Bahama Buck's Review and Giveaway

I don't know about where you are but here in southern California it feels like we skipped spring and headed straight into summer. It's warm out here!  What better way to cool off than a tasty and refreshing snow cone from Bahama Buck's. 

Bahama Buck's was started in the summer of 1990 and has since grown into a franchise with several locations nationwide. If you are lucky enough to have a Bahama Buck's near you than you are probably a fan of their gourmet flavored shaved ice. It's delicious! With flavors like Blue Coconut, Strawberry Margarita, Cotton Candy and Pina Colada  why wouldn't you be? But these are just a few of their flavors they also have some fun originals like Princess, a magical combination that is made extra special when you add in some sprinkles. Or how about Sun Devil, cherry with a cinnamon kick. They even carry some licensed flavors like Coca-Cola, Sour Patch and the latest Fanta Orange. Even better, you can mix and match flavors and add things like ice cream, Tropic Creme, Sour Patch Sauce and other mix-ins to make your shaved ice extra special. 

I was given the opportunity to visit my local Temecula location and try their latest creation made with Fanta Orange. Before I get into all that I just have to say that I love how clean and spacious this location is. This isn't a little snow cone stand. It's a place where you can bring family and friends and sit down and enjoy a fabulous treat without feeling rushed. The ladies that were working on this particular day that I visited were friendly and knew their stuff. I was enthusiastically offered so many suggestions of flavors to try. Cherry Coke with Chocolate Cream add-on was surprisingly good, the Strawberry Cheesecake was as sweet as can be and Pickle was amazing. That's right they have a pickle flavor and I hear it is extra great when you add some chili salt to it. I will let you know on my next visit. 

Looking for something else to quench your thirst? Bahama Buck's also makes their own soda creations, Frozen Island Espressos which they call Frostalattes and a variety of Island Smoothies. 

My daughter and I tried the Wavebender, a combination of bananas, pineapple juice, & coconut and run flavors. It was a tropical paradise. 

Now for the latest addition to Bahama's Buck's large list of flavors, Fanta Orange. 

I tried it Bahama Rama Mama style which contained vanilla ice cream & topped with Tropic Creme. It tasted almost almost like a 50/50 ice cream bar, but better. You need to head to your local Bahama Buck's and give it a try!

Guess what?! The generous people at Bahama Buck's are going to make this easy for one lucky Girly Girl reader. One of you has the chance to win a $20 gift card to use on whatever your tummy desires. 

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The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

Candlewick Press Children's Books for 2018 and Giveaway

Can you believe it's 2018!? I am still waiting for that flying car I was promised. Anyhow I have some wonderful children's books to share with you so that your kiddos can start the new year right, by reading instead of playing on their tablets. Don't you think we should all make a resolution to spend less time on electronics? Reading is a great past time for adults and children alike, unfortunately with all the distractions of today I think children are reading less. If there is one thing I have always tried to share with my daughter it is my love of books and reading. So here are a few book suggestions for 2018, from Candelwick Press, that I hope your kids will enjoy. 

A World of Information by Richard Platt is a book of knowledge that kids will appreciate. It answers many of the questions that parents get asked but sometimes don't know the answer to. My nine year old daughter was very excited about receiving this book. She is very inquisitive and this book explains things in a way that is easy for kids to grasp. 

How much do clouds weigh? Who invented the pencil? How many ways can you tie a knot? Discover the answers to these and many other questions in this elegant and absorbing miscellany of general knowledge. From music notation to Roman numerals and from the skeleton to the solar system, essential facts are brought to life by stylish infographics and fascinating commentary. Perfect for all ages, this book is sure to amuse and intrigue even the most curious minds.

From Morse code to the bones in the human body, this visually stunning collection of facts and figures puts a world of information at your fingertips.

Where's Waldo? Destination: Everywhere! by Martin Handford is another find and seek book featuring the infamous Waldo and his striped shirt. My daughter has another Where's Waldo book on her bookcase but since she has already found the sly guy in all the photos I thought this would be a fun book for her to spend some time with. She found Waldo in every scene and it only took her about 20 minutes! This might be a better fit for a child a few years younger. While this is not a reading book it will still get your child using their brain.

Everyone’s favorite bespectacled explorer has been many places — the land of dragon flyers, a Jurassic arena of sports-loving dinosaurs, the set of black-and-white movies in Hollywood. Join Waldo as he handpicks his favorite journeys of all time, revisiting twelve of his most fantastic travels in a new format that includes a surprise at the end of the book. New eye-boggling games await Waldo-watchers alongside every scene in this fresh tribute to Waldo’s many years wandering the world.

Have you ever wondered which of his many adventures Waldo loved best?

Harry Potter: Magical Film Projections: Quidditch by Insight Editions is another  book with little reading that will keep your kids away from the TV and lost in the magical world of Harry Potter. Any Harry Potter fan will love this! My daughter is not a huge fan so she gifted this to a friend of hers who absolutely is and I was told she absolutely loves it. 

The wizarding world’s favorite sport, Quidditch is a magical game played high up in the air with Quaffles, Bludgers, and broomsticks. This interactive book allows fans to project their favorite Quidditch scenes from the Harry Potter films on a wall or ceiling using a flashlight. Read along and experience extraordinary moments from the movies like never before, like when Harry catches the Golden Snitch in his first-ever game of Quidditch.

Using black line illustrations on framed acetate pages, this unique book allows fans to project their favorite scenes from the Harry Potter films at home with a flashlight.

Knightology by Dugald A. Steer is my favorite of the lot. It is filled with everything you ever wanted to know about the world of knights and knighthood. Filled with stories and pictures, it is a beautifully made hardcover book that boys and girls will love. My daughter thought this book was the coolest!

What does it really take to be a knight? Peruse this lavish novelty volume and be surprised.

Norse Myths Tales of Odin, Thor, and Loki by Kevin Crossley-Holland is the book that has the most reading. 220 pages of tales so your child can escape into a fantastical world of gods, dwarfs and giants. My husband has actually taken it upon himself to read this book and learn all about Norse mythology. 

A collaboration by two talented creators provides the perfect means to delve into Norse mythology and pore over the enthralling exploits of all-powerful Odin; mighty Thor and his hammer, Mjolnir; and Loki, the infamous trickster. From the creation of the nine worlds to the final battle of Ragnarok, Carnegie Medal winner Kevin Crossley-Holland details the Viking gods as never before, while Jeffrey Alan Love's lavish illustrations bring the mythic figures to life on the page. Readers will be caught up in the seesawing struggle for power between gods, dwarfs, and giants, punctuated by surprising love matches, thrilling journeys, and dazzling magic. With its well-researched, lyrical prose and its dramatic and powerful artwork, this wonderful gift edition makes the perfect book for both the staunchest fans of mythology and newcomers with no knowledge of Viking folklore.

Long-recognized master of Norse mythology Kevin Crossley-Holland pairs with award-winning artist Jeffrey Alan Love for an exceptional look at the Viking gods.

You can find these books wherever children's books are sold. 

I have a great giveaway to share with all readers too! Two of you will win a copy of all 5 books!

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Coobie Seamless Bra Review and Giveaway

What's a Coobie Seamless Bra?

It’s simply the most amazing bra you’ll ever buy. Ultra comfortable, supportive, and inexpensive – it’s the perfect combination. The Coobie Bra provides shape and support and can be worn in place of a camisole or tank top. The Coobie Bra fits almost every body!

I received  a Coobie Scoopneck Bra for review in Royal Purple and it really is one of the most comfortable bras I have. With adjustable straps and removable pads this soft bra can be worn as your every day bra, in place of a camisole or tank top and even to sleep in! Yes, I am one of those women that likes to wear a bra while I sleep. Don't ask me why but I have always worn a bra to bed, it's usually a sports bra or some kind of bra without padding or an underwire. The Coobie bra I received is not only comfortable but offers support without those metal wires that dig into your skin. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes. Coobie has several bra styles you can choose from, they even have nursing bras! 

You can check them out by visiting The Coobie Store. I have a great deal to share with you too! You can use the code USFG to receive 30% off at checkout. 

I have some even better news to share with you! 

The people over at Coobie are allowing me to host a giveaway for a chance to win a Coobie bra of your choice 

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Rodan + Fields Review and Giveaway Opportunity

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Winners #16 Helga #17 Gabrielly #26 Jeremy

Hey Girly Girls! I have no doubt that Rodan + Fields has been making it on your Facebook feed a lot lately. You probably even know someone who is a consultant and raves about their products constantly. I am hear to tell you there is a reason for all the buzz, the stuff works! So let me tell you a little bit about my introduction to Rodan + Fields. My good friend Tracy, you may remember her as a Girly Girl contributor awhile back. Well, she called me one day and told me about this new business opportunity she had started, selling skincare. She mentioned how great all their products were and she was eager for me to give them a shot. At the time I checked out her website   and like I am sure many others have, thought holy cow this skincare line is pricey. Needless to say I did not buy anything at this point. Than a few weeks later I met a woman at church, her daughter and mine became friends so we introduce each other so we could plan a playdate for our girls. She handed me a card and lo and behold she was also an R + F consultant. Small world! As weeks passed I started hearing and seeing more and more about this "Life-Changing Skincare", my Facebook feed was on fire with the most unbelievable before and after photos, and one day this photo popped onto my feed. 

This photo was different because I actually knew this person, my good friend Tracy. She was promoting R + F's top seller Lash Boost.

A nightly eyelash-conditioning serum that features a unique proprietary formula that improves the appearance of lash volume and length for lashes that are 100% real, 100% yours. In weeks, you’ll be wondering if you need mascara at all. 

My first thought was no way are those her lashes, I mean I know Tracy, when we lived in Alaska I saw her daily, these are not the lashes I remember. So immediately called her up to ask her if she was lying of course, Tracy and I have that kind of relationship. After hounding her for several minutes I decided she was telling the truth and yes, I broke down and bought some Lash Boost. Guess what?! I don't regret it. My eyelashes literally started touching the tops of my eyelids after only a few weeks of using this product, I got so many compliments and people asking me if my eyelashes were real.

They are long see! Here is a closeup I just took, they are loooong. Let me tell you I have now had a change of heart when it comes to R + F prices. When you think about  all the products us ladies spend on skincare  from cleaners, toners, night creams, day creams, eye creams, etc. R + F prices actually make sense, especially when you are getting high quality products that really work. Not to mention I have several friends that started using a R + F skincare regimen and are now spending less money on makeup because their skin looks so great they just don't need it. I am planning on trying their Reverse Brightening regimen next. 

It normally retails for $190 but if you become one of Tracy's preferred customers you get it for $171! 

I have some great deals to share with you if you have been on the fence about trying Rodan + Fields. 

Tracy would like to give away 3 mini facials and 1 sample Hydration Serum to three Girly Girl readers. 

To Enter: Leave a comment on this post. You can get an extra entry You can get an extra entry by trying out her Solution Tool. Make sure you post an additional comment saying you did.

This giveaway will end on December 6, 2017. I will choose the winners using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only. 

In addition if she gets 3 people to order as a Preferred Customer (make sure you tell her Girly Girl sent you) I will set up another giveaway for a Lash Boost valued at $150! Anyone who places an order as a Preferred Customer will also get a $20 rebate. So go check out what all the R + F buzz  is about!

Stay tuned because I will be posting 12 Days of Christmas Rodan + Fields specials right here!

Although I am posting on behalf of product consultant,  all opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.

Kerabotanica Giveaway

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Winner #16 Amanda

Hey Girly Girls! I have another great giveaway to share with you. This one is from the people over at Kerabotanica, an emerging beauty brand whose goal is providing safe and natural products that work. All their products are vegan friendly, 100% cruelty free, alcohol free, color free and hypoallergenic. The products currently available in their line include hair mists and hair fragrances. 

Kerabotanica strengthens, hydrates and promotes shine all while delivering a rush of fragrance to hair. A variety of scents come with clever names including Slay and Play, It’s a Miracle, You Had Me At Hello, #FollowMe and Shore to Please Beach Girl Sea Salt Mist.

Want to introduce your hair to the latest hair product? One Girly Girl reader will get the chance to win a bottle of Kerabotanica's #Followme. This refreshing hair mist is perfect to freshen up your hair midday or use in between washes. Just spray on dry hair, give it a little tousle and and your ready to go. Here is a list of tall the good stuff contained in this bottle:

·         Coconut Oil promotes healthy hair growth & adds luster

·         Sweet Almond Extract moisturizes, adds sheen, & strengthens

·         Blue Agave Extract soothes, moisturizes, & adds shine

·         Vitamin E repairs damage & promotes healthy hair growth

·         Rosemary Leaf Extract moisturizes & promotes hair growth

·         Peppermint Leaf Extract rejuvenates & promotes hair growth

·         Apricot Kernel Extract moisturizes, softens & adds shine

·         Camel Grass Extract cleanses with antibacterial and antifungal properties                      

To Enter: You must follow Kerabotanica on Instagram and leave a comment here telling me that that you did. You can get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on June 30, 2017. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address in your profile. US entries only. 

                      

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival and Bimbo Giveaway

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Winners #1 Jen Wharton and #74 Alondra Galvan

If you live in Southern California then there is no doubt you have heard of the annual Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival. This festival is a celebration of Temecula's wine country, filled with soaring hot air balloons, fabulous wine tasting, quality entertainment, arts & crafts, food vendors and even a kids faire! This years musical lineup includes some 80's classic bands like Dramarama, The Motels and Annabella from Bow Wow Wow. Since I live in Temecula I have the joy of watching beautiful hot air balloons sailing in the early morning sky practically everyday, but if you live in California outside the Inland Empire you must make the drive over and visit this festival from June 2 through June 4. 

This year there will be a new face in the wine country skies, that of Bimbo Bear. 

On it's annual Rise & Shine Tour, Bimbo Bear will be making a pit stop at the festival. Bimbo, famous for their tasty baked goods will also be featuring a tent on festival grounds filled with scrumptious sweets. 

To Celebrate Bimbo Bears upcoming voyage in the sky, they would like to offer 2 amazing prize packs to two lucky Girl Girl readers. 

Each prize pack will include four tickets to the Temecula Festival (2 adult/2 children), which can be picked up at the will-call window. In addition each prize pack also includes the following: 

• 1 picnic basket
• 1 Cabana-striped towel
• 4 fans
• 4 drawstring bags
• 4 t-shirts
• 4 sports towels
• 4 Bimbo Balloon pins
• 4 sunglasses
• 1 beach ball
• An assortment of Bimbo Sweet Baked Goods products

Which can be picked up at the Bimbo Sweet Baked Goods Tent. 

To Enter: Leave me a comment letting me you would like to win, that's it! You can get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will on June 1st. I will choose the two winners using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. You must be 18 to enter to win this prize. Since the prize will be picked up at the event please only enter if you live in the California area or are planning to attend the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival. Thank you and Good Luck!

SeabuckWonders Wonder Pack Giveaway

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Winner #73 Emily Benzing

In honor of Mother's Day and the upcoming Wonder Women movie releasing in June, SeabuckWonders would like to celebrate by offering Girly Girl readers this awesome giveaway! SeabuckWonders Wonder Pack is an amazing health & beauty kit that contains 4 of SeaBuckWonders fabulous products. 

1. Ultimate Hair Skin & Nails -  The ONLY Hair, Skin & Nails product to contain Omega-7 AND Biotin. By combining biotin with the cell membrane nurturing properties of sea buckthorn oil, this powerful blend provides the best support for strength and beauty. Supercharged with Omegas 7,3,6,9 and more than 190 phytonutrients, this formula is the perfect choice for lasting, healthy beauty.
2. Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Facial Cleanser - Sea Buckthorn Facial Cleanser cleans skin gently, yet effectively, without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It exfoliates to remove dirt and impurities, while hydrating skin for a smooth, clear complexion. Unlike many other facial cleansers, SeabuckWonders Facial Cleanser is ideal for all skin types that will benefit from its remarkable nutritional properties, leaving skin feeling clean, balanced, and beautiful. 
3. Sea Buckthron Facial Cream - Utilizing the superb age-defying properties of sea buckthorn oil, SeabuckWonders Facial Cream minimizes fine lines, while protecting the skin from the damaging effects of the sun and environmental pollutants.
4. Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion - Intensely moisturizing, Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion rejuvenates and replenishes the skin’s natural balance, softening and nourishing for silky, touchable skin. Its high concentration of sea buckthorn oil allows for superior moisture retention while protecting the skin from signs of aging and the effects of exposure to the sun.

I have shared the wonders of SeabuckWonders in the past and am so excited to give one of you the opportunity to try these high quality products, and see what all the fuss about these little seabuckthorn berries is all about. 

To Enter: Tell me something WONDERful about your mom. You can get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on May 20, 2017. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US residents only 

Seabuck Wonders Holiday Deals and a Giveaway!

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Winner #14 Kris

Just in time for the biggest shopping days of the year, I have two great deals to share with you for Seabuck Wonders products!

Get 50% off on all products on Black Friday by using the code BLKFRI at checkout, and.... In case your miss out you can get 40% off all products by using the code CYBER40 on Cyber Monday. This is a great time to try Sea Buckthorn for the first time, buy some gifts, or just stock up on all your favorites. From facial cleansers to body lotion to their Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil, find out about these pure Himalayan, wild-grown and hand picked Sea Buckthorn berries and all the benefits they provide. 

For instance, Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil is a great immunity booster for the kiddos so they can fight off those pesky colds that come with winter. 

Sea Buckthorn Berry is most well-known for its impressive nutritional profile, which includes the rare Omega 7, as well as Omega 3, 6, and 9. Besides its essential fatty acids, sea buckthorn contains a host of vitamins and minerals, super-charged antioxidants, and over 190 phytonutrients to support the immunity system for the cold and flu season.

Just add a few drops to your child's  morning cereal, yogurt or smoothie for a healthy boost. In addition it can be used topically to help with skin irritations, burns, bites, rosacea, psoriasis or acne.  

Want to win a bottle of Seabuckthorn Berry Oil?

To Enter: Visit Seabuck Wonders and tell me another product you would like to try. You can get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on December 6, 2016. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not in your profile. US entries only.

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone. 

Worry Free Pedi Giveaway

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Winner #21 Maryann D.

Do you enjoy having your feet pampered at your nail salon? Your feet relaxing in a soothing footbath? Leaving with your feet smooth, and nails freshly painted, to show off in those new cute pair of sandals you just picked up? Have you ever thought about how sanitary those footbaths are? While most nail salons clean out their baths between clients you have to wonder if they are being properly sanitized to get rid of potential harmful bacteria between each use. With Worry Free Pedi you know longer have to wonder. 

Worry Free Pedi Sanitizing Tablets are easy to bring along to your next pedicure appointment and they are even easier to use. You just drop one of these individually wrapped tablets into your foot bath water at your salon or spa, and within one minute the water your feet are soaking in will be protected from bacteria and fungus. You can even use it in your home foot bath when you want to relax those tired achy feet. Worry Free Pedi is the only EPA registered spa sanitizing tablet on the market today. It is available in 8 packs online at walmart.com or at worryfreepedi.com. For those of you whose pedicurist knows you be name these are a must have!

One Girly Girl reader has the opportunity right here, to win a pack of Worry Free Pedi Sanitizing Tablets. 

To Enter: Leave me a comment letting me know you would like to win. You can get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway ends on October 3, 2016. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if t is not visible in your profile. US entries only. 

Ulta Beauty Favorites Kit Review and Giveaway

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Winner #2

Are you looking for a makeup kit that has everything you need to stock your cosmetic bag, without spending an arm and a leg to get it? Then look no further then your favorite makeup store and their beauty kits. 

Right now you can get your hands on the Ulta Total Lip Kit  for only $19.99 and a Special Gift with purchase! This kit includes everything you need for that perfect pout. 

Kit includes:

• 4 Full-Size Lipsticks in Limited Edition shades Wine, Bloom, Poppy, and Nude (4 x 0.13 oz): full rich color in a long-lasting formula
• 4 Full-Size Contour Lip Liners in Berry, Pom Pom, Exotic, and Flesh (4 x 0.01 oz): achieve precision color with a smear-proof application
• Full-Size Lip Scrub (0.53 oz): exfoliate your lips to help your lipstick last longer
• Cosmetic Pencil Sharpener

Lipstick and Lip Liner Shades:

• Wine & Berry: deep bluish berry
• Bloom & Pom Pom: medium bluish pink
• Poppy & Exotic: medium bright blue red
• Nude & Flesh: medium warm nude

Also available for $19.99 and Special Gift with purchase is their Beautiful Face Kit, that includes everything you need to go from day to night in an instant. 

Kit includes:

• 8 Shade Eyeshadow Palette (0.28 oz)
• 5 Shade Lip Palette with brush (0.26 oz)
• 3 Shade Face Palette includes 2 highlighters and a blush (0.26 oz)
• Dual Ended Eyeshadow and Crease Brush
• Dual-Ended Blush and Contour Brush

I was sent an Ulta Beauty Favorites Kit for review. This kit includes all your makeup basics: Brow Expert, Eye-shadows, Sculpting Palette, Gel Eye Liner, Plush Drama Mascara, Matte Lip Cream and Makeup Setting Spray. I love that this kit has all neutral colors so it is perfect for any Girly Girl makeup lover. 

You can purchase both the Ulta Total Lip Kit and Ulta Beautiful Face Kit online, but unfortunately the Ulta Beauty Favorites Kit is no longer available...unless you are one of my lucky readers! 

I have this amazing kit to give one of you lucky ladies!

To Enter: Leave me a comment letting me know you would like to win. You can get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on August 17, 2016. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only. 

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or PR company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by  anyone.