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Cincinnati, OH, United States
Welcome to my musings.

Saturday, April 20, 2013

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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

CARBmaster Campaign for BzzAgent

I was chosen to participate in a campaign for BzzAgent.  This one, was for the opportunity to try out CARBmaster products from Kroger.  They sent me a $10 gift card that I could use at my local Kroger to purchase CARBmaster yogurts or milk.  I decided to use mine to try out a bunch of the yogurt flavors that are available, and there are LOTS of choices!  The BzzKit also included a bunch of coupons that I could share with friends so they too could try out the brand.


I purchased a bunch of different flavors on my first go round.  I bought both the regular and the Greek style varieties. Check out the variety of flavors, and that was probably only a third of the varieties.  I loved that they not only had the traditional fruit varieties, but plenty of "deserts" too!



I used the Greek style to make yummy smoothies!

The CARBmaster yogurts are low in fat (only 1.5g), 60 calories, 4g of carbs, and only 3g of sugar.  That seems pretty healthy to me.  (The Greek style is higher in fat and calories).   In terms of taste, I like some flavors more then others, and there is a bit of an artificial sweetener aftertaste, but all and all, they taste pretty good.

The CARBmaster products are sold exclusively at Kroger.  They are very inexpensive.  Right now they are on sale 10 for $4.

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Glade Expressions Campaign for BzzAgent

I recently got chosen to participate in the Glade Expressions campaign from BzzAgent!  If you aren't familiar with BzzAgent, it is social marketing company that allows you to test out products and then give your honest opinion on social networking sites as well as face to face encounters. I highly recommend checking them out if you have not already done so.

I was sent coupons that I could use to go to the store and pick up two free items in the new Glade Expressions Collection!    I was able to pick up both a Fragrance Mist and an Oil Diffuser.


Both of these items come in a variety of scents.  I chose "Cotton and Italian Mandarin" for my Fragrance Mist and "Lavender and Juniper Berry" for my Oil Diffuser.

The Fragrance Mist container is a nice shape and looks sleek sitting on a shelf or table.  Much nicer looking then the usual aerosol can.  The Fragrance Mist container is reusable; when the bottle of scent is empty, you simple twist off the bottom and replace the scent bottle.  Very easy.  The cotton scent I chose was very pleasing and not at all overpowering.  I really do like this product and would definitely repurchase if I was in need of a fragrance mist.

The Oil Diffuser was also easy to use.  There is a bottle of scented oil that you simply unscrew and snap in a piece that acts as a wick, to pick up and distribute the scent.  I originally placed this in my living room, but was not able to smell any scent.  I thought the room may have been too large and that perhaps, this product was designed for a smaller space.  A couple of days later, I placed it in my bathroom.  The next day I tested it out.  I could kind of smell it, but it was very faint.   I still have it in my bathroom, but to be honest, I really can't tell that it's there.  Perhaps a different scent might make a difference.  I will point out that the day after I put it in the bathroom, boyfriend commented that he "really liked the smell of whatever I put in the bathroom" and "it smelled much better then the nasty candle I was burning".  So it wasn't a complete fail.  The nasty candle I was burning, by the way, was a peppermint mocha candle from Bath and Body Works, one of my personal favorites.  Differing views make for a never boring relationship!

Also included in my BzzKit, was a book of coupons to share with friends and family for savings off of the two Glade Expressions products.  There were coupons for $4 off the Oil Diffuser and $2 off the Fragrance Mist.

I picked up my free items at my local Kroger, but you can also purchase them at Walmart.  The Oil Diffuser cost $6.49 and the Fragrance Mist cost $8.29.  The refills, of course, cost less.


Check out my video review on YouTube!










Saturday, February 9, 2013

GIVEAWAY ~ CRAVEBOX (RESOLUTIONS)

I am pretty excited because I have 2 Craveboxes to give away!  These boxes are the Resolutions Boxes that Cravebox was selling the beginning of January.

I received these boxes directly from Cravebox after entering My Resolutions Cravebox Blog Post into a blogger contest they were hosting.  My blog was chosen, and then Cravebox sent me the boxes to give away to 2 lucky subscribers!

Watch the video for rules and ways to enter!


Watch my original unboxing video to see all the items in the box which is valued at about $63!  My box was originally missing the full sized Mary Kay Eye Cream ($40 value), but Cravebox sent out a replacement to me right away.



Contest rules are easy:
1.  Be a follower of this blog and then leave a comment stating you want to be entered into the giveaway OR
     be a subscriber on my YouTube Channel and comment on the  contest video. .  
    ***Of course you can subscribe both places and get 2 entries!
2.  Bonus entry for "LIKING" my Facebook Page and leaving a comment that you would like to enter
3.  Bonus entry for following me on Twitter and leaving a comment on my feed that you would like to enter. 
         ***Up to 4 entries, but you MUST be either a YouTube or Blog subscriber first*** 
4.  Contest ends 10PM EST on Sunday, February 17...right after WALKING DEAD!
5.  I will notify the winners by the next day and then you will have 24 hours to respond with your mailing 
     address to claim your prize!
6.  The boxes will be mailed to you within 48 hours.  The 2 winners will enjoy their prizes!

***This is for US residents only.  Food/soda items in the box make international shipping difficult.***







Sunday, February 3, 2013

Milani's 30 Shades in 30 Days Giveaway


Milani has a fantastic giveaway going on right now until February 20!  It is their 30 Shades in 30 Days Giveaway.  They are giving away 100 tubes, each day, of their new Color Statement Lipstick...and they are doing this for 30 days!  They pick a new color everyday, and you can enter to win one of them.  They are posting the color of the day on their Facebook page.

I entered for a couple of the colors and actually won!


I was pretty thrilled, as you can imagine.  I mean who doesn't want to receive a free lipstick?  I love Milani Cosmetics and only recently discovered them last year.  Some items are go to's for me.  I thought I would share the contest and hopefully some of you can win too.  Good luck!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Ipsy Bag for January 2013

Ipsy has quickly become my favorite subscription service.  You receive 5 products (many full size) inside a really cute cosmetic bag for only $10 per month.  It's a great deal!  I have been a subscriber for 3 months now and look forward to receiving my bag each month.

January's theme was "A True Stare Will Always Shine" and included 5 items and a bag!


The first item was the Tuscan Blood Orange Body Lotion from Pacifica.  (Their website was having issues, so I couldn't link it, but it's www.pacificaperfume.com).This was my favorite item in the bag.  I used it on my dry legs and it was very moisturizing and smells absolutely amazing! This is something I would definitely repurchase!  It was a generous sample size at 2.5 fluid ounces.


Next up was a polish from Nailtini in Bloody Mary.  This is a great true tomato red color.  My pictures unfortunately make it look more coral, but it IS tomato red.  I liked the color and formula a lot, just wasn't such a fan of the thin brush.  It was kind of a pain to apply.  This was a full sized product.


Next up was a Spray & Play Volumizing spray from Sexy Hair.  This was fine, I just prefer my Oscar BlandiTexture and & Volume Spray.  I liked the sample size though ,it was 1.5 ounces.  Perfect to throw in your purse and go. 


Next up was a nice surprise, it was a brush from SOHO.  You could have received either an eyeliner, concealer or crease brush.  I received the crease brush.  I haven't used this particular brush yet because I had JUST received a new Michael Marcus crease brush in my Little Black Bag last month, but am looking forward to testing it out.  This was a full sized item.


Last item in the bag was a very generous sample of Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil.  This oil can be used to soften  dry skin on your face or body and can also be used to soften your hair.  I haven't tested this out yet, but was excited to receive it because I had been hearing great things about it.  Sample size was .17 fluid ounces.


Last up was the bag itself.  It was a basic charcoal gray color and size, but look how cute the interior is!


Another great bag from IPSY.  Looking forward to next month.  I'm sure it will be Oscar themed...


Check out my unboxing and first impressions!







Friday, February 1, 2013

Liberte Yogurt Campaign for BzzAgent

I recently signed up for BzzAgent.  If you haven't already checked them out, you need to do so ASAP!  BzzAgent is a social marketing company that allows you to test out products and provide feedback on your social networking channels.  When you sign up, they ask you to take several surveys to gage your likes, dislikes and demographics.  Then, when a campaign matches you, they email to ask if you would like to participate.  Upon acceptance of a campaign, you will receive a BzzAgent kit that consists of the product you will be trying out and coupons to pass out to you friends for them to try the product at reduced cost.  All you have to do as a BzzAgent, is provide an honest review and "buzz" about it on your social networking sites.  I use my YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Blog to let my followers know about my campaigns.  My first campaign was for Liberte Yogurt.



I had never heard of Liberte Yogurt before being chosen for this campaign, but I do kind of like yogurt, so I thought I had nothing to lose.  I do admit, I wasn't a huge fan of Greek style yogurt.  I had recently tried another brand and didn't like it at all, so I went in with low expectations.

I received my BzzAgent kit in the mail and I was pretty excited.  Here's my YouTube first impressions!


They gave me coupons to receive 9 free containers of either their Greek or Mediterranee style yogurts, as well as @10 BOGO (buy one get one free) coupons to give to friends.  My first outing I picked up 5 different flavors in a combination of both styles, to try them both out.  My first flavor tried was the coconut Mediterranee and it was nothing short of delicious!  It was rich and creamy, kind of like custard.  It had none of the chalky aftertaste that I had experienced previously with Greek yogurt. I seriously ate the whole container in like 60 seconds.  It was so yummy!

I went to work the next day and told my team about this brand, and not surprising, none of them had heard of it either.  I gave out the coupons to them and several went out and picked some up for lunch that day.  The decision was unanimous...everyone loved it!  I had boyfriend try one the next day and he liked it a lot too.

I have since used up the other 4 free coupons that  I received and have since bought more.  It is now easily my yogurt of choice.  I am a fan and will continue to eat it up!

It's been a couple weeks since I received my BzzKit....  I went into the work department fridge yesterday and saw there were 3 containers of Liberte Yogurt that weren't mine.  Apparently the ladies that tried it out are still eating it.  Looks like several fans were made! I would say my first campaign was quite the success!  Til the next one...

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Birchbox January 2013

Here are the goodies I received in my January Birchbox.

Birchbox is a monthly beauty sample service that allows you to try samples of high end products for a low cost.  There are usually 5 samples in each box and the boxes cost $10 per month.  You can review the products on Birchbox's website and receive 10 points for each review.  10 points = $1.  You can them redeem your points (in 100 point/$10 increments) for full sized products.  You can also refer friends and receive 50 points at Birchbox (my referral code) if they subscribe.

First up is the MyTM Multi-Purpose Mattifying Moisturizer. I really did like this product.  Only a small amount was needed and it was very moisturizing and not at all oily.  I will probably not be purchasing the full size though, because it is $68!


The Alessandro Cream Rich is a fantastic lotion.  It really worked well on my super dry hands, and again wasn't oily.  Full size is $30, so possible repurchase on this item.


Next up is a sample of Harvey Prince Ageless Pink Grapefruit perfume.  For some reason I recycled the package before I took the photos...  I LOVED this scent and think it would be wonderful for spring/summer.   Very light and citrusy.  Full size is $98, so it would be a luxury.


The cosmetic item this month was mascara from Lash M.  They (many times) will have a full sized product in the boxes, but apparently not this month.  This sample size was so ridiculously tiny, that it was almost impossible to use without jabbing myself in the eye.  The product itself was average.  It gave some length, but not really much else.  Fill size is $19.99.


Last up were a couple foil packet (I hate foil packets) from Kerastase Masque Chroma Riche Treat.  They are a hair mask. I haven't used these yet.  Full size is $68, so again, pretty expensive.


Check out my unboxing!


I would love to hear what you received in your Birchbox!



Monday, January 21, 2013

Resolutions Cravebox January 2013

I recently received my latest Cravebox in the mail.  This one was "Resolutions", and it was  good one!  It included food, drink, and beauty products which I thought was nice surprising mix.

There were a couple cans of 10 Calorie sodas.  I am not a soda drinker, but boyfriend seemed to like them.

There were 4 fruit bars from SunRype.  I had not heard of this brand previously, but was ready to try.  They were all really tasty...kind of "grown up" fruit roll ups.

There was a protein bar from Perfectly Simple.  I was very pleased to receive the coconut flavor, as coconut is my favorite.  I loved this bar and will definitely use the $1 coupon to purchase more.

I think I was only supposed to receive one coupon, but ended up with 2!  I hadn't previously tried Smart Ones, as I'm usually not partial to frozen foods.  But having the two freebies, I purchased a Ravioli Florentine and Fettuccini Alfredo, and they were both surprisingly tasty.  For a couple bucks, you could definitely do worse for an easy lunch.  I'll probably purchase these again.

I got a sample of Celestial Seasonings Metabo Balance Wellness Tea.  It also included a $.75 coupon and code (CSWELLNESS) to use online at www.celestialseasonings.com to receive 10% off an online purchase.  I haven't tried this particular tea yet, but I'm sure it will be fine.


Next up was 4 packets from CocoaVia.  These supplements are meant to be put into drinks or food to give you additional nutrients.  I had tried the two fruit flavors that go into bottled water.  I wasn't a fan of the flavor, because it tasted like Nutrasweet, and I just don't that that taste.  The chocolate ones, I may use in yogurt or cereal.   I like the idea of these, and hope I like the chocolate ones better. There is a code (Resolution2013) to use online at www.cocoavia.com to receive 20% off your purchase.

Next up, was a coupon to purchase a free Wholly Guacamole product.  I love guacamole, so I will definitely use this.  Bonus, they included a fun bag clip.

There was a nice sample size of Pantene's Silky Moisture Whip.  This was a .9oz sample.  This is supposed to protect from style damage.  I use products like this everyday because I do blow dry and flat iron. I like Pantene products, so I'm sure I will like this too.

This was a brochure from Mary Kay.  Cravebox has been putting Mary Kay products in many of their recent boxes.  It included a full sized ($40 value!) of Timewise Repair Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream.  My box was originally missing this product, but I contacted Cravebox and they sent one out to me the next day.  I just received it yesterday, so am anxious to try it out.  I love eye creams.

As you can see, this was  pretty amazing box with a pretty high value.  I paid $15 and the total value of the box was over $63!  Very good deal.

Check out Cravebox at www.cravebox.com.  I would suggest signing up for their email blasts so you can see what boxes are coming up.  You can use me as referral if you would like.  Just add "Witchycoffeegal" in the "referred by" section.  Boxes range from $10-$16 dollars and Cravebox does a random drawing to see who gets picked to receive a box.  So far, I have been picked for every box  have requested.


Check out my YouTube unboxing!
 


Friday, January 18, 2013

Pawalla January 2013 Review

As many of you know, I am kind of addicted to the subscription services that will deliver a box of pretty goodies to my door once a month for a relatively low cost.  As all of you know, I am also very addicted to my lovely pug, Willow.  So you can imagine my joy when I found out there were similar options for dogs, and she too could receive her very own box of yummy goodies each month!  Happiness!



I checked out several of the sites and decided that I liked Pawalla the best.  Pawalla is a monthly service that delivers a great selection of food, treats, toys, and other miscellaneous items for your fur girl or boy.  What I liked about Pawalla was the fact that they do offer all different types of items in each box, it's not just all food or not just all toys.  Most importantly, I liked that all of the food and treat items are very high quality, all made in the USA, and mostly organic, or if not organic, still very good quality.  With all of the recent accounts of questionable processing overseas, I am very conscious about reading the labels and making sure I am comfortable with what I am feeding to her.

This month's box consisted of two cans of food from Lotus.  The flavors were Turkey Stew and Chicken and Asparagus Stew.  I hadn't yet opened the chicken, but the turkey definitely looked and smelled like real turkey.  Willow, needless to say, loved it!  Downside, they are pretty expensive at over $3 per can.  I probably won't be feeding her that everyday, but maybe a can here and there. Check them out at www.lotuspetfoods.com.



The next item was Petchup, which is a condiment for dogs.  It looks and smells like beef gravy and is meant to stir into dry food to give it added flavor.  What the dogs don't know is that it is actually packed with vitamins and minerals and is in essence a multivitamin for your dog..pretty genius!  I fed this to both Willow and my boyfriend's dog, Kilo.  They both LOVED this!!!  It will definitely be something I will repurchase.   I checked the website and they sell a pack of 2 for $15.90.  Check them out at www.petchup.com.



Next item was Stella & Chewy's Carnivore Crunch.  This was kind of a strange product.  It is raw, freeze- dried meat that you can mix with food or give as a treat.   I mixed some in to both dogs dry food and they seemed to like it as well.  This one is bit pricey too at $10.99 a bag.  Check them out at www.stellaandcheweys.com.



Next treat item was Wagatha's Little Bites Organic Biscuits.  These were breakfast biscuits made from apples and bananas.  They smell like bananas, and I couldn't resist the urge, I nibbled a small corner,and they taste like a bland banana cookie.  I liked these because they were small, so good to use as treat here and there.  Both dogs liked these as well. Price is pretty good, $6.99 per bag.  Check them out at www.wagathas.com.



The toy item in this box was unfortunately not a hit with Willow.  It is a really cute toy from Charming Toys, but she just doesn't like to play with rubber toys.  She LOVES stuffed toys, so this one has been sitting in the middle of the floor, untouched.  Shame, because it is really really cute!  www.charmingpetproducts.com



Last item was a roll of poop bags.  You can never have too many of those!

Watch my YouTube unboxing of this month's box!




Pawalla is $26 per month, but I had a promo code for $10 off my first box from Klutzyduncan!   You can find her at http://www.youtube.com/user/Klutzyduncan

To subscribe:  www.pawalla.com

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

A Resolution for 2013 and a Very Yummy Dinner

One of my resolutions for 2013 is to stop eating drive through lunches.  I haven't eaten fast food since December 27, and I feel great!!! I don't even particularly like fast food that much, it is just really convenient, especially where I work.  You can barely drive a block or two, and not be passing at least three drive through lanes.  It absolutely hate the way it makes me feel, sluggish and fat and just all around yucky.  My laziness has won over in the past though, but I am hoping my will shall overcome this year!  

I really do like to cook and do so several times a week.  I will pack some leftovers happily eat lunch, but some mornings, I am just running late, don't want to be bothered or just forget and off to work I go...

Unacceptable!  This must change...and it shall!

I was watching one of my favorite YouTubers, April, on one of her channels, CookWithApril (she has a beauty channel that is equally fabulous), and came across a couple of delightful recipes that I tried out the other night!  BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches and watermelon salad.  They were both yummy!

Here's what they looked like...


The recipe was SUPER easy too, so bonus. Here goes: 
The BBQ chicken was a couple pounds of chicken breasts thrown in the crock pot.  
In a bowl:  combine a bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce (I used KC Masterpiece), 1/4 cup packed brown suger, 1/4 cup, Italian dressing and 2 Tablespoons worcestershire sauce.  Wisk together, and pour into the crock pot.  Cook chicken @4 hours (if thawed) or @6 hours if frozen.  Remove chicken and shred using two forks.  Serve on buns and enjoy!

The watermelon salad was SUPER easy!
I bought  a decent sized piece of sliced watermelon and cut into chunks.  Put into a bowl with some sliced red onion (I used about half of one) and place in the fridge for @30 minutes.  When ready to plate, place a layer of your favorite salad greens, a generous portion of the watermelon/onion mixture, some crumbled blue cheese, and some chopped macadamia nuts, and then drizzle with some balsamic vinegar.  I cannot tell you how delicious this is!

If you would like to watch April's videos, here they are:
For the chicken:  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNaj-S4N2hQ

For the watermelon salad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrBgh1AQr0g

Do you think you will try the watermelon salad? I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Downton Abbey...Finally...Tonight!


Finally...it's here.  Season 3!  The American side of the pond has been waiting, quite impatiently..I must add, to be able to see what the UK has been watching for months.  Super excited for the addition of one of my very, very favorites, Ms. Shirley MacLaine.  The sparring between her and Maggie Smith should be properly epic.  With only hours to go, I am already trying to decide which of my flavorful teas I will be brewing up to watch Episode One.  Tick, tock, tick, tock...

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Color Your World in 2013 with Zoya Nail Polish!




It's that time of year again!  I LOVE these deals and always take advantage, as should you.  Zoya is a fabulous polish line and getting 3 bottles for only $10 shipping is an absolute steal.  They cost @$8-10 dollars in the stores.