Musings of a Muse

Hi Guys.

Happy Monday!  Hope Everyone had a super weekend and are nearly if not fully awake today.   I’d say I’m zombi-fied after a long weekend of partying extra hard, Halloween, gotta love it.

I wanted to take a moment out to thank each of you for joining in by donating this month for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I’d also like to thank each of you for commenting or posting a story about your experience with Breast Cancer.

Although It’s November 2nd today and October is over I’d like to take a second out to give you a chance, if you haven’t already, to enter into the giveaways I currently have active.  Tomorrow morning winners will be alerted via e-mail so you still have time to enter if you haven’t done so already.

With the help of some I managed to raise $71 dollars plus $200 of my own funds which will donated to the Breast Cancer Research Fund.  That’s a total of $271 dollars.  I hope I can perhaps surpass that and head for $300 or $350 so please if possible a donation of $1 to $2 would be greatly appreciated as it is going to a worthy cause.

Also your donation of $1 counts as a single entry into some of my great giveaways that are ongoing now. Each $1 gets you one entry, $2 will get you two, and so on and so forth.

Korres for the Cure contains an array of “pink” products from Korres which are valued at over $50.

Smashbox Pout Lipstick is also a giveaway for a limited edition Smashbox Lipstick made especially for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

And finally an Estee Lauder Elizabeth Hurley Lip Set is being given away as well which contains an array of great items from Estee Lauder.

Please check through each giveaway separately as some are open to non-US readers which gives you a chance to win even if you live in Europe, Asia, or elsewhere.

Since I got so many comments on some of the giveaways I didn’t reply to each one personally but I did want to address each of you in this post and offer up a great big thanks for joining in during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Each of us can make a difference in fighting this disease until a cure is found.

Although I’m generally a foody, fruity, sweet type of girl when it comes to fragrances one floral note that gets me each and every time would be roses.

Jump ahead to think pink with Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne.

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When I first purchased my Clarisonic it was the pink version available for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pink has now become a standard color of the Clarisonic due to it’s overwhelming popularity…seriously what girl doesn’t adore pink? It was only a matter of time that they adapted this shade and kept it on as a normal color rather than an LE.

This year, the new limited edition Clarisonic Plus is a custom design developed to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The design is truly gorgeous and unique and not all pink in theme. Made up of a swirly floral design in a richer deep pink this new brush is available for a limited time for $250. A whopping 50% of the profits from the sales of the brush will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. That’s incredibly generous of Clarisonic!

The kit includes:

• LE Clarisonic Plus Brush
• LE Universal Charge Cradle
• 1 Sensitive Brush Head
• 1 Body Brush Head
• 1 oz trail sizes of Refreshing Gel Cleanser, Gentle Hydro Cleanser, and Nourishing Care Cleanser
• 2 oz Trial Size Refining Skin Polish

If purchased through Clarisonic a free gift and shipping is included.

As you know the Muse is currently holding a few contests for Breast Cancer Awareness this month and also collecting small (or large) donations from readers. Every little bit helps in bringing awareness to this disease. I hope you’ll take time to read some past “pink” posts and join in some of the giveaways being held here. $200 of my own personal funds will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation at the end of the month.

Visit www.clarisonic.com for further information on the LE Clarisonic Brush. If you’re thinking of indulging in the brush why not purchase this one and support a worthy cause.

The Muse hopes while you’re busy shopping away at Sephora you might consider some “pink” options.  As you know I’m building awareness, donating funds, raising money, and thinking pink this entire month.  As you shop keep your eyes on items that are donating to Breast Cancer Awareness as many brands donate a portion of the sale to charity.

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist is one such item taking a stand on Breast Cancer this month with a limited edition bottle. This month Donna Karan will make a $15,000 donation to The Breast Cancer Research Fund in connections with their limited edition fragrance bottle.  The bottle is 3.4oz and features the gorgeous, comforting scent of Cashmere Mist with a tiny pink ribbon embellishing the bottle reminding us that DK is thinking pink.  Each eau de parfum spray is $90.

Purchase at Sephora or visit www.donnakaranbeauty.com for direct sales.

Hey guys!

The Muse had a rather busy day at work today so I’m busy typing this up at lunch and will have it go live late tonight. Happy Weekend…it’s only 12 but I’m gearing up for my weekend, can barely wait. What are you up to this weekend? I’m heading to Skull Island with friends, yea as if I don’t have enough zombies in my life. Gonna get some apple and pumpkin picking in too! Plus I’m dying to see Where the Wild Things Are, prob see that tonight, anyone wanting to see it? Comic Con totally went bust on me…that’s a long story…and dramas, first year I’m not going but meh other things to do.

Anyway!

More important things to discuss….

As you know I’m Thinking Pink for the entire month of October to bring awareness to Breast Cancer and how this disease is more common than most of you realize.  In my fight for the cure I’m donating $200 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

I’m not the only one donating funds and time to Breast Cancer this month.  One of my very favorite brands, Korres, has also joined in the fight for a cure and has some incredible “pink” offerings on their site to raise both awareness and funds for their charity of choice.   A few days ago I told you all about the Korres Lip Kits for the Cure.  These are a mere $19.50, include three fab Korres products, and 10% of the proceeds goes to National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund.  As if that wasn’t enough Korres is deducting 20% Off all it’s “pink” products in October by using promo code GOPINK.

Shop Pink with Korres by visiting  www.korresusa.com

Korres has been very generous to Musings and sent along a package full of love and pink products to give away to readers.   This prize package includes a total of eight Korres products and will be given away at the end of the month.

To enter to win you can do a few things.

Follow me on Twitter.

Stop by, say hi, chat with me.  I don’t bite.   I procrastinate daily on Twitter so it’s a rather awesome way to get some one on one time with me. It’s particularly an awesome tool when I’m not answering emails for months at a time (my inbox is ridiculously packed).

Following me on Twitter gives you a single random chance to win the prize package.

Secondly, go ahead and comment. Tell me what the weather is like on your side of the planet, tell me your experiences with Breast Cancer, heck tell me what your fav Korres products are…anything, everything, chat it here and you’ll be randomly entered one more time to win.

And lastly for every $1 you donate using my chip in widget you’ll have additional chances to win. Two chances by using the above methods and $1 gets you a third chance, $2 gets you a fourth chance, and so on and so fourth. Proceeds with be donated to my charity at the end of the month.

Now…you wanna know what you’ll be winning right?

It’s alot, Korres went crazy with the love package they sent over.

Here’s the deets.

This prize package will include:

Korres Pomegranate Cleansing Wipes ($12.50)
Pomegranate make up removing wipes, that gently yet effectively remove make-up, cleanse and tone the skin leaving it refreshed
• Oil free formula that provides effective cleansing with no greasy residue
• Pomegranate extract ,rich in tannins and polyphenols, diminishes pore size and neutralizes free radical damage
• Vitamin E, a potent anti-oxidant, defends skin against free radical damage while also providing moisture

Korres Pomegranate Moisturizing Cream Gel ($29.50)
Pomegranate Lightweight Moisture Balancing Gel that lightly moisturizes and tightens pores, balancing the skin
• Pomegranate extract, rich in tannins and polyphenols, diminishes pore size and neutralizes free radical damage
• Zinc balances skin by regulating oil production. Its antibacterial action effectively mattifies oily areas while allowing dry areas to stay perfectly hydrated
• Carob tree polysaccharides moisturize and hydrate the skin while also fighting the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
• Provitamin B5 provides long-lasting hydration, leaving a flawless finish
• Avocado, Macadamia and Jojoba oil nourish and comfort the skin while allowing it to breathe
• Naturally derived Vitamin E provides an Antioxidant, moisturizing and softening boost

Korres Cherry Full Colour Gloss in 23 ($16)
Long-lasting, creamy, semi-sheer formulas in wearable and vibrant shades. Go natural with NEW naked shades!
• Cherry Oil moisturizes lips, prolonging the wear and giving a high-shine, non-sticky finish
• The natural active Jojoba Oil smoothes fine lines and deeply hydrates the lips
• Potent antioxidant Vitamin C and E prevent free radical damage and repair the lips

Korres Pomegranate Cleansing Scrub ($19.50)
Pomegranate deep cleansing scrub removes dead cells and surface impurities without irritating or stripping the skin, revealing a radiant complexion
• Pomegranate extract, rich in tannins and polyphenols, diminishes pore size and neutralizes free radical damage
• Naturally derived and perfectly cylindrical Olive stones effectively exfoliate dead skin cells and clean pores, helping to prevent blackheads
• Aloe vera, a historically established medicinal herb, that soothes and heals skin
• Marigold extract, a known skin healer, that helps to calm irritation

Korres Little Body Butter Quince ($9.50)
Scent: Fruity, spicy
Feel: Uplifting Luxurious, smoothing body butter, clinically proven to offer advanced moisturizing and antiaging action.
• Quince Body Butter is enriched with Shea Butter to soften, moisturize & restructure the skin.
• A proprietary blend of Sunflower, Almond & Avocado Oils restores skin’s elasticity & smoothness.
• Quince extract acts as a soothing agent to heal and nourish stressed skin.
• Little size is travel approved.

Korres Body Butter Quince ($21)
Scent: Fruity, spicy
Feel: Uplifting Luxurious, smoothing body butter, clinically proven to offer advanced moisturizing and antiaging action.
• Quince Body Butter is enriched with Shea Butter to soften, moisturize & restructure the skin.
• A proprietary blend of Sunflower, Almond & Avocado Oils restores skin’s elasticity & smoothness.
• Quince extract acts as a soothing agent to heal and nourish stressed skin.

Korres Zea Mays Blush in 16 ($22)
Beautifully pigmented blushes give skin a radiant and healthy glow.
• Soft, creamy texture that allows for effortless, uniform application
• Formulated with the Korres proprietary botanical blend of phytosteroles, soy, and licorice that delivers a smooth, long-lasting glowing finish

Korres Pomegranate Cleansing Mask ($24.50)
Pomegranate Detoxifying natural clay mask that removes harmful impurities and diminishes pore size while maintaining hydration
• Pomegranate extract ,rich in tannins and polyphenols, diminishes pore size and neutralizes free radical damage
• White argil clay quickly absorbs pore-clogging oil, toxins and impurities while gently exfoliating dead skin cells
• Zinc balances skin by regulating oil production. Its antibacterial action effectively mattifies oily areas will allowing dry areas to stay perfectly hydrated
• Lactic Acid, a natural AHA, gently exfoliates without irritation revealing younger skin
• Jojoba oil nourishes and hydrates, leaving the complexion velvety soft

As you can see the prize package is huge. You’re entering to win all of the products not just one. They come as a complete set. This contest is open to US readers only, I’m sorry International readers, please see my other Think Pink contests as these are open to you.

A special thanks to the kind folks at Korres for supplying the Muse with a fabulous prize package. If you’re supporting pink this October I hope you’ll join up and indulge in your fav products at Korres and support them in their bid to raise funds for their charity. Korres is a brand near and dear to my heart so it’s a great pleasure to team up with them on this giveaway. Do search back through my old posts as I have many reviews and swatches of the products featured here.

Good Luck!

Note: A winner has been selected and notified via email. Giveaway is closed.

As you know this month I am all about thinking pink!   I’m trying quite hard to raise both awareness and money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation which is my charity of choice for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.   So far I’ve raised $21 and have plans of donating $200 of my own personal funds to the cause.  I was originally doing a Comment 4 the Cure post which would donate a dollar each time someone posted a comment but I fear everyone got somewhat wrapped up in the giveaway I was doing and forgot to put a comment in that post.   My donation of $200 still remains firm if you do or do not comment but I hope you will consider placing a comment in that post.

To those who have taken a minute out and donated a $1 or more thank you VERY much.  I greatly appreciate it and it’s going to a good cause.

All the giveaways I’m doing this month will run until October 31 and a winner will be randomly selected from those who entered and alerted via email.

Today I’m thinking pink with the limited edition Smashbox Pout Lipstick which is a beautiful way that Smashbox is giving back.   Smashbox Photo Finish Lipstick in Pout will raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.   With each purchase of this lipstick a 40% portion of the proceeds will be donated to Komen Los Angeles County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The lipstick is a baby doll pink shade which is quite mod.   It has a custom sleeve which was inspired by the Fashion for the Cure benefit.  The color is highly sought after currently and quite surprisingly talked about on all the makeup forums I visit.

The Muse has teamed up with Smashbox to giveaway one Pout Lipstick to a lucky winner.  In order to enter you can do a few things.

Follow me on Twitter

Subscribe to my Feed

Comment here (be sure your email address is filled in when you comment)

To double up your chances of winning you can donate by using my chip in widget below.   For each $1 you donate you’ll get one chance to win plus any of the other methods above count for a chance as well.   So….Twitter, Feed, Comment will get you three chances to win plus add $1 and you’ll have four chances to win…or add $2 and you’ll have five chances of winning.   This ups the odds of your chances of winning as you can see. The contest is open to US and International readers.

Good Luck!

If you don’t win you can get the Smashbox Pout Lipstick by visiting www.smashbox.com and purchase it for $22.

The following giveaway is now closed.  A winner has been randomly selected and notified via e-mail.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion Limited is available in a limited edition bottle. The bottle is 6.7 oz in size which is a jumbo size compared to it’s normal 4 oz size. It’s $35 and comes with a collectaible Clinique Charm Bracelet featuring a Pink Ribbon and “C” (for Clinique!) charm.

If you’re a lover of Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing and are needing a refill I highly suggest snagging this jumbo size as $10 of each sale of these bottles will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This is basically like getting a normal size lotion for $24 as if you deduct your $10 donation that about sums up the price but take it a step further and you end up with a jumbo bottle plus the good feeling that you donated to a worthy cause.

This limited edition bottle is available now at www.clinique.com or visit your counter to pick one up for yourself.

I hope you’ll consider joining me in my fight against breast cancer by donating to my charity by using the chip in widget found on the right hand side of my blog. I’m thinking pink all month long with some great giveaways and posts.

Korres is Thinking Pink with the Muse this October and has some incredible offerings available for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.   You can get free shipping and 20% off any of the “Pink” products that Korres is offerin using promo code GOPINK.   This promo code ends tomorrow for the free shipping but you can indulge in 20% off for any of Korres Pink products until the end of the month.

Korres is supporting the National Breast Coalition Fund and will be donating 10% of the price of every pink themed item to this charity.

In addition they are introducing three amazing value sets for the lips.  Korres Lip Kits For The Cure are available in three shade selections and 10% of the proceeds of each sale goes to support the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund.  Each kit is $19.50 and includes two lipliners and either a lipstick or gloss.

The selections are as follows:

Korres Lip Kit For The Cure Radiant Red
Includes: Lip Liners in Purple Red and Red with a Korres Guava Long Lasting Lipstick in 55 Red.

Korres Lip Kit For The Cure Perfect Pink
Includes:Lip Liners in Neutral Light & Neutral Dark with Korres Mango Lipstick in 13 Natural Pink

Korres Lip Kit For The Cure Naturally Nude
Includes: Lip Liners in Neutral Dark & Brown with Korres Cherry Oil Lip Gloss in 37 Bronze Gold $19.50 ($48.00 Value)

Go Pink with Korres by visiting www.korresusa.com

Special thanks to the good folks at Korres for donating an incredible selection of their “Pink” themed products for a giveaway that’s upcoming on Musings shortly. Keep your eyes open as it’ll be live soon.

As many of you know over the years Elizabeth Hurley has played an important role in Estee Lauder campaigns. Her gorgeous good looks have graced many a promo images for the company and I can’t help but always associate her with my favorite fragrance from the Estee Lauder Collection, Beautiful.

Each October Elizabeth Hurley joins up with Estee Lauder and spends time traveling around the world raising awareness for breast health and funds for breast cancer research. Elizabeth has been doing this journey since 2000 and continues to fight the good fight by educating women about the importance of early detection.

In honor of Elizabeth Hurley’s spokeswoman status she has her very own lip kit. The Estee Lauder Elizabeth Hurley Lip Set is a hand-picked selection by Elizabeth herself and includes a lipstick, gloss, lip pencil and gorgeous pink case.

The case is merely $22 dollars and Estee Lauder will donate a total of $500,000 from sales of its Pink Ribbon Collection to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

I have one Estee Lauder Elizabeth Hurley Lip Set that I’ll be giving away in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To enter to win you merely have to leave a comment here with a valid e-mail address and you’ll be randomly selected to win this prize. Since I’m the Muse I deem the contest open to everyone who visits Musings. Which means you can be from the US, Canada, Japan, or Mars….the Muse doesn’t discriminate on your location and will happily ship this little kit to the winner no matter their location. You’re only allowed one entry to win however if you chip in you’ll be entered for a second chance to win or a third or a fourth depending on how much you donate.

Good Luck!

Please note this giveaway is now closed. A winner has been randomly selected and alerted via email.

Life is such a precious thing and I do believe we sometimes forget that.  In 2007 more than 1.3 milion people worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer.  That’s a terribly scary number.  The good news is the disease is 98% curable upon early detection and the morality rates have fallen in recent years which is due to what we can hope is greater awareness of the importance of this disease which can effect anyone, anywhere, at anytime.

The Muse urges you to join in this month and Think Pink.   Some simple steps could help you prevent or help with an early detection.

Get screened.
Ask your doctor who often you should have a breast exam.

Check yourself regularly.
Report any changes in your body to your doctor as soon as possible if you notice anything abnormal.

Eat More veggies, fruits, fiber and other nutrients.
Watch your diet and try not to overindulge in the bad stuff. Balance it out with a good, solid diet.

Work Out.
I walk three miles daily, something as simple as incorporating more walking into your life keeps you healthy and fit.

Don’t Smoke.
‘Nuff said.

Drink less.
If you’re a heavy drinker try to keep it to a minimal.

Simple lifestyle changes can add years to your life and to your health. For the entire month of October I’m dedicating some time, space, and money to Breast Cancer Awareness. In order to do this I hope to gain help from all of you. I’ll teaming up with the Beauty Blog Network and joining in on Comments for a Cure. What is Comments for a Cure? It’s really simple peeps. Leave a little blather here on this post and I’ll donate $1 for each comment which will be capped at $100. At the end of the month I’ll be holding a second Comment for a Cure post where you’ll again have the chance to speak your piece and I’ll donate an additional $1 for each babble that comes in capped at $100. That’s a total of $200 dollars which will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Now here’s where I ask a little favor from you. If you look on the right side of my blog right below the search my blog box you’ll notice a widget which allows you the chance to chip in. I hope you’ll consider donating a $1 or more to support me in raising money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The widget will be up all of October so you’ll have until the end of the month to maybe donate a buck or two and show me you’re thinking pink too.

This entire month I’ll be featuring reviews and products from several different brands who are also Thinking Pink and helped support some fantastic giveaways here on Musings. My original plan was to have anyone who chipped in (donated) to be entered for a chance to win these fabulous products. However, I’ve changed my mind and have decided everyone deserves a chance to win. Each time I post a giveaway you’ll have a chance to enter once to win and you’ll be entered in a second time (doubles your chances of winning) each time you donate. So….if you donate nothing it’s ok, you’ll be entered to win a prize regardless. If you donate a $1 you’ll be entered to win twice, if you donate $2 you’ll be entered to win three times, and so on and so forth.

I’m teaming up with Korres, Estee Lauder, and other great brands to bring you some fantastic items that not only support Breast Cancer Awareness but also donate to the cause. The prize packages will include high end makeup, skincare, and other fabulous bits and bobs.

I hope you’ll join in my cause to Think Pink for October.

Don’t forget, leave a comment! Each comment will have the Muse donating $1 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

And just in case I’ve included the widget in this post so you can easily donate if you’re inclined.