Evenly Gorgeous™ Exfoliating Body Wash & Beauty Bar – Ready to reveal your daring side tonight? Flaunt your gorgeous even skin tone with confidence. Caress Evenly Gorgeous™, with burnt brown sugar and karite butter, gently exfoliates and lusciously moisturizes to reveal beautifully even-toned skin.

I use body washes in the shower, but I love bar soaps for my bath soaks. I tried both of these products out and I have to say that I just love them! They both lather so nicely, and have a really nice scent to them. I can’t stand over powering bath product smells, but these were just perfect. And they both left my skin so soft and smooth. I really love this product and will definitely be buying it in the future.

Caress Evenly Gorgeous™ Exfoliating Beauty Bar Giveaway

MANDATORY FOR CONTEST ENTRY

1. Visit the Caress website, and in my comments tell me which product you would like to try from their collection of shower products.

EXTRA CONTEST ENTRY

1. Sign up to receive the Caress email newsletter
2. Follow @JustJulie on Twitter. (I follow back!)
3. Subscribe to receive Julie’s Journal in your email
4. Tweet: Enter to win Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Beauty Bar Giveaway from @JustJulie http://bit.ly/600aD3

WINNER #13 Jennifer B

Contest ends Wednesday February 3, 2010 at 12:00 noon PST. I will choose one random winner from all the entries and notify you by email. (U.S. only) You have 48 hours to respond. This review was done as part of a campaign for Caress through Family Review Network. All opinions are 100% mine.

Caress Evenly Gorgeous™ Exfoliating Beauty Bar Giveaway- CLOSED

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of 2000 Flushes. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you having a Super Bowl party this year? Is your toilet bowl ready for the big game? Did you know that Super Bowl Sunday is notoriously one of the busiest days of the year for toilets?

90 million toilets will be flushed during halftime, HA! I wonder what the water usage statistics are on that!

I like to use the 2000 Flushes with bleach because they kill 99.9% of bacteria! With a new, concentrated formula, 2000 Flushes Bleach delivers continuous cleaning action for up to 4 months. I just have to make sure that they seat gets closed so the kitties don’t get into the water.

2000 Flushes is running a really fun sweepstakes called Is Your Bowl Ready for the Big Game? See below for details and make sure to Enter to Win!

Is Your Bowl Ready for the Big Game? Sweepstakes

GRAND PRIZE

• $10,000 Bathroom Makeover (awarded as a check for $10,000 – Grand Prize winner will be selected on or about March 15, 2010)

WEEKLY PRIZE

• Each week for 13 weeks, we will give away 99 coupons for a free 2000 Flushes Antibacterial product (maximum value $3.79 – Weekly prize winners will be selected each Friday between December 11, 2009 and March 5, 2010 and will receive their prizes by mail)

Awesome prizes, right!!?? Make sure to Enter to Win, and good luck to you! You can also print out a $1.00 off 2000 Flushes Product Coupon today!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Distribution of products by 2000 Flushes, a WD-40 Company, to Participating Parties (media, bloggers, or other third parties or individuals) for the purpose of review and/or endorsement are done so in faith that the Participating Parties will be in compliance with FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION 16 CFR Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising and other related regulations, applicable statutes, regulations, or requirements of any government authority as they relate to subsequent posts or promotional material featuring 2000 Flushes or any of its products resulting from distribution by 2000 Flushes.

Is Your Bowl Ready for the Big Game 2000 Flushes Sweepstakes

During the month of December, General Mills announced a commitment to further reduce sugar in cereals advertised to kids under 12 to single digit grams of sugar per serving. The company has already been reducing sugar in cereals while increasing key nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D, and providing whole grain. The General Mills cereal included are Trix, Lucky Charms, Cocoa Puffs, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Cereal benefits:

• Ready-to-eat cereals, including presweetened cereals, account for only 5% of sugar in children´s diets.
• Ready-to-eat cereal is the No. 1 source of whole grains in a child´s diet today.
• More frequent cereal eaters tend to have healthier body weights and lower Body Mass Index measures.

My boys have always loved General Mills cereal, especially the Cinnamon Toast Crunch, so it’s really nice to know they are lowering the sugars in their favorite cereal and making it healthier for them to eat. Here’s a $1 off coupon you can print out for your next shopping trip, enjoy!

Printable $1 Off Coupon on General Mills Cereals

Thanks to My Blog Spark and General Mills for supplying the VIP coupons, the online coupon link, and the information for me to share.

General Mills Cereals $1 Off Coupon

If you’re anything like me you hate flossing. It takes too much time, it’s messy, and ugh…I just hate it! So when Waterpik contacted me and asked if I’d like to review their Waterpik Ultra Dental Water Jet I jumped at the chance.

What surprised me the most about the WP-100 is that after using it I felt like I had my teeth cleaned at the dentist! You know that feeling right? It really felt like that! I’m not saying that the Waterpik replaces those cleaning visits to your dentist, but it sure feels nice to have that feeling at home everyday! I’ve been using it every night before bed, and my mouth feels sooooo good the next morning when I wake up.

Waterpik Ultra Dental Water Jet – WP-100 Benefits

• Improves dental hygiene and is clinically proven to be up to 93% more effective than dental floss at improving gum health
• Removes bacteria deep between teeth and below the gumline where brushing and flossing will not reach
• Massages and stimulates gums to help prevent gingivitis and improve oral health
• Works with water or your favorite mouthwash
• Leaves a clean, fresh sensation

The Waterpik Ultra Dental Water Jet – WP-100 is available at all your favorite stores including Costco, Longs, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, Kmart, and Kohl’s and it’s only $59.99 USD! or $54.99 if you use the printable coupon below!

Print coupon! $5.00 off Waterpik Ultra Dental Jet

Waterpik Ultra Dental Water Jet Review & Giveaway

MANDATORY FOR CONTEST ENTRY

1. Visit the Waterpik website, and in my comments tell me a benefit of using the Waterpik Ultra Dental.

EXTRA CONTEST ENTRY

1. Follow @Waterpik on Twitter.
2. Follow @JustJulie on Twitter. (I follow back!)
3. Subscribe to receive Julie’s Journal in your email
4. Tweet: Enter to win Waterpik Ultra Dental Water Jet Giveaway from @JustJulie http://bit.ly/8FDkYn

WINNER #347 Melanie Baker

Contest ends Monday January 25, 2010 at 12:00 noon PST. I will choose one random winner from all the entries and notify you by email. (U.S. only) You have 48 hours to respond. Special thanks to Waterpik for sponsoring this giveaway.

Waterpik Ultra Dental Water Jet Review & Giveaway-CLOSED

So how many of you will be watching the big football game on February 7, 2010? Did you know that 61% of adults plan to watch the big game? Whether you’re planning a huge party or you’re just looking forward to kicking back at home with your friends and family, Old El Paso Green Chiles can help you spice up the festivities!

Old El Paso Green Chiles, which come in 4.5 and 7 oz cans, are a simple way to liven up your go-to favorites. Fat-free and with only 10 calories per serving, Green Chiles are not spicy, but will add a unique flavor to your dishes that the whole crowd will love!

Perfect for your dips and salsas, as well as your nachos and chili, Old El Paso Green Chiles can help you score a mealtime touchdown with your guests this year. For more ideas, check out these quick (with a prep time of less than 30 minutes each!) and delicious recipes that incorporate Old El Paso Green Chiles and will have your fans cheering for more!

Old El Paso Green Chile Recipes

• Nachos
• Green Chile Dip
• Green Chile Cornbread
• Grilled Picnic Taco Nachos
• Black Bean Dip
• Slow Cooker Salsa Chili
• Seven-Layer Bean Dip
• Skillet Nacho Chili Recipe
• Southwestern Dip

Click here for an Old El Paso Green Chiles $0.55 Off Printable Coupon

One lucky reader will win a Old El Paso Tackle the Taste Gift Pack:

1. Two free cans of Old El Paso Green Chiles
2. Football-shaped ceramic serving platter
3. Two sets of football-themed plates
4. Cocktail napkins
5. Themed table runner

Old El Paso Tackle the Taste Gift Pack Giveaway

MANDATORY FOR CONTEST ENTRY

1. Visit the Betty Crocker recipe website, and in my comments tell me a recipe you would like to try that you saw on their website.

EXTRA CONTEST ENTRY

1. Follow @Betty Crocker on Twitter.
2. Sign up for the Betty Crocker newsletter
3. Follow @JustJulie on Twitter. (I follow back!)
4. Subscribe to receive Julie’s Journal in your email
5. Tweet: Enter to win Old El Paso Tackle the Taste Gift Pack Giveaway from @JustJulie http://bit.ly/8rfwg2

WINNER #105 – Trisha

Contest ends Sunday January 24, 2010 at 12:00 noon PST. I will choose one random winner from all the entries and notify you by email. You have 48 hours to respond. Special thanks to Old El Paso and My Blog Spark for sponsoring this giveaway.

Old El Paso Tackle the Taste Gift Pack Giveaway-CLOSED

Have any of you had the chance to try Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion yet? They sent me a bottle to try and I am hooked! Living in the desert is hard on my skin. We have virtually no humidity, so the air is dry and my skin is dry constantly. I use moisturizing lotions almost 10 times a day, seriously!

I’ve started using the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion after my shower and have noticed that I don’t have to reapply throughout the day at all! My skin feels moisturized and not dry at all. I just love this stuff!

Features of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion

Skin MD Natural is a shielding lotion, a very special type of lotion helping the skin restore its integrity, enhance its protective functions so that the skin is able to heal naturally and regain its youthful appearance. Skin MD Natural works by bonding with cells of the skin’s outermost layer to form what works as an invisible shield. This layer of protection prevents environmental irritants and pollutants from penetrating the skin, while sealing in the skin’s own natural oils and moisture, helping resolve the dry skin condition.

Skin MD Natural uses only the finest natural ingredients, and is focused on urging the skin to be active, and to use its own moisture to effectively heal itself. It is not oily or sticky, doesn’t sit on top of your skin leaving a greasy residue on everything you touch, it doesn’t rub or wash off easily, is hypoallergenic, fragrance, colorant and paraben free and dermatology tested.

Now I know you want to try it out, and here’s your chance!

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Giveaway

MANDATORY FOR CONTEST ENTRY

1. Visit the Skin MD Natural website, and in my comments tell me what skin conditions are helped by using Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion.

EXTRA CONTEST ENTRY

1. Follow @SkinMDNatural on Twitter.
2. Follow @JustJulie on Twitter. (I follow back!)
3. Subscribe to receive Julie’s Journal in your email
4. Tweet: Enter to win Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Giveaway on JuliesJournal.com http://bit.ly/7MWHwL

WINNER #24 Elkaye

Contest ends Tuesday January 12, 2010 at 12:00 noon PST. I will choose one random winner from all the entries and notify you by email. You have 48 hours to respond. Special thanks to Skin MD Natural for sponsoring this giveaway.

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Giveaway-CLOSED

So the holidays are over and if you’re anything like me you are burnt out on turkey. We made one for Thanksgiving and one for Christmas, and it will be awhile until I pull the leftovers out of the freezer. When that time comes though I have some great recipes to try that use all the Kikkoman products, and I’d like to share them with you.

5 Great Kikkoman Recipes

1. Turkey Fried Rice

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 green onions and tops, chopped
• 1 cup diced cooked turkey
• 1 carrot , cut in julienne strips
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 3 cups cold cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons Kikkoman Soy Sauce

Heat oil in large skillet. Add next 3 ingredients; stir-fry until carrots are tender, yet crisp. Add egg; cook, stirring gently, until cooked. Mix in rice and soy sauce well; cook until rice is thoroughly heated. (Makes 4 to 6 servings)

2. Elegant Creamed Turkey

• 1 package (10 oz.) frozen pattie shells
• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups light cream
• 3 tablespoons Kikkoman Soy Sauce
• 2 tablespoons dry white wine
• 2 cups cooked turkey, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 2 tablespoons thickly sliced pimiento
• Fresh parsley, optional

Bake pattie shells on un-greased large cookie sheet following package instructions. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and green pepper; cook until onion is tender. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute; stir occasionally. Add cream, soy sauce and wine. Cook, stirring constantly until mixture boils and thickens. Add turkey and pimiento; cook until heated through. Remove tops from pattie shells; spoon in turkey mixture. Replace tops and garnish with parsley as desired. (Makes 6 servings)

3. Spanish Turkey Ole

• 3 pound cooked turkey, cut up
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) tomatoes cut up
• 1/3 Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Heat oil in a pan, add celery and onion to same pan; saute until transparent. Add turkey over the onions and celery. Combine next 4 ingredients; pour over turkey. Cover and simmer 20 minutes, stirring to blend. (Makes 4 to 6 servings)

4. Terrific Turkey Tetrazzini

• 3 pounds turkey, cooked
• 1 pound sliced mushrooms
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups Kikkoman PEARL Original Soymilk
• 1 lb. spaghetti
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cut turkey into bite sized pieces. Melt butter in saucepan, then stir in flour; cooking until it starts to bubble. Gradually add chicken stock, stirring until sauce thickens, then add soymilk; salt and pepper and cheese. Add turkey and mushrooms and slowly simmer. Meanwhile cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and stir into the turkey mixture. Pour into a non-stick baking dish. Bake at 450 degrees until heated through and cheese has melted. (Makes 8 servings)

5. Quick Chinese Turkey Salad

• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons Kikkoman Soy Sauce
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Oriental sesame oil
• 1 package (14 to 16 oz.) mixed salad greens, washed and drained
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• 1 pound cooked turkey, shredded

Combine vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, vegetable and sesame oils in large bowl; stirring until sugar dissolves. Add salad mixture and cilantro, tossing to coat all pieces. Add turkey; toss to combine. Serve immediately. (Makes 4 servings)

Do any of those recipes sound good? Which one would you like to try. Do you currently use Kikkoman products? Let me know in my comments for a chance to win a Kikkoman prize pack that includes a Kikkoman recipe book, plus two full sized bottles from Kikkoman’s line of special sauces.

Contest ends Sunday January 10, 2010 at 12:00 noon PST. I will choose one random winner from all the entries and notify you by email. You have 48 hours to respond. Special thanks to Kikkoman for sponsoring this giveaway.

WINNER #34 kim eddings

Kikkoman Recipes and Giveaway-CLOSED

So another year comes to an end, and we’re all looking forward to a new start and a ‘do-over’ from the things we didn’t accomplish last year. I’m fairly happy with the way last year went overall, but things can always get better, right?? I’m excited for the new year.

If you’ve been a regular reader of my blog for the last 5 years you’ve obviously seen a change here. This blog use to be my “journal.” I use to write about all things happening in my life, and more often, ‘over shared’ things that I should have just kept to myself. There were several incidents that happened this year that I didn’t share on here, and in direct result lead me to not want to share here at all. So I stopped. I changed focus and direction and now you will only see product reviews and giveaways. I know I’ve lost readers, and that makes me sad, but I’ve also gained a lot of new readers, and that makes me happy.

I’m going to stick with Twitter and Facebook for sharing personal things in my life from now on, and quite frankly it’s just easier. It takes less time, and keeps me from getting long winded.

Sooooooo…with that HAPPY NEW YEAR and may 2010 be your best year yet!

2009 Comes To An End

How is your holiday shopping going? Are you able to get something for everyone on your list? Times are tough right now so shopping at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls is the best way to stretch your budget to include everyone on your shopping list. They carry the latest brand-name toys to electronics, beauty products, gourmet food and entertaining essentials–they are one-stop shops for all your holiday needs.

Do you need a little help getting in the holiday spirit this year? How about a little Carol-oke! One lucky person will win a $5,000 shopping spree – just for singing their favorite Holiday Carol! Check out the specially created YouTube Caroling Channel. There, you can select from one of three carols, create your own “Carol-oke” video and upload for entry into the contest. Additionally, for each off-price “Carol-oke” video that is uploaded, a charity donation will be made.

I have two (2) $25.00 gift cards (one for T.J. Maxx and one for Marshalls) to giveaway on my blog. That’s two (2) winners! Just follow the instructions below to enter to win.

T.J. Maxx & Marshalls $25 Gift Card Giveaway
Each one of the following is worth one entry into the giveaway – make sure to leave comments so I can include each thing you do!

MANDATORY FOR CONTEST ENTRY

1. Sign up to receive the T.J. Maxx newsletter by email. (top right hand corner of their web site).
2. Sign up to receive the Marshalls newsletter by email. (top left hand corner of their web site).

EXTRA CONTEST ENTRY

1. Follow @T.J. Maxx on Twitter.
2. Follow @Marshalls on Twitter.
3. Follow @JustJulie on Twitter. (I follow back!)
4. Subscribe to receive Julie’s Journal in your email
5. Tweet: Enter to win T.J. Maxx & Marshalls $25 Gift Cards on JuliesJournal.com http://bit.ly/4UAg2L

Contest ends Sunday December 27, 2009 at 12:00 noon PST. I will choose two random winner from all the entries and notify you by email. You have 48 hours to respond. First responder will get their choice between the T.J. Maxx $25 gift card or the Marshalls $25 gift card. Second responder will get the remaining one. I did not receive any compensation for this post. Special thanks to T.J. Maxx and Marshalls for sponsoring this giveaway.

T.J. Maxx & Marshalls $25 Gift Card Giveaway-CLOSED

I think I can pinpoint exactly when it happened. I vividly remember moving to Las Vegas from Southern California in 2001 and not having cable. It made no difference to me, I could care a less about TV. My mom would hound me to start watching Sex In The City. My dad would tell me, “You HAVE to watch The Sopranos!” as if my own life depended on it. I just had no desire to sit in front of the television except for the occasional airing Saturday Night Live or The Tonight Show.

After my divorce, I got my own apartment and decided to get cable for “the boys.” The guy at Cox talked me into getting a DVR. Although I didn’t think I would ever use it, I knew the boys might enjoy it, so I said, “Okay!” Well let me tell you…that little box of magic turned me into a TV junkie. I now have two DVR’s so I can get the full benefit of recording 4 different shows at the same time.

My MUST SEE shows: (in no particular order)

1. Ghost Hunters
2. Ghost Hunters Academy
3. Dogs 101
4. The Haunted
5. Whale Wars
6. UFO Hunters
7. Modern Marvels
8. Deadliest Catch
9. Cash Cab
10. Storm Chasers
11. The Big Bang Theory
12. Two And A Half Men
13. Lost
14. Desperate Housewives
15. V
16. Extreme Makeover Home Edition
17. The Office
18. Californication
19. Dexter
20. Weeds

INSANE huh? And I stopped at 20! I was too ashamed to keep going. I’m an addict. Are you? What shows do you watch? Do you have a DVR? Do you have two DVR’s? Come on people, I don’t want to feel alone in my addiction. Talk to me please!

How I Become A TV Junkie