review – Page 131 – Luv Saving Money

TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil in Pittsburgh review

Driving through Pittsburgh we were able to find the Grand Chapiteau (Cirque Du Soleil’s trademark big top) quite easily. Located just off of 20th street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, there was ample parking for the event. My husband and I had talked excitedly about what to expect, as we have never been to any Cirque Du Soleil performance before. The parking attendants directed everyone to their parking spot. Before long we were headed through the gates toward the Grand Chapiteau.

Friendly TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil staff greeted you as you came through the gate. Everything was clearly marked from the restrooms to which door you had to go through according to your ticket. Although it was busy, we got out food and drinks for the performance with a smile and a thank you. We found our door quickly and were soon seated by helpful staff. Even the seats that were further away were still good seats.

The show begins with a little bit of comedy. Each act in the TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil was thrilling. I found myself holding my breathe and shaking my head in disbelief at times. I wasn’t sure initially what my husband would think of the show. It only took about 15 minutes into the 2 and a half hour show for me to know he was enjoying himself too.

The visual appeal of TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil was unbelievable. From the gorgeous costumes to the stage entrance which changed with some type of digital effects for each performance. Every detail was accounted for.

As for the performers themselves, they seemed almost superhuman at times. The degree of strength, balance, talent, and professionalism deserves to be pointed out. I saw the TOTEM performers complete feats I’ve never seen live before. I don’t want to spoil it for some of my readers that are going. So I’ll just say, my husband and I talked about what we saw almost the whole way home (we had an 1hr and 45 minute drive home). Even as we laid our head on our pillow my husband said “I just can’t get over that guy…….” Well you’ll just have to see the show for yourself.

TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil in Pittsburgh ran like a well oiled machine. Everything from the parking situation to the way you were seated, the performance, to exiting the show was a smooth transition. Every single staff member we encountered did their job well and made the experience very memorable.

The shows open to the public today in Pittsburgh and run until June 5, 2011. You can buy your tickets for the Pittsburgh showsHERE. There are even family specials where you can take a family of four for $131.

If you’re not near Pittsburgh you can still catch TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil. TOTEM will be at the following locations:

Montreal, Quebec opening June 16 2011

Toronto, Ontario opening Aug. 11, 2011

San Francisco, CA “coming soon”

London, UK opening Jan. 6, 2012

If you have the opportunity to see this show, I would most certainly recommend it. Well worth the money for the tickets. I feel confident that you will be just as pleased with the show as I was. I also think it important to point out how TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil is giving back with the “One Drop” benefit that gives access to clean water for all and educates on managing one of our precious resources. At the end of the show they collected pocket change for this benefit as well as other fundraising that is completed throughout the year.

***I received 2 tickets to attend media night for TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil in Pittsburgh May 11 in order to complete a review and host the already completed giveaway. Any opinions expressed are my own. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post***

Spongeables Body Wash in a Sponge review and giveaway 5/22–CLOSED

RANDOM.ORG DREW NUMBERS 81 ANNIE1 AND 28 HUMANECATS AS THE WINNERS. WINNERS HAVE BEEN EMAILED AND HAVE 48 HRS TO RESPOND TO WINNING EMAIL NOTIFICATION. THANKS FOR ENTERING!

Spongeable Body Wash in a Sponge is a convenient product that will most certainly be a great product for upcoming vacations and camping trips.

There is a 3.5 oz version good for 20+ uses and a travel size version good for 5+ uses. Each Spongeables has a spongy side for cleaning while the other side works like a loofah to exfoliate your skin. The body wash is already in the sponge. Just wet and squeeze then wash your body with the all in one product.

I received the Spongeable Body Wash in a Sponge in Lavender Nectar scent. The scent was mild and not over-powering. I’ve already used mine for 8 showers and it’s still going strong. The only less than positive things I would have to say is that I found the exfoliating side a bit too abrasive for my sensitive skin. The sponge and cleanser work great however. I also received the travel size which will be very convenient for our upcoming summer vacation. Small and portable. The 3.5 oz version is a generous size sponge making it easy to handle and wash the larger parts of your body.

A good point brought up on their website. These are great for airport security. No bottle, no liquids. Stick a travel Spongeable in your grooming case and your good to go.

Spongeables offers many different shapes, scents, and even gift packages. There are cute designs for kids, romantic sets, Spongeables for holidays, and lots more. There are even ones specific for your hands. Check out all Spongeables has to offer on their website: http://www.spongeables.com/web/shop/index.php

You can also find Spongeables on Facebook

GIVEAWAY

Spongeables is going to give 2 FFCM readers a 3.5 oz Spongeables Body Wash in a Sponge and a travel size version.

Mandatory Entry: Visit Spongeable website and tell me another version or product you’d like to try.

Bonus Entries: Please leave a separate comment for each entry completed.

1. Like Spongeable on Facebook and leave a comment telling me you did.

2. Follow FFCM through Google Friend Connect, RSS feed, or Email subscription (+1 for each one completed. All located in Right hand column)

3. Like FFCM on facebook and leave a comment telling me you did.

4. Follow FFCM on twitter as @LuvSavingMoney and leave a comment with your twitter id.

5. Tweet about this giveaway using the RT button in upper left corner of this post or use this phrase:

” Go for the convenience of Spongeables Body Wash in a sponge. Win one on http://www.luvsavingmoney.info 5/22 @angiewith3 US/CAN ”

Can tweet 2 X per day at least 2 hrs apart. Leave a link to your tweet.

Giveaway ends 5/22 at 11:59 PM EST. Giveaway is open to US and Canada. 2 winners will be chosen using random.org. Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hrs to respond to winning email notification.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Little Dudes and Divas review

Mother’s Day will be here before we know it. Then there’s the baby showers. But what do you get for them? If you need some inspiration, check out LittleDudesandDivas.com

Little Dudes and Divas offers unique and stylish diaper bags, baby and toddler shoes, highchair covers, stroller covers, blankets, stuffed animals and puppets, ….well there’s a lot that they offer. You really should check it out for yourself.

Whether you want to posh diaper bag to show just how trendy you really are or you need something cute on a tight budget, LittleDudesandDivas.com has something for you or that momma on your list. Also check it out for cute gifts for babies and toddlers.

I had the opportunity to review an item from Little Dudes and Divas. I got to try the Rileyroos Sporty Butterscotch Sneakers.

These shoes were great for my youngest who is 22 months old. They were soft and flexible with a rubber sole. Easy to put on with one velcro strap that adjusts easily. They were cute with just a pair of jeans and a t-shirt on him or …I even wore them on him for easter. Here is one pic with him wearing them.

You can see the reflective strips on the sides of the shoes as well in this picture. I got the 18-24 month size. My son is 22 months and there is still a little growing room in them. The shoes were easy to wipe off with a damp cloth. My son seemed comfortable in them. In fact he sometimes brought them to me to put on while in the house for no reason. At $32 these shoes are versatile. If you had to own only one pair of shoes for your toddler I’d recommend the Rileyroos. There are several other colors available on the site as well. I got the butterscotch color but there is also: Chocolate Berry (chocolate brown and blue), Firefly (orange and lime green) Aspen (which is chocolate brown and light blue), Stawberry Sundae (chocolate brown and pink), and Tiger (chocolate brown and orange). So they have color available for both boys and girls.

You can find Little Dudes and Divas on Facebook and twitter as well. Stop by Little Dudes and Divas blog too for new products and info.

Don’t worry, if these shoes don’t fit your little ones style, there’s plenty more cute ones to choose from as well as lots and lots of other products.

***I received a pair of shoes stated above to review Little Dudes and Divas. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. Any opinions expressed are my own***

@MineralFusion launches new skincare line read about it then enter to win here!–CLOSED

RANDOM.ORG CHOSE NUMBER 129 409COPE AS THE WINNER. WINNER HAS BEEN EMAILED AND HAS 48 HRS TO RESPOND TO WINNING EMAIL NOTIFICATION.

Mineral Fusion has launched a new mineral skincare line that has been designed to revitalize and repair your skin. All Mineral Fusion products are naturally formulated. They use skin protecting minerals and “skin protecting actives” and botanicals. Mineral Fusion is committed to making skin care effective and healthy while also contibuting to their community. Mineral Fusion calls this “Minerals on a Mission”.

My question, What makes the skin care like a Mineral skincare line?

Mineral Fusion gave me a nice brochure that explains this. It says that Magnesium, Zinc, and Copper encourages new skin cell growth.

It also includes “wrinkle repairing peptides”. Peptides help to stimulate collagen production.

Botanicals like Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Licorice Root, and White Tea offer antioxidants.

For those who need, all Mineral Fusion products are gluten free, paraben free, as well as free from SLS, phlatates, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. The products are hypo-allergenic.

I received a full size purifying gel cleanser for normal to oily skin, skin-renewing facial scrub, and a mineral facial moisturizer with SPF 40.

The Purifying gel Facial Cleaners was a generous size. At 7 fl oz, I think this will last me for some time. It comes in a an easy to dispense tube. With my first use I noticed the gels was clear. No artificial colors. While washing my face I noticed it had a faint fragrance. Looking at the bottle I see it includes the benefits of Marine clay, Lavendar, Chamomile, White Tea, and Aloe Vera. I’m sure the slight fragrance I smell is a combination of those lovely ingredients.

The Skin-Renewing Facial Scrub made my skin feel wonderful. It gave my skin a smooth texture. You can control the amount of exfoliation with the amount of time spent scrubbing or with pressure. This product again had the similar light fragrance of the facial cleanser.

As I start to show signs of aging on my face, I realize how I wish I would have used more SPF products when I was younger. Mineral Fusion makes it easy for me now though with the Mineral Facial Moisturizer with SPF 40. Did you know that even on overcast days UVA and UVB rays could be effecting your skin? It’s true. This made my face feel so soft and supple after applying. It felt good knowing I was doing the right thing for my skin too.

As if there weren’t enough benefits to using these products, they also support the NCADV — National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

GIVEAWAY

Mineral Fusion is going to give one FFCM reader a cleanser, moisturizer and facial scrub that is best suited for their skin condition.
Open to US and Canada

Mandatory Entry: Like Mineral Fusion on Facebook or Follow Mineral Fusion on twitter and leave a comment.

You get 1 entry for each one complete. You are only required to complete one however to be entered.

Bonus Entries: Please leave a separate comment for each entry completed.

1. Visit Mineralfusion.com and tell me another product you’d like to try.

2. Follow FFCM through one of the following methods: GFC, RSS feed, Email Subscription

(+1 for each one complete. Leave a separate comment for each)

3. Like FFCM on facebook and tell me in a comment you did with FB id (first name last initial is fine)

4. Follow FFCM on twitter: @angiewith3 and leave a comment with you twitter ID.

5. Tweet this giveaway using the RT button in upper Right corner or you can use this phrase:

” @Mineralfusion introduces their new skincare line. Read/enter to win here: http://www.luvsavingmoney.info @angiewith3 5/1 US/CAN “

Can tweet 2 X per day at least 2 hours apart. Please leave a link to your tweet in a comment below.

6. Share this giveaway on Facebook:

Enter to win Mineral Fusion new skincare line from http://www.luvsavingmoney.info Ends 5/1

You can tag Mineral Fusion on Facebook by typing it out with an “@” symbol in front of it.

Giveaway ends 5/1/2011. Open to US and Canada. 1 winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be contacted via email after giveaway end date. Winner will have 48 hrs to reply to winning email anouncement.

***I received the above mention products at no cost in order to complete a review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. Any opinions expressed are my own***

Free Stuff, Fun Sites, Contests, and More

1000 follower Sponsor Spotlight: Bacon Hot Sauce

I am very excited about this next sponsor for my 1000 blog follower appreciation giveaway. I worked with Bacon Hot Sauce back in July I believe it was. Here is the past giveaway link if you want a refresher http://angiewith2.blogspot.com/2010/07/bacon-hotsauce-review-and-giveaway.html At the time my blog was smaller than it is right now. I wasn’t really sure how the giveaway would go but it ended up being my first , what I would consider, “popular” giveaway.

The giveaway was popular for a good reason I believe. Bacon Hot Sauce is one of the tastiest condiments I’ve tried in a long time. It has some flame to it but you also definitely taste the bacon flavoring in it. I had made a buffalo chicken dip with the Bacon Hot Sauce and it was a big hit with the family. Excellent on cheeseburgers to kind of give it that Bacon cheeseburger flavor without the grease. My husband was eating it on everything.

I highly suggest picking up at least one bottle of this for your upcoming summer picnics and parties. Though you might want to buy the 3 pack Bacon Hot Sauce offers.

Bacon Hot Sauce is great to follow on Facebook too. I always follow my sponsor’s facebook and twitter pages but Bacon Hot Sauce has some good recipes and entertaining updates on their sites including their website.

If you go through their facebook page and website you see nothing but positive reviews. The customer service is great and they truly have a great product.

Follow Bacon Hot Sauce on twitter too to stay up to date on new products, recipes, and accomplishments
@BaconHotSauce

The awesome guys at Bacon Hot Sauce agreed to help me bring back a blast from my blogging past by offering 2 winners a bottle of Bacon Hot Sauce in my upcoming 1000 blog followers appreciation giveaway April 18-23. I hope to see you back here. I have some great sponsors with more to be announced soon!

Free Stuff, Fun Sites, Contests, and More