Laughing Lindsay

Bormioli Rocco Glassware Review

Bormioli Rocco Giara Bottles Bormioli Rocco Glassware Review

I know that many single people do no like Valentine’s Day. However, we should remember to celebrate the day by showing those who are important to us how much we love them. That could include friends. I think it would be a great idea to host a Ladies Night In celebration on that day. It would be really fun to decorate for and to give gifts to each other. One of the awesome brands you could do both with is Bormioli Rocco. The glassware from them is extremely pretty and not too expensive (perfect for a college student’s budget).

I recently received one of the Bormioli Rocco Giara bottles (pictured above). Aren’t they gorgeous? They come in many beautiful colors, including red for Valentine’s Day. They feature a cool white latch top and are dishwasher safe. The glass is sprayed, to give it the great color and look. I was pleasantly surprised by how big the bottle is (12 inches). I think it holds around a liter of liquid. So, you could make the party really fun.

I also received a Bormioli Rocco Capitol Flower Vase. This little vase would make for a great centerpiece at a dinner. It looks really pretty without being over the top. I really like the simplicity and classiness of it. I do wish it didn’t have the red Bormioli Rocco logo printed on it. However, I still think it’s pretty and girly.

Both of these wonderful pieces cost around $10! Can you believe that? I thought they would be worth much more because of their beauty. However, they are reasonably priced. So, you can afford to get a few of each of them for your Valentine’s Day get together. icon smile Bormioli Rocco Glassware Review

Do you own any Bormioli Rocco glassware? What do you think of it?

Disclosure: I received a free vase and bottle. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Ellen Barrett Live Grace + Gusto DVD Giveaway

Ellen Barrett Grace + Gusto DVD 212x300 Ellen Barrett Live Grace + Gusto DVD Giveaway

I recently posted the Ellen Barrett Live: Power Fusion DVD Giveaway where I was amazed at how difficult the workout was. So, I was excited to try another workout with Ellen: Grace + Gusto Workout. This is the second workout in the live series with Ellen which features real class regulars working out.

I found this dvd to be even harder than the first one! One again, the moves are relatively simple and easy to do. However, the way she sequences them and the pace of the workout get my heart going quickly. I am usually sweating only 10-12 minutes into the 45 minute workout. It definitely requires some stamina and the right mindset to do this whole workout.

I like that it’s a full body workout. I feel like every major muscle group is targeted in this workout. At the end of the workout, I am sweating and everything feels like I’ve had a good workout. I enjoy resting for a few minutes after this dvd and then taking a shower. I also recommend drinking lots of water for this one. Overall, it’s a great whole person workout.

WIN!

1 Laughing Lindsay reader will win a copy of Ellen Barrett Live: Grace + Gusto on DVD.

To enter: Tell me why you would like to win a copy of the Ellen Barrett Live: Grace + Gusto workout.

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 me on Twitter (let me know your handle in a comment).

2. Tell others about this giveaway (Tweet, Digg, Stumble, email, forum, meme, blog it, etc). You get one extra entry for each thing done. One Tweet allowed per person.

3. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).

4. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).

6. Comment on a non-giveaway post. (Come back and tell me which one.)

7. Add the Get Healthy Event button to your blog.

Get Healthy Event Button Ellen Barrett Live Grace + Gusto DVD Giveaway

Giveaway ends on February 16th 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

Disclosure: I received a free copy of Ellen Barrett Live: Grace + Gusto on DVD. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Smart and Sexy Valentines Day Giveaway

Valentines Hop Button 125x1 Smart and Sexy Valentines Day Giveaway

Last year, I did a whole Valentine’s Day Gift Guide. However, I didn’t have time to do that this year with student teaching and all. So, I decided to join the From Our Hearts To Yours Blog Hop! It is hosted by Life With Two Boys, With Our Best, and Mama-Nibble. There are over 100 bloggers participating, and each blogger has their own prize package of at least $25 worth of Valentine-related items! There is a linky at the bottom of this (long) post where you can find other Valentine’s Day Giveaways to enter! icon biggrin Smart and Sexy Valentines Day Giveaway

For this cool opportunity, I decided to partner with a company I worked with last year – Smart and Sexy. They make some wonderful pieces of lingerie! What I like about this company is that their pieces come in sizes for all shapes of women and they don’t cost a lot of cash! I have lost weight in the last year. However, I still sometimes have a hard time finding bras that fit me and look cute (I’m on the bigger side). So, I love it when a company makes cute bras that fit me. This year I received a matching bra and panty set with polka dots! Haha! Isn’t that just adorable? I found the bra to be a bit itchy against my skin, although I haven’t been able to wear even a lacy cami since high school. So, it’s probably my skin. Nonetheless, I think the set is pretty and I really like the panties.

Matching Bra and Panty Smart and Sexy Valentines Day Giveaway

I also received a very nice lightly lined underwire chemise sleepwear. I’m not really sure which one it is on the site. However, it is black with lace. I like that it has a wire as I normally wear a wire bra. I also like the color of it since I like wearing black. The fit of it is pretty nice, too.

Once again, I really like the pieces I received from Smart and Sexy. Everything fits nicely on me. Plus, it makes me feel pretty. I think that alone says something. Also, the prices are very reasonable! I mean $15 for a matching bra and panty set is really nice! If you need further convincing of how much I like this brand, you can read my Smart & Sexy Valentine Giveaway from last year.

WIN!

A lucky Laughing Lindsay reader will win a prize package from Smart & Sexy worth $50!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are the other giveaways you can enter for the blog hop!


Disclosure: I received free samples from Smart & Sexy. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own. Also, the From Our Hearts To Yours Giveaway Hop hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prize. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation that they will fulfill their prize in a timely manner. While we are not responsible, we will make every effort to assist the winner in obtaining their prize.

thinkThin thinkWellness Bars Giveaway

chocolate covered strawberry protein bar 300x128 thinkThin thinkWellness Bars Giveaway

Since beginning this semester, I feel like I’m always on the go and in a hurry. So, it’s nice to have something on hand to snack on. That’s why I was happy when I was approached to sample the thinkThin bars. They are essentially protein bars that come in different varieties and flavors. I just love the description of them on the thinkProducts site:

thinkThin® is a “travel light” portable nutrition solution for foodies on the go.

Isn’t that nice? See, I was already interested. Then, I looked at their lovely sounding flavors. One of them that I didn’t get to try, but caught my eye was their chocolate covered strawberry bar! Doesn’t that sound like a fun treat? Either way, I got to try a couple other bars. There’s the regular thinkThin bars and the thinkThin Crunch bars. The Crunch bars are fruit and nut bars. They contain less protein because of this. However, they seem to contain more calories and fat. I think I prefer the regular thinkThink bars, to be honest. However, they tend to have more gourmet sounding names too. Haha! My favorite is the Chunky Peanut Butter. It’s like a healthier version of a peanut butter cup! Yummy! It’s got chocolate on the outside and a protein, nut/peanut butter inside. icon biggrin thinkThin thinkWellness Bars Giveaway

Something that I think is great and worth mentioning is that all of the thinkThin bars are gluten-free! So, if you or someone you know is allergic to gluten or simply trying to be gluten-free, they can eat these bars. You can eat these bars as a regular snack, instead of something really fattening (like a cookie or cake). Plus, they have protein and fiber to fill you up. It’s really a nice combination. Now, enter below to win 1 of 10 prize packs of them!

WIN!

10 Laughing Lindsay readers will win a Weight Wellness Sampler – 2 thinkThin® Protein Bars & 2 thinkThin® Crunch Bars.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received free thinkThin protein and crunch bars. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Taboo Game Giveaway

Taboo Game 224x300 Taboo Game Giveaway

Since I’m student teaching and will be teaching soon, I am really trying to pick up any games that might prove to be useful in the classroom. One of the games that I think could be is Taboo. In case you don’t know, Taboo is the game where a player is given a word and they are to get the other player(s) to guess what that word is. However, the words that make the most sense to use are taboo and can’t be used in the description/definition! So, you really have to think about what a word is/means to get others to guess it!

The extra cool thing about the edition I received is that it has been updated (in 2011). For instance, the word “click” forbids you to use “computer”, “mouse”, “button”, “heels”, or “in-crowd”. I noticed that the cards have several technology related things, so I guess that’s part of the update. It also includes some die which changes the rules of the game when rolled (such as double the time). There’s also a battery powered “Uh-Oh!” buzzer (it doesn’t come with batteries though). Plus, the colors and look of the actual pieces are more modern.

Overall, I think it’s a cool game. It would be great for Family Game Night or for use in the classroom to help students improve their vocabulary. I mean you could actually play the game or have students pick a card and then use the dictionary to write a definition of the word without using the taboo words or something else like that.

WIN!

One Laughing Lindsay reader will win the updated edition of Taboo!

To enter: Tell me why you would like to win Taboo in a comment.

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 me on Twitter (let me know your handle in a comment).

2. Tell others about this giveaway (Tweet, Digg, Stumble, email, forum, meme, blog it, etc). You get one extra entry for each thing done. One Tweet allowed per person.

3. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).

4. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).

6. Comment on a non-giveaway post. (Come back and tell me which one.)

Giveaway ends on February 12th 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 U.S. residents.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of Taboo. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Whats Your Number DVD Review

Whats Your Number DVD 224x300 Whats Your Number DVD Review

I just recently hosted a What’s Your Number DVD Giveaway and I thought it sounded like a comical movie. So, I was happy for the chance to view it myself. Starring Anna Faris and Chris Evans, I thought it was at least worth sitting through once.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Chris Pratt in the film. As you may (or may not know), he is married to Anna Farris in real life. So, I thought it was interesting to seem them in a film together since he played a disgusting ex. Also, Chris was Bright Abbott in the Everwood series. So, I was already a fan of his somewhat.

I was hoping that Andy Samberg’s role would be a bigger one. However, he played the extremely geeky and awkward boy that Ally (Anna) first slept with. So, it was literally a scene and a weird one at that. I recognized Blythe Danner in the movie, but couldn’t figure out from where. When I looked it up, I realized she acted in the Meet the Parents series of movies.

So, aside from the actors, how was the movie? Well, it was ok. It had a pretty predictable plot, to be honest. It provided a few chuckles. At the very least, it was a nice way to relax. I think females my age can relate to it because it seems like everyone we know is getting married, engaged, or pregnant. So, we are all (literally) waiting for our turn. I guess that’s just how it goes though.

Have you seen What’s Your Number? What did you think of it? Also, do/would you lie about your number?

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this on DVD. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

ShaToBu Shapewear Tights Review

ShaToBu Logo single ENG 300x57 ShaToBu Shapewear Tights Review

Just before the new semester began, I tried on my clothes and got rid of stuff that didn’t fit or I don’t wear anymore. During this process, I realized that I don’t really have any tights. Then, I just happened to receive a surprise in the mail! I received a pair of the new shaping diamond tights from ShaToBu. Known for their shapewear, ShaToBu created various tights that help women conceal our imperfections. They even have many different styles.

This new diamond style is really pretty. It adds more of a pop to any outfit without making it look trashy. It’s kind of a fun look. Plus, these tights are in black. So, you can really add some fun to your wardrobe. These tights are not footless. However, I think the footless tights would be fun. So, these are great for these cooler winter months. They would be nice with a skirt or dress.

Now, if you notice, above I stated that they are shaping tights. That’s because ShaToBu claims that these tights will smooth bulges, tone muscles, and burn calories. Now, I don’t know if they really do all of that or not. However, I was suprised by how comfy the soft microfiber material is. Granted, I can feel the material doing more of a firm stretch against my skin which may make muscles work harder. I just haven’t worn them enough to say for sure. However, if I’m going to wear tights anyways, then I might as well reach for the kind that will at least claim to do more than just cover me up. Haha!

I am definitely pleased with the quality of the ShaToBu tights. I wouldn’t mind trying the footless tights or the Everyday Slimming Posture Supporting Tops. All of these products are made from a Nylon and Lycra Elastane combo, which gives them the stretchiness and durability to be comfortable and possibly toning.

Have you ever purchased or worn a ShaToBu shapewear product? What did you think of it?

Disclosure: I received a free pair of tights. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

In Time DVD Giveaway

In Time DVD 218x300 In Time DVD Giveaway

I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan of Justin Timberlake. Haha! It could be because I was a young girl when he was in that boyband N*Sync and I used to love listening to them. However, I think he is rather attractive now and he is funny. So, I was excited to see him in another movie. Plus, it didn’t hurt that it was with Amanda Seyfried. This movie comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray on January 31st. Here is some info on it as well as some good tips for living a good life.

In the year 2161, time has become the ultimate currency and genetic alteration has allowed people to stop aging at 25 years old. Upon reaching 25, the countdown begins and in order to stay alive everyone must work to buy themselves more time or die within a year. When a struggling young man, Will Salas (Justin Timberlake), comes in contact with a “millionaire,” he is gifted more time than he can imagine. Falsely accused of murder, Will is a fugitive on the run and becomes determined to bring down the entire system by any means possible.

In the film, Philippe Weis was in the business of loaning time to lengthen the lives of society’s elite; however, you don’t have to have a thousand years under your belt in order to live a long and full life – or to look as good as Justin Timberlake looks in the film. In this feature, we will discuss quick and easy ways to ‘invest’ in your life, so to speak.

Start Your Day With a Glass of Water

One of the best things you can do for yourself is drinking tons of water, especially in the morning. While we sleep, we lose a lot of oxygen. So, to rejuvenate our cells, we need to supply them with oxygen and water. Drinking a nice glass of water in the morning is a great way to do this, and it will help you feel less tired in the mornings.

Replace Coffee With Herbal Tea

Many people love drinking a cup (or many cups) of coffee or caffeinated tea during the day. For a healthier alternative, you can try a nice cup of herbal tea. There is a massive selection of flavors of herbal tea and many of them aren’t just soothing, but actually offer health benefits! For instance, chamomile and peppermint teas have both been found to antimicrobial and antiviral properties, and peppermint tea actually acts as an antioxidant as well!

Squeeze in Some Exercise

Not everyone has time to go to the gym on a regular basis, and that’s completely understandable in today’s busy world. Though a mix of cardio and weight training exercises are best for your body, if you don’t have the time to dedicate to this kind of workout routine, there are still things you can do to stay in shape! If you work in an office, you can do simple things like talking a short walk every hour or so. Or, if your building has stairs, run or walk up and down them a few extra times a day, just to get your blood flowing and your muscles working. You can also stretch at your desk, or even jog in place while you’re waiting for the printer!

Be Conscious of What You Consume

The absolute best way to invest in yourself is to know and moderate what goes into your body. Knowing simple things like what foods have good fats in them (like avocados and olive oil) and which meats are best for you (fish, chicken and lean cuts of beef are good choices) is essential if you want to treat your body well. Basic rules like staying away from heavily processed foods (fast food, sugars, etc.) and loading up on things like fruits, vegetables and whole grains are simple dietary adjustments you can make that will greatly benefit your health.

Practice Deep Breathing

Practicing a bit of deep breathing is both calming and has healing effects for your body. Any time that you’re able (in the office, while driving, cooking, etc.), you can try deep breathing where you inhale for five seconds, hold it for a few seconds, and then slowly release. Do this for a few minutes a day. This exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is great for rejuvenating your blood cells, and giving you a calm, relaxed feeling throughout the day.

Aren’t those some good tips? Plus, doesn’t that sound like an interesting movie? I must say I found it to be a rather unique concept for a film. I enjoyed seeing both of the actors I mentioned above in another film. It was a fun movie and probably a good date night watch. It’s definitely aimed at my age group as well.

WIN!

1 Laughing Lindsay reader will win a copy of In Time on DVD.

To enter: Answer this question in a comment.

How many years old is Philippe Weis in In Time?

• 150
• 500
• 1,000

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 me on Twitter (let me know your handle in a comment).

2. Tell others about this giveaway (Tweet, Digg, Stumble, email, forum, meme, blog it,etc). You get one extra entry for each thing done. One Tweet allowed per person.

3. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).

4. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).

6. Comment on a non-giveaway post. (Come back and tell me which one.).

Giveaway ends on February 9th 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 & CA residents only.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this dvd. The opinions expressed are my own.

Girl Land Book Giveaway

Girl Land Book Cover 198x300 Girl Land Book Giveaway

I haven’t had the chance to review or giveaway as many book here recently. I mean my classes have kept me pretty busy with the readings. However, when I came across the book Girl Land by Caitlin Flanagan, I decided to make time for a book. As a soon to be teacher (and current student teacher), I’m interested in many things dealing with human development and childhood. So, this book’s premise interested me. You see, Caitlin takes a look at a girl’s progression from a child to a woman over the years.

She breaks the book down into certain important topics in a woman’s life. The first chapter introduces readers to the concept of Girl Land where a girl learns and becomes the woman she is growing up to be. The following chapters focus us (and are titled): Dating, Menstruation, Diaries, Sexual Initiation, Proms, and Moral Panics. I found it to be interesting to look at what dating has consisted of over the years. I was also happy to learn that lots of girls keep diaries. I’ve actually had several of them over the years. I don’t keep one these days (beyond anything I post on here that is). However, I have always found writing to be really therapeutic for me. I mean I can just sit down and write out my feelings/thoughts and it makes me feel better. Granted, I almost never wanted anyone to read those feelings. However, it was nice to get them out there.

I think it’s fascinating that she devotes a whole chapter to proms. I attended two proms in high school, my junior and senior ones. However, I know some people who have attended more than that. I had no idea that some of the prom aspects we practice today came about during the Depression! Oh my! Caitlin points out that people think proms have changed so much over the years. However, what they represent and what happens has not. I actually attended my school’s sponsored after-prom parties for four years as I was a member of and eventually president of the SADD club. So, perhaps, my experience of prom was not typical of all of my peers. Either way, I still agree that the feelings/emotion about prom were the same.

I definitely enjoyed this book. It was fun to think about my childhood while reading this book. It was nice to reflect on my emotions then and now. The history provided is interesting and the emotions which Caitlin puts into words is insightful. I think teachers as well as all females might enjoy this books as it gives us a chance to relax and reflect on our pasts.

WIN!

Three (3) Laughing Lindsay readers will win a copy of the book Girl Land.

To enter: Tell me why you want to win this book.

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 me on Twitter (let me know your handle in a comment).

2. Tell others about this giveaway (Tweet, Digg, Stumble, email, forum, meme, blog it, etc). You get one extra entry for each thing done. One Tweet allowed per person.

3. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).

4. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).

6. Comment on a non-giveaway post. (Come back and tell me which one.)

Giveaway ends on February 7th at 4:00 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 U.S. & CA residents.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of Girl Land. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.

Tropicana Trop50 Spa Gift Card Giveaway

Trop50 Resolution 175x300 Tropicana Trop50 Spa Gift Card Giveaway

As you know, Tropicana® Trop50® is an innovative line of juice beverages, delivering the goodness of fruit juice with 50 percent less sugar and calories, and no artificial sweeteners. To celebrate the new year, the Trop50 Facebook has a wonderful sweepstakes going on along with a sweet coupon offer!

Trop50 True Resolutions celebrates the real reasons behind New Year’s resolutions. Share your secret motivation and you’ll earn a coupon for $1 off Trop50 for yourself and 50¢ off coupons for up to 50 of your friends. You can even submit incognito with a fierce disguise. Bonus: Whether you submit a resolution or not, you can also enter a sweepstakes to win a $1000 gift card.

How awesome is that? I mean not only do they make wonderful flavors of juice beverages (such as Farm Apple and Pomegranate Blueberry), but they are encouraging you to stick to your resolutions! All of the resolutions start with “In 2012 I want to…” Then, the app picks an ending. One of them is “In 2012 I want to get a new job to avoid doing the one I have.” Haha! So, I thought I’d make up one. In 2012 I want to get my degrees and a job teaching to really begin my life. What do you think? What is your 2012 resolution?

WIN!

A lucky Laughing Lindsay reader will win a $50 Spa & Wellness Gift Card by Spa Week from Tropicana Trop50!

To enter: Tell me what your resolution is in a comment.

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 me on Twitter (let me know your handle in a comment).

2. Tell others about this giveaway (Tweet, Digg, Stumble, email, forum, meme, blog it, etc). You get one extra entry for each thing done. One Tweet allowed per person.

3. Follow my blog and tell me (or tell me if you already are).

4. Subscribe to my blog’s feed and tell me (or tell me if you already do).

5. Add my blog button to your blog (leave blog link).

6. Comment on a non-giveaway post. (Come back and tell me which one.)

Giveaway ends on February 8th 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 U.S. residents.

Disclosure: I received a free coupon for Tropicana Trop50 juice. No compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.