Sweet Tooth Saturday Ice Cream Cupcakes

I'm sure by now you can tell I LOVE to bake & create yummy sweets...

Delicious "Ice Cream Cupcakes" or better yet cupcakes in a cone, LOL! 

I made these for my daughters Kindergarten class on her birthday & they were a hit.

Pick your favorite cake mix (I used my own "Cake Mix Extender Recipe"), neon food coloring (I found it at Walmart), a box of cones and toppings of your choice. For the icing I used a homemade butter-cream which made it heavenly!

Boost My Blog Friday

Thirsty Thursday Blog Hop

I'm taking the pledge, ARE YOU?

Image from PETA.org

 What pledge you might ask? I'm taking a pledge to go FUR-FREE!

Wearing fur has never been an issue for me. I don't like it, wouldn't wear it, and surely won't buy it. Today I realized it's not just about wearing fur... after doing a Google search on "fur" and "makeup brushes", what pops up? GOAT HAIR and SQUIRREL FUR. Disgusted? YES! I couldn't believe not only goat, but also SQUIRREL fur is being used in makeup brushes. Yuck. But what exactly prompted me to look further into this topic?

Simple, this video right here: http://www.peta.org/feat/ChineseFurFarms/index.asp  (WARNING: this video is EXTREMELY disturbing and gut-wrenching, showing the acts of animal cruelty performed at Chinese Fur Farms.)

Within the first few minutes I was sitting in front of my computer screen with watery eyes. I had to say a prayer. I honestly couldn't even make it halfway through that video because my stomach was turning and I was literally getting choked up just by viewing it. Just those first few minutes of watching brought so many emotions. I'm a mother, ANIMAL LOVER, and I don't believe that violence is the key to anything. Violence should not even be used to make a profit, period. All these emotions prompted me to do more research, look further into the products I'm using, and even sign the Peta Pledge. From this day on I refuse to support or purchase products that are produced by using animal cruelty.

"I say "NO" to the cruel and barbaric slaughter of millions of animals around the world for their skin. I say "NO" to fur coats, collars, trim, trinkets, cat toys, and other products made from the fur of animals as well as any other attempt to sneak fur into everyday items. I pledge to expose the truth about fur and to spread the word until we close down the international fur trade forever." -Peta Pledge

Bliss Best of Skintentions SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer Review

Photo from BlissWorld.com

I've literally been on a mission for a number of years to find the perfect moisturizer for my face, with just the right amount of SPF, that's totally NON-OILY and light-as-a-feather. Does one even exist? In my mission to find this rare breed of moisturizers, lol, I decided to try out Bliss Best of Skintentions SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer. It's description reads "This mineral and omega-rich multi-vitamin for your face hydrates, illuminates and protects against UVA and UVB rays." packaged in a 1.7oz bottle for $35 a pop! First I loved the fact that it contains healthy minerals and vitamins -- who doesn't want to feed their skin some goodies? It's said to "promote and protect skin's healthy appearance, delivers essential vitamins, minerals and omegas, and illuminates skin with phytonutrients."

(What are Phytonutrients? Read all about it!)

I applied Bliss Best of Skintentions SPF 15 Daily Moisturizer in the morning to my freshly washed face. While smoothing on this the moisturizer in circular motions -- I instantly noticed how greasy and shiny my skin felt and looked. I did not like this feeling at all. I figured that it might "soak in" after some time so I just left it be. Four hours later I did a quick mirror check and rub test -- my skin was still oily as can be and shiny. Typically, when a moisturizer makes my skin feel such a way, I can't stand it and will immediately wash it off. I decided to stick this one out and really give this moisturizer a good try. By the evening I couldn't wait to wash it off. I decided to try it out for a second day following the same steps as day one. Again, this moisturizer felt oily, looked shiny, and it definitely felt heavy. Overall this one just isn't for my skin type... have you come across that perfect moisturizer for your face? Leave a comment and let me know the details.

For more information on Bliss products visit BlissWorld.

(Disclosure Notice)

Sweet Tooth Saturday Cotton Candy Cool-Down

YUMMY Cotton Candy Ice Cream w/ Pop Rocks & Sprinkles!

Whipped Lemongrass Shea Butter Review

When I think of typical shea butter... I just assume, "hmmm, another body butter available at any other typical bath & body location." Little did I know that I was in for a surprise... I was on Twitter and read a tweet from Karen Attiah offering a sample of her all natural Whipped Lemongrass Shea Butter, made of pure unrefined shea butter, jojoba oils, vitamin e, almond oil, and other pure oils. The first day I received this sample, I used it as a moisturizer all over my arms where I usually have a couple dry patches. It felt like I was putting a rich, whipped icing all over my arms and even smelled good enough to be one! I would describe this yummy lemongrass scent as a bold, clean, citrus fragrance. The butter instantly melted into my skin as I smoothed it on. My arms felt so smooth and even glistened in the sun too. After a couple days of using this on my arms I definitely seen an improvement on how healthy my skin looked! It even helped a lot with my dry patches too.

I decided to use the remaining half of the Whipped Lemongrass Shea Butter sample as hair dressing for my straightened-but-frizzy-hair. I rubbed the butter in my palms and spread it throughout my hair. First I noticed how amazing my hair smelled. When I walked past my 6-year old daughter she even stopped me to ask "Mommy what's that smell? It smells goooood!" I let her get a whiff of my hair and she smiled. The scent lasted pretty long and made my hair smell wonderful. The best part about using this as hair dressing is that it completely smoothed out all my frizzies.

You can learn more about Karen and  her mission is to "raise awareness of the plight of rural women in West Africa Who mix shea butter." This shea butter comes directly from Accra, Ghana. Her blog (http://morethanaruby.wordpress.com/) even explains the process of extracting shea butter. I can absolutely say that she has a great product that supports a great cause. Overall, I am completely satisfied with Karen's Whipped Lemongrass Shea Butter. I would LOVE to purchase some once it becomes available too!

(Disclosure Notice)

I strike again... see what I've won this time!

 Thanks to Double Duty Mommy...

I won a $25 Build-A-Bear Gift Card! 

I try to enter giveaways that I know my children will love and this was definitely one of them. After seeing the new Ice Cream Bear Collection on DoubleDutyMommy.com, I just had to show my 6-year old the new bear line & she instantly expressed how badly she needed the Bubble Gum bear, lol. She even decided that her baby brother deserved the Mint Chip bear! (Of course I agree also, LOL)

Check out my previous winnings...

1. Fling Bins Birthday Bin & Recycling Bin
2. Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil
3. Ceiva Digital Picture Frame
4. Zulily's Ottilie & Lulu Sampler
5. Wiglignton & Wenks 1-Month Membership
6. Maggie's Soap Nuts

MICHELIN Wild Bike 2010 Sweepstakes (ends 7/31/10)

(Photo from MichelinBicycle.com)

I'm excited to share this awesome sweepstakes with you all... Michelin is giving one lucky winner a GIANT TRANCE X1 BIKE! This bike is such a beauty -- I'm truly in awe! Who wouldn't want the chance to win this amazing mountain bike. Thank you Michelin!!

Hurry on over to Michelin to enter. 

CLICK HERE

How do you get your kids to embrace summer reading?

In my home, my oldest child recently started reading and writing this past year. Since the completion of kindergarten... she has been on a reading-crazed bonanza! From books to magazines, street signs and even billboards - wherever there may be a word, then she's reading it. Like some parents, I was a tad bit worried once school let out and summer began, that my child wouldn't be as interested nor excited in reading during the summer. Boy was I wrong!

During a visit to the local library my 6-year old spotted two middle-school aged girls working on some type of project for the library. She didn't hesitate to walk right up and ask what it was all about, LOL. Then a smile appeared from ear to ear and she burst out in excitement, "Mommy! Mommy it's a book club! Can I do it? Can I?" From that point all worries faded and I knew reading had her HOOKED. After I explained to her what the Summer Reading Program is at our library she was overly excited to find out that she could earn prizes just for reading! We selected a handful of books including "Pip Squeak" I Can Read Vol. 1 by Sarah Weeks, went home & she immediately began reading...

As parents, we know most young children lose interest in things quickly and it's up to us to keep them focused and motivated. Each and everyday I keep my child motivated to continue reading through the summer by testing out different methods of encouragement such as:

*Spending 30-minutes total reading daily (10 minutes with me, 10-min with Dad, and 10-min reading to her baby brother)

*Letting her choose a topic of her choice (i.e. Dentist, School, Animals) and going "book-hunting" at the library or book store

* Weekly visits to the library to "shop" for cool new books

*Joining MORE summer reading programs so your child can earn more FREE books! (try asking your local book store)

*Having a "Book Swap" with a friend

*Playing educational reading games on the net

Now the question is, How do you get your kids to embrace summer reading? Feel free to share your tips and techniques with me by leaving a comment. I'd love to hear all about it and try out a few things with my little one! Be sure to join in on the discussion at TwitterMoms.

DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get an "I Can Read!" book. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

5-Smokin HOT Giveaways: Win Some Goodies for Your Children!

Take your shot at winning some cool items for your little ones...

*Pediped Footwear Giveaway
Enter @ Piece of Me
Ends 7/14/10 - ENDING TODAY!

Bubble Machine, Pooh Incredibubble Wand & 6 Pack of Bubbles Giveaway
Enter @ Piece of Me
Ends 7/15/10 - ENDING SOON!

*Banzai Safari Falls Pool Giveaway
Enter @ Minnesota Mama's Must Have
Ends 7/27/10

*Bright Starts Around We Go & Play Place Giveaway!
Enter @ Minnesota Mama's Must Have
Ends 7/28/10

*Bright Starts InGenuity Playard Giveaway
Enter @ Piece of Me
Ends 7/28/10

Good Luck!

Click To Empower: Tweet4YWCA!

Let's all take the time out to tweet the following hash-tag "#Tweet4YWCA" WHY?
Well for each and every tweet that contains that hash-tag, $1 will be raised towards the victims of domestic violence.

"Financial security is the number one predictor of whether a domestic violence victim will get free and stay free from abuse. For every #Tweet4YWCA tweet, $1 will be donated to the YWCA to support economic empowerment for domestic violence survivors, up to $75,000. Help us reach our goal by tweeting as many times as you can by July 16."

So far $58,352+ have been raised and counting. Help raise money by simply sending out your tweet. Tweet as much as you'd like to help raise even more. Visit Click To Empower: Tweet4YWCA for more details!

Smart and Trendy Mom's Summer Carnival Event Starts Tomorrow!

If you didn't know, well now you know... and if your as crazy about giveaways as I am then you won't want to miss out! Smart and Trendy Mom's Summer Carnival Event will run from July 15th thru July 31st. This will be "the hottest review and giveaways event of the year!" Check out the line-up of sponsors so far...

Kranichs Jewelers
Hard Candy
Reduce
Orglamix
Graffeeti
Birdy Boots
The Brag Company
Earth Divas
Conair
What's in Stork?
Mommy's Sweet Things
Linkel Designs
Hairfree
Waves of Gratitude
Costume Warehouse
Luster Premium White
Beyond Stitches
More to come...

Head on over to SmartandTrendyMoms.com for more information!

8 Smokin' HOT Giveaways @ Minnesota Mama's Must Have

Checkout Minnesota Mama's Must Haves for these awesome giveaways...

*Hearthsong Cottage Playhouse Giveaway
Enter @ Minnesota Mama's Must Have
Ends 7/13/10

*Summer Infant Giveaway (Booster Seat, Rayshade & Tub Tea Set)
Enter @ Minnesota Mama's Must Have
Ends 7/14/10

*Digital Room 100-Custom Postcards Giveaway
Enter @ Minnesota Mama's Must Have
Ends 7/17/10

*Summer Sizzle Grilling Gift Basket ($100 VALUE) Giveaway
Enter @ Minnesota Mama's Must Have
Ends 7/19/10

*Gazillion Bubbles Prize Pack Giveaway
Enter @ Minnesota Mama's Must Have
Ends 7/20/10

*Natura World Aloe Comforter Giveaway
Enter @ Minnesota Mama's Must Have
Ends 7/21/10

*Britax Blink Stroller Giveaway
Enter @ Minnesota Mama's Must Have
Ends 7/23/10

*Princess Linen's Personalized Lunch Tote Giveaway
Enter @ Minnesota Mama's Must Have
Ends 7/26/10

Good luck!

WinItMama WINS!

Lately, I've been on a mission to get my hands on a jar of Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions... and guess what? MISSION COMPLETE! I've WON a 32oz Jar of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil thanks to TheLocalCook.com! I was extremely excited to wake up this morning to a lovely shipping notice in my email box. I can't wait for the package to arrive so I can put that oil to use, LOL!

I've also recently won...
Ceiva Digital Frame
Maggie's Soap Nuts
Wiglington & Wenks 1-Month Upgrade
Ottilie & Lulu Sampler Kit

Leave a comment and let me know what goodies you've won too!

How Are You Better Than Ever?

Dove® gofresh™ has a wonderful Facebook photo contest where you can share what's better then ever in your life! Just take a few minutes out to reflect on your life, on positive changes, on how you are better then ever. Share your better then ever photo and you'll have a chance to win a spa weekend getaway in Sedona, AZ, & $1,000 worth of great prize packages from Dove® gofresh™!

When I think about my life and how I am better then ever... my two loving children first come to mind. I give many thanks to them for changing me in so many ways and enabling me to be better then ever as a person, mother, friend, and significant other. If your a parent, then I'm sure you can agree when I say that children are miraculous beings and they teach us SO much about ourselves. I can definitely say that life is much more meaningful and FUN when your a parent!

Share how YOU are better than ever!
Dove® gofresh™ Facebook Contest Page


DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Dove® gofresh™ blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card and some product. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

HOT GIVEAWAY: $50 Sephora Gift Card

One lucky reader of Yacht Chick will win a $50 Sephora Gift Card!
ENDS 7/15/2010

Enter here!

HOT GIVEAWAY: DailyDivaDish Glam Beauty Giveaway

One lucky reader of the DailyDivaDish will win a gorgeous 6-piece beauty collection...

bareMinerals 6-piece Glamarama Beachside Beauty Collection
ENDS 7/8/2010

• 0.05 oz Original SPF 20 Mineral Veil
• 0.02 oz SPF 15 Warmth
• 0.02 oz Glamarama SPF 20 Eyecolor
• 0.33 oz Waterproof Flawless Definition Mascara in Black
• 0.14 oz SPF 15 Natural Lipgloss in Honey Bun
• Double-Ended Angled Eye & Cheek Brush

ENTER HERE!