Downton Abbey Giveaway!

I don’t even need to ask who loves Downton (we'd all raise our hands, am I right?). I’m not caught up on season 5 yet so don’t be leaking any spoilers around me. Every time I take that Which Downton Abbey Character Are You quiz I get Violet. YES. That’s exactly who I’d want to be, shrill voice and all.

(image source)

If you’re a huge fan like I am then you’re not going to mind getting your hands on a Downton Abbey prize pack. It includes a signed photo of Brendan Coyle (a.k.a. Mista Bates!)

The prize pack includes:

• One (1) photo of Brendan Coyle (Mr. Bates), autographed by Mr. Coyle himself!
• One (1) The World of Downton Abbey hardcover book by Jessica Fellowes, an acclaimed behind-the-scenes look at the beloved show
• One (1) signed NOBLE movie poster

US winners only!

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below!

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This giveaway is made possible by the new film, NOBLE, about Christina Noble, an Irishwoman who's saved over 700,000 orphans in Vietnam. Deirdre O'Kane and Brendan Coyle (Mr. Bates on Downtown Abbey) star in the award-winning film.

For a chance to win another contest, enter the She is Noble contest, inspired by Christina's story. Go to the website and nominate a heroic woman you know who's quietly changing the world around her. You could win a free 5-day/4-night trip to Ireland! When you enter, use my referral code: positivelyamy

I will receive the same the same prize pack for posting this giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Beautiful Facial Oil {review + giveaway}

So I think you know how I don't like using products with chemicals in them. Pretty sure we've covered that once or several hundred times. Trusted Health asked me to try their Beautiful line of facial oils and I was all over it. Here are my thoughts:

They add your name to the bottle--cute, who doesn't like their own personalized little bottles? Here are mine:

The ingredients are as natural and simplistic as they claim--awesome. Here they are:

My skin felt AMAZING. Our spring weather has been s  l  o  w, but on the days that reached 70 I went sans foundation and just wore this oil and my skin felt great and I have to say it looked pretty great too (if you can get used to the no foundation look--I'm working on embracing it). Sometimes, even with all the best non-foundation-settling tricks, my foundation and concealer gets into those little lines I'm starting to get around my eyes and forehead in my 26th year. Not a fan of these little dudes popping up. This oil definitely helped to camouflage that and it made my skin look more like it was in its 14th year. Works for me.

I have the kind of skin that does best without all that skincare hullabalu--I don't use toner, hardly use cleanser, no crazy masks or facials for this lady. The most I do is exfoliate once a week-ish and so these oils fit perfectly into my little regimen of few ingredients and no hassle. Also, this stuff works better than any eye cream I've ever tried. I also have very sensitive skin (that gets hives from showering--I know) and these didn't cause any issues for me.

I'm sure some of you are already into OCM (oil cleansing method) and these oils would work great for that.

If this is something up your alley, enter the giveaway for the Beautiful AM Moisturizer below. There will be 3 separate winners chosen. You can also try out a free bottle if you pay S&H (check out the details below).

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Additional Offers from Trusted Health
1. Try a free bottle if you pay shipping + handling:

The manufacturer is offering a free bottle of Beautiful A.M. Moisturizer (for women) or You’re the Man A.M. Moisturizer (for men), if you pay the shipping and handling cost.  You'll also get two reports with your bottle– The Poisons You Put On Your Face Everyday and Why Your Skin Care Products Have Never Worked: The Truth Revealed .  It's a total value of over $40.00. Click here to get your FREE bottle. If you're someone like me who's really into minimal ingredients, I think this is definitely worth checking out.

2. Save $5 on your first order when you like Trusted Health on Facebook

3. If you happen to not be a girl/woman/lady/ma'am, there is a men's line available called The Man, check that out here

The Elephant in the Room + a Giveaway

This post is sponsored by Kohl's.

Today I'm happy to take part in a campaign with Kohl's. They're teaming up with Susan G. Komen to talk about the elephant in the room. Breast cancer. 

I know we've all been affected by this disease in some way. But instead of just talking about it, I think we should DO something about it. Early detection is so important when it comes to breast cancer. I'm talking self exams, exams by your doctor, and mammograms. I think cancer is one of those things where we all think it's not going to happen to me. But it happens to real people. Just like you; just like me. I want this post to serve as a little reminder to do self exams, to have clinical exams (once every 3 years once you hit 20!), and if you are over 40 (or have a family history of breast cancer), to get your regular mammograms! 

But you all know me and you know how I'm a little crunchy. So in addition to all medically recommended detection methods, I personally think it's important to practice prevention methods as well. Because getting a mammogram or screening yourself for breast cancer doesn't prevent the cancer from forming in the first place.

Here are a few things that may reduce your risk of getting breast cancer (info provided by Susan G Komen and Kohl's. I'm not pretending to be a doctor):

"For every 12 months of breastfeeding (either with only 1 child, or as the total period of time for several children), the risk of breast cancer decreased by 4.3%, compared to women who did not breastfeed."  {Source} 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And here's a little photo of my breast cancer ribbon tattoo! (And Carter's too!)

Thank you to Kohl's for sponsoring this post and for promoting breast cancer awareness. 

Hunger Games is Coming Sooonn!!

So if you know anything about anything, you know Hunger Games: Catching Fire comes out in TWO days. TWO!! I'm more than ready. I'm going to be adorned in the following items (minues the t-shirt because it's too big and I don't want to be a hoodlum). Maybe I'll get crafty and shrink and bedazzle it somehow.

screen cleaner!

Tom was a little jealous of my mockingjay pin iPhone button, so I gave him one too.

If you'd like to look as cool as me and my phone (don't deny it) when you venture out to see Catching Fire, enter below. Includes 1 t-shirt, 1 set of iPhone buttons, 1 screen cleaner, two wrist bands, and one official poster (of Katniss!).

To Enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me how much you can't wait to see the movie! (and leave your email address so you can be contacted if you win!)

*ends 11/22 @6pm est; US only
{closed}

May the odds be ever in your favor. (this was obviously necessary)

$50 Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Hello, hello, hello! I've been in a super red, white and blue mood recently. I think it's because I'm so excited to finally take Carter to fireworks on the 4th of July! Last year he went to bed at 6:30 every night so it would have been a disaster to drag him out that late (not to mention that he probably would have been terrified anyway). And the year previous he was only a couple of months old so that wasn't happening either. Fireworks is one of my absolute favorite things and I'm so glad I'm not missing them this year! I think Carter is going to be a huge fan. And the late night thing isn't going to be an issue since if he takes a nap he parties until 11pm or so (lately we've been trying to skip them altogether to get a 7:30 bed time!)

Shabby Apple has so many vintage dresses that are totally 4th of July appropriate. The three above are a few of my favorites. I wouldn't wear them to fireworks per se (sitting on the ground on a blanket in a dress really isn't my thing), but for during the day? Absolutely!

Who wants $50 to spend on beautiful dresses? Enter below.

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Mia Mariu Review + Giveaway!

I'm excited to share Mia Mariu's anti-aging products with you. You might be thinking: Amy, you're 25, what are you doing with anti-aging products? PREVENTION! I swear I already have wrinkles (pretty sure Carter gives them to me). What can you do? He's worth it.

These skincare products are my new favorite. The foaming gel cleanser smells SO good. The serum is light and won't sweat off in the heat of the summer. And the eye cream? Amazing. I have sensitive eyes and a lot of eye creams make my eyes sting, but this one is perfectly gentle.

I've been using these products daily. We went to my parents house for the weekend when we had Carter's party for his second birthday, and I left the foaming cleanser there. I had a minor heart attack until my sister told me she could bring it to me in a few days. Whew!

The cleanser comes out of the bottle in a gel form, but quickly turns into a foam. It feels so smooth and soft. Score. I really like this face wash because it doesn't dry out my skin at all. I hate that tight, dry feeling some cleansers give me.

Right about now you're probably wishing you had these in your bathroom, am I right? Well, you're welcome. Mia Mariu is giving away one set of anti-aging products (one foaming cleanser, one serum and one eye cream) to one winner! It's an $87 value! (Open to US/CAN only).


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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be of interest to my readers.

Our 4th Anniversary + Datevitation Giveaway

Hello friends! It's been such a busy week over here. We had a bridal consultation tonight, we have five prom girls tomorrow and two more on Saturday! I'm so excited about all this makeup though. Do you know what the best part is about my makeup artist venture? I get to buy tons of makeup without feeling bad about it! It's literally a dream come true. I went to Ulta last night, went a little nuts, and Tom had nothing but good things to say about my spending. That feels good.

You know what else he has good things to say about? Datevitation. Datevitation makes love coupon books that you can personalize for friends, siblings, or spouses; so of course I had to make Tom one seeing as our 4th anniversary is NEXT WEEK! Do you know what else is next week? A little someone's SECOND BIRTHDAY. AH! But back to Datevitation. You can customize the coupons  (type of date, text, etc) and there are over 350 dates to choose from.

(obviously I had to include one about cooking since home cooked meals aren't something I freely give away).

The books don't have to be romantically themed. There are tons of options to choose form, and I think it would make a great Father's Day gift! You know those hikes your dad always wants to go on, but you politely refuse? Coupon it! I think a hike is a pretty freaking good Father's Day gift. It's a whole experience. If you want to order by Father's Day, just make sure to get your order in by June 6th. Also, use code POSITIVELYAMY to get $10 off of your book in May or June (which means it will only cost $10. Boo yeah!)

Oh, what's that? You'd rather just have a free one? Well, okay then. Enter below!

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I'm off to get some beauty sleep so that I can be ready to beautify (others) in the morning. And after that I'll probably start stressing about Carter's party and the stuff that still needs to be done. I gotta say though, this girl did not go Pinterest crazy. It's too much work and sucks the fun (and the life) out of me. 

Datevitation sent this coupon book for me to review. All opinions are honest and are my own. 

$60 to Amazon or PayPal: Your Choice!

Hi friends! Happy belated Mother's Day to all you women with kidlings out there. I was too busy spending time with my child and husband so I didn't get around to Twitter and whatnot.

But today there is something I DID get around to, and that, my friends, is a fantastic giveaway. Why? Because they're fun. And I disregard all negative opinions (who even has those?) on the matter.

Oh, P.S. I'm really excited for you to read my confessions posts for tomorrow (those are my favorite). There are some good ones in there--along with a little creative writing "piece." Come back...you'll be sorry if you miss it.

But I'm babbling. On to the giveaway!

Take some time to visit these awesome participants (I've highlighted their best qualities so you can navigate them with ease. You're welcome).

Positively Amy (host)
Lemon and Line (cutest nautical bracelets I've ever seen)

Reagan's Toy Chest (fantastic, high quality, children's toys)

Marine Wife, Mommy and Life (her blog title says it all)

The Serena Saga (girl's got fabulous style)

Life and Everything Else in Between (a lifestyle blog with a focus on giving back and helping others)

Super Mommy (awesome kid focused crafts and recipes!)

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Thanks for participating! This is one little way that I like to promote my sponsors and friends!

Some Confessions + a Giveaway!

Sounds like a good combo, am I right? First with the confessions.

Two year molar teething is hard work--for me too. While it's understandable, Carter was a big ball of mood today. The day started out good with a visit to the cousins, but it all went downhill from there. It was basically typical toddler behavior so I won't run down the list for you, but then in culminated with a traffic-y drive home and an annoying man in a stupid white truck.

Picture this. Over-tired Carter sleeping peacefully in his car seat, suddenly wakes up when he yawns and accidentally yanks his pacifier out of his mouth. In his half asleep stupor he starts wailing like the world is ending. I don't think a distraction more dangerous than a crying baby or melting down toddler exists when it comes to driving. I was trying to balance ignoring the crying in order to concentrate with searching for a replacement pacifier. That's a tough act.

The cacophony included a coffee in the center console somehow running down the front of my shirt despite that fact that it was in the cup holder--which means it was magic coffee and it flew out the spout, through the air, and onto my shirt supernaturally. Amid the chaos, I hear a car to my left honk their horn at me. In a nano second of panic I think I am surely drifting into the other lane. I look up, only to see a mid 40s bald man waving and smirking. In that millisecond I wished that my car had the ability to sprout missile launchers, but apparently Volvo overlooked that feature. Looking back, I realize that's a bit harsh and maybe I could have compromised for a slingshot instead.

Moving on...

So the nice people at ChicNova.com allowed me to increase my wardrobe recently and they're doing the same for you. How's a $30 coupon code sound? The shirt and bag that I'm wearing cost $30 total. Na-hiz-ice (nice).

 And I thought it was only fair to show you the picture with my hair blowing in my face. Outfit post issues.

 hat: TJMaxx | shirt + bag c/o Chic Nova | pants: Kiki La 'Rue | shoes: TOMS  (desert print)

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linking up with:  Heather and Megan, my thrifty chic

A Giveaway with Daily Mom! {hint: do you like Lavanila?}

I am so excited to share this giveaway with you!

Some of you might have heard of the new online magazine, Daily Mom, that just launched last month. It's an amazing resource of posts and articles for the modern woman and mom. Imagine Pinterest worthy posts with useful information about all aspects of life--from parenting to beauty, fashion, green living, health, fitness, and more. Once you visit Daily Mom, you will be hooked--jumping from one post to another.

I have partnered with Daily Mom to host one of their giveaways as a part of an extensive 50 Days of Giveaways campaign to celebrate their launch. For 50 days, they will be giving away one awesome prize a day to thank their new readers.

Today one lucky reader as the opportunity to win a collection of baby care products from Lavanila. I use lots of Lavanila products personally (their SPF lib balm, deodorant, and fragrances, to be exact).

Lavanila’s line of baby care products are all you need for a fresh clean little one. Their products are softly scented, gentle and of course, natural. Be sure to check out their products on their website. Keep in the loop by following them on Facebook and Twitter. And of course, enter for a chance to win.

The giveaway will run for a week, and there are only two mandatory entries with many optional ones. This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents who are 18 or older.

And be sure to visit Daily Mom tomorrow to see what new item they are giving away and to enter previous drawings! The prizes range from strollers to high chairs, monitors, diaper bags, fashion items, baby clothing and photography products. There is something for everyone.

Need Help? Don't have a Facebook account to enter with? Email Daily Mom staff!

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After you've entered the giveaway, be sure to browse Daily Mom and check out some of my favorite posts! I'm loving:

What Should be in Your Baby's Medicine Cabinet?

5 Easy Makeup Products for Moms

Starbucks Drinks That Won't Ruin Your Diet

FEATURED SPONSOR GIVEAWAYS FROM DAILY MOM

This post is for notification purposes only. To see a full list of prizes and current giveaways, please visit Daily Mom's Giveaway page.

Our Weekend | $120 Sephora Gift Card Giveaway

So how was everyone's weekend? We spent a night in Boston and it was so much fun. Carter loves hotels--anywhere with endless hallways perfect for running are okay in his book.

On Sunday my dad and I got up early and took a water taxi to the north end and had breakfast at the cutest place called the Cozy Corner. Then we went across the street for church at Old North Church. Obviously (if you're familiar with Boston) a Mike's Pastry trip was in order after that.

It was so fun to get up early because I felt like I had already accomplished so much by 10am! It was a good feeling because most days I'm up really late (2am-ish) working so I always sleep as late as Carter will let me (which has been 9 am recently, now that he goes to bed later--he's awesome, I know).

Enough chatter, though. Let's get to the good stuff. A Sephora gift card. Sephora has the ability to make me happier more than any other store on earth. It's the bees' knees.

Who's ready to win $120 to Sephora? I don't think this giveaway requires much of an explanation. Just look at that goodness. I want it all. Does that make me greedy? 

You know the drill. Enter how you want in the form below. They're all optional, so do the ones you want to do. No pressure up in here. 

Be sure to thank the following bloggers for making this giveaway possible:

Amy from Positively Amy

Lanaya from Raising Reagan and Reagan's Toy Chest

Jessica from Jessica Who?

Nathan from Life and Everything Else in Between

Jessica from Gin + Juiceboxes

Serena from The Serena Saga

Nykki from Nykki Talks Beauty

Shannon from Shannon Hearts

Chioma from Chioma's Evolution of Style

Kelsey from Tickle Me Pink

Angela from Hairspray and High Heels

Chelsea from Sunny With a Chance of Sprinkles

Neetu from Super Mommy

Beauty Mavens

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$1,000 Giveaway! You'll Want to Enter.

Hi Friends. So today you have the chance to $1,000. Boo yeah. I know that if I won, I would immediately go shopping. Probably before I even received the prize, just because I knew it was coming. Bad habit, I know. What would you do with it? (Hopefully something more practical. My answer is probably going to give Tom a seizure).

*   *   *   *   *   *

Welcome to the It's Raining Money Giveaway!

Sponsored by Rather-Be-Shopping.com

Since 2001, Rather-Be-Shopping.com has been helping consumers save money with coupon codes to over 900 retailers. They also have a brand new free iPhone app that allows users to save with mobile in-store coupons by displaying the coupon directly on the phone at checkout. Cashier just scans your phone and you collect your savings. Popular retailers offering coupons include Lands’ End, Old Navy, Crate & Barrel, Home Depot, Kohl’s, American Eagle Outfitters, and Walmart.

Organized by Mom Powered Media

Hosted by: Stay a Stay at Home Mom, Positively Amy, Making of a Mom, The Penny Hoarder, Life in a Break Down, Berice Baby, Just Davey & Me, Single Mom Saving Money, Print Coupons Online, Powered By Mom and Baby Costcutters.

We are giving you not one but two chances to win $500 for a total Raining Cash prize of a whopping $1000! Make sure you stop by Mom to Bed by 8 today for your second chance at $500!

One lucky reader will receive $500 Visa Gift Card {or paypal}.

Giveaway ends May 1st at 11:59pm, open worlwide, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Positively Amy is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Must-Have Summer Cosmetics

1  //  2  //  3  //  4  //  5

1. Everyone needs a tan base for summer! This is getting delivered to my door step TOMORROW. It's needed...bad. (found out about this stuff from Aubrey).

2. I love using a shimmer/highlighting powder in the summer. I can't stand heavy makeup when it's hot and humid, but a little glow on the apples of your cheeks, on your forehead, your nose and your chin will do wonders! This is what I use whenever I don't want to look like death but don't have much time for lots of makeup either.

3. My new favorite inexpensive mascara! Stays on SO well, but isn't ridiculously difficult to remove like waterproof mascara. Eye tugging = wrinkles. No thanks.

4. My favorite lip balm eevveerr. It's mineral sunscreen so 1) it's healthy for you and 2) it doesn't have that horrible taste like regular SPF lip balms. Plus it's vanilla mint flavor, which = score. It also looks like you're wearing a subtle lip gloss. Except it's lip balm...and it has SPF...does life get much better than that?

5. I love using tropical/warm/delicious scents in the summer! No full-on strong perfumes for this girl (for some reason I think of that as more of a winter thing). I recently found this brand when I was at Whole Foods and to say I'm obsessed would be an understatement. I spent a good 10 minutes smelling all of the honey coconut scented products (this perfume, a lip balm, and a hand lotion), so rest assured, this is Positively Amy approved (does that even mean anything to you? haha But it should. I have one sensitive sniffer over here. I won't lead you astray when it comes to scented anything).

Like these ideas? Check out my summer makeup post from last year.

Hope you guys have a great weekend. I'm going to spend it working and kicking my butt with Blogilates.  xx

P.S. Remember my nuNAAT Brazilian Keratin hair products review? Go win a set for you and a friend! Be sure to say that Positively Amy referred you!

Friday's Letters: Glee, Chris Colfer, Trends

checking out drains (naturally) and running to the park

Dear Glee,

I'm going to be honest and tell you that I had no idea how awesome you were, nor did I care to find out. Well, one fateful day when I needed some background noise, I "discovered" you on Netflix. I'm obsessed. 

Dear Glee Writers,

Klaine needs to get back together! Enough of this nonsense. Readers--do you watch Glee? HOW OBSESSED are you with Kurt + Blaine???? I've also become real life obsessed with Chris Colfer now and I've been (not so subtly) hinting that I want The Land of Stories for my birthday in a few weeks! 

{image source}
P.S. Want to be besties?

Dear (almost born) Nephew,

It would be pretty great if you came on Sunday. Irish named babies born on St. Patrick's Day are pretty awesome. I'm sure your mom would be fine with it too, seeing as your due date is tomorrow. I'm really excited to hold you, so much so that "really excited" doesn't really do the feeling justice. 

Dear Clear Trend,

No. Just no. I'm feeling a little bit all right with the clear accessories (like an umbrella or a bracelet), but a clear bag? Nobody wants to see tampons all awry in a purse, sorry. Let's not get started on the shoes. AGAIN? I totally admit to wearing clear heeled (LIGHT UP) shoes in seventh grade. But it was SEVENTH GRADE (and it was horrible then). It's even more horrible now. Just say no! (although if you happen to be a fan--because let's face it, you're allowed to disagree with me), I do like the post on it at Life Unsweetened. 

And now onto a little "business"

Dear Bloggers/Shop owners,

-If you'd like to participate in a $100+ Sephora Gift Card Giveaway, click here

-All ads are currently 20% off with code NEWNAME (you'll automatically be included into the giveaway at no extra cost).

Dear Bloglovin,

Congrats to you. All this Google Reader nonsense has made everything all a-buzz with your name. I've always loved you, and now everyone else does too (hooray!). Follow Positively Amy on Bloglovin' if you don't already!

Smile Brilliant! (+ giveaway!)

I have to confess something. I have a slight obsession with whitening my teeth. It's been going on for some time, but I took a long break while I was pregnant and nursing Carter. You know what that meant? I had some catching up to do (unfortunately). However, there was this little gem that brought my teeth back up to par in basically one day. I thought it would be selfish to withhold such magic from you, so I thought, why not a giveaway?

Tom has started making fun of me because I literally use this stuff every day. It's just like professional whitening, but you can do it at home without sitting in one of those awkward dentist chairs. Personally, I like to whiten while I blog, it's a good time. Oh, and funny story. Since I've been using this I thought I needed to get some Crest 3D White toothpaste to keep it up. The regular toothpaste claims to remove 80% of stains, and it came with this little sample that says it (superiorly) removes 90% of stains (whoa! 10 freaking % more?!) I literally hid the 90% one on Tom so I could use it all myself...he said I was selfish. And then I offered to get him his own Smile Brilliant set and he couldn't really argue with that. So there you go, endorsed by Tom too (he's a tough one to win over, that doubting Thomas).

The other day I was playing around with some dramatic makeup, but you can see my teeth in the picture (post whitening). This was the least awkward picture of my teeth I could come up with...I'm not about to give you a close up teeth and gums shot, sorry to disappoint...

What you'll get:

one whitening pen

one set of trays

one LED light

open to US/CAN

enter below

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P.S. Are you a blogger? If you'd like to review a set of your own, click here to apply.

Smile Brilliant provided this product for review. All opinions are honest and are my own.