials

I recently got to try some Fruit2O Essentials Water! They offer a variety of fruit flavored nutrient rich water! The flavors include:

*Cranberry Raspberry
*Strawberry Kiwi
*Peach Mango
*Citrus
*Blueberry Pomegranate
*Cherry Acai

Each one contains different powerful nutrients! My favorite, the Strawberry Kiwi has Vitamin E, Phosphorus, Vitamin B6, and Manganese! I also enjoyed the Cranberry Raspberry which contains Zinc, Vitamin E, Potassium, and Manganese.

Manganese, Phosphorus, Vitamins B5 and B6 (all found in the various waters) are minerals that essential for strong bones, immune function, and energy production. Zinc supports healthy immune function, cell growth, and vision. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps maintain proper hydration and muscle function. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that provides cellular protection against free radicals.

As you can see, Fruit2O Essentials Water is a great option for your next beverage! It tastes good and is great for you!

Disclaimer: I received free samples of Fruit2O for this review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

NutraSalt Review & Giveaway

NutraSalt is an all-natural, rich in potassium, healthier Sea Salt delivering the great salt taste without the excess sodium. Natural salts and rich minerals from the Red Sea and Dead Sea, known for its healing properties, come together in a line of salts and seasonings that can replace common salt 1:1 in any recipe or on the tabletop. NutraSalt has 66% less sodium than regular salt, and the perfect balance of sodium and potassium, in an all natural, great tasting sea salt.

I received some an assortment of NutraSalt products to try and have had fun experimenting with them. I really like them. Each one gives food an exciting, new flavor. It gives them more of a bang. It's also nice that each bottle lasts for a good while because you only need a little bit of the seasoning for added flavor. I feel better using the Sea Salt on my food. I am also impressed with the variety of NutraSalt offerings:

*Low Sodium Sea Salt
*Seasoned Salt
*Texas BBQ
*Savory Garlic
*Zesty Italian
and more...

WIN! THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!

NutraSalt is offering one Laughing Lindsay reader a 4-pack of assorted NutraSalt products to try.

To enter: Go to NutraSalt and tell me a fact that you learned from their site.

(Make sure your email address is in the comment or is easily accessible via your blog profile or blog itself. I need to be able to contact you!)

This entry is mandatory, if you do not do #1, you cannot do the "extra" entries. Comments like "enter me" will not be eligible!

Extra Entries

For each extra entry please post an additional comment!
1. Follow @NutraSalt on twitter and tweet your fact (leave the link in comment).
2. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about the contest (post link in comment).
3. Blogging about the contest (post link in comment).
4. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).
5. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).
6. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).
7. Enter another one of my contests (Come back and tell me which one. You can get only one extra entry, no matter how many different giveaways you enter.)

Giveaway ends on January 25 at 11:59 pm EST.

The winner will be chosen via random number generator the next day and notified by email. If I don't hear back from the winner within 48 hours of sending the winning email, I'll pick another.

GOOD LUCK!

*Open to US residents only

Disclaimer: I received NutraSalt samples for free for this review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

POM Wonderful Juice

POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice is a little bit sweet, a little bit tart and a whole lotta healthy.

All of POM Wonderful Juices:

* contain no added sugars, preservatives or colors
* are a good source of potassium
* are gluten-free
* are flash pasteurized to retain both flavor and nutrients
* are certified kosher

I recently received some POM Wonderful juice to try! After hearing how good it is for you, I was happy to try it! I must admit, I am a bit overwhelmed by the taste of the juice alone. It packs a lot of punch of taste in a little sip! It's more like a kick in the mouth! Having tried the juice, I decided to see what this great juice could do in the kitchen!

My boyfriend and I made cupcakes! We bought some French Vanilla cake mix and Buttercream frosting. When we made the cupcakes we decided to put in less water and replace some of the liquid with the juice. Then, we baked them! We also added some juice to the frosting! I was afraid what the cupcakes would taste like.

However, the juice gave the cupcakes more zing! The cupcakes are sweet, but not too sweet! I really like them! Here is a picture of some of the cupcakes!



As you can see, the juice did change the color of the frosting and cupcake just slightly. However, it wasn't as drastic as I had thought it would be. Overall, POM Wonderful is a great way to add something healthy to your diet without making big changes or sacrificing taste!

Disclaimer: I received 4 free bottles of POM Wonderful juice for this review. I decided to bake the cupcakes and bought the supplies myself.

Colgate 360 Actiflex Toothbrush Review

The Colgate 360 Actiflex Toothbrush is an innovative toothbrush that has a unique flexible head that flexes side to side, to clean around and in between teeth more effectively. Plus, with its cheek and tongue cleaner it removes more bacteria for a whole mouth clean.

I received a 360 Actiflex Toothbrush to review and am very happy with it! This toothbrush is exactly what you would expect from Colgate! It gives me the feeling of having a really clean mouth! I can tell that the head is doing a good job of removing stuff between my teeth! I also love the tongue cleaner! It feels pretty good and makes my mouth feel clean! It also cleans the insides of my cheeks as I brush. This is a very good brush! It comes in four pretty colors: blue, pink, orange, and green! I got the pink one and it's lovely! I also appreciate the thumbgrip area and raised rubber ribs which make it even more comfortable to brush.

Next time you need a new toothbrush, check out the Colgate 360 Actiflex!


Disclaimer: I received a free Colgate 360 Actiflex Toothbrush for this review.

Simplehuman Sensor Soap Pump Review

The Simplehuman Sensor Soap Pump dispenses soap touch-free to help avoid the spread of germs. Simply place your hand under the sensor to dispense soap automatically. An intuitive LED display lights up when the sensor is activated. Four volume settings allow the pump to dispense preset amounts of soap or lotion. Ideal for dispensing hand or dishwashing soap by a kitchen or bathroom sink. Also can be used to dispense hand lotion or hand sanitizer. Not recommended for very thin liquids or exfoliants. The sensor soap pump is available in black or white plastic and retails for $29.99.

I received the white model for review. I am very impressed with soap pump. I like how I don’t have to touch it to get soap out. I also like that I can adjust it to get the right amount of soap out each time. This cuts down on wasting soap and spreading germs. It is also a great conversation piece, believe or not. When someone first sees the pump they have to ask about it because it is so cool! I love my soap pump! I must admit it’s also fun to use, I mean just sticking my hand under it and the small blue LED flashes and it dispenses soap! I will definitely be needing one of these in my classroom when I'm a teacher

Check out Simplehuman for the soap pump and other efficient living tools! Simplehuman's mission is to make people more efficient at home has resulted in a range of more than 100 products. All simplehuman products are designed to be ergonomic, easy-to-clean and durable—all products are made with the highest quality materials and are backed by a warranty. The company has received numerous design awards and was named one of the top corporations for Industrial Design Excellence in 2004 by BusinessWeek/IDSA.

Disclaimer: I received the soap pump for free for this review from Simplehuman.

Tassimo Review

Tassimo is Kraft Foods' proprietary home brewing system that lets consumers make delicious coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, espresso and lattes - one cup at a time. The Tassimo brewer, developed and designed by Kraft Foods and manufactured by Bosch, contains a microprocessor that reads the bar code printed on each T Disc label to automatically calculate the correct water amount, temperature and brewing time for every beverage. This means the getting a great cup of coffee or other great hot beverage is really easy! Just slip in a T Disc, press the button, and it's ready in 60 seconds!

I received a free Tassimo brewer and coffee to try! I was amazed with the ease of brewing and the taste of it! It's hard to believe that I can get a great cup of hot chocolate in just 60 seconds! I also enjoyed the great selection of T Discs! The expanding selection of beverage brand options include: Twinings, Maxwell House, Seattle's Best Coffee, Gevalia Kaffe and Milka. Additionally, Tassimo and Starbucks just launched two new single-serve coffeehouse-style beverages: Starbucks Latte Primo and Starbucks Cappuccino Primo for Tassimo. I really liked that to make a drink it takes two T Discs. For the Starbucks Cappuccino Primo you first use a Cappuccino Primo Milk Creamer T Disc and then an Espresso Roast T Disc. This makes for a great tasting drink. To make Milka Hot Chocolate you use a Creamer from Milk and a Milka T Disc.

Another wonderful thing about the Tassimo brewing system is the water filtration system. It allows the water to be filtered before being used for the beverage. I think this gives the beverage a good taste. I also like that the system comes with a removable cup stand that is height adjustable! This made for an easy clean-up afterwards.

For more information visit TassimoDirect.com.

Disclaimer: I received the Tassimo brewer and coffee for free for this review.