Out of Office

Our office will be closed until August 6. Winners will be announced and all emails returned when we reopen. 

Aspen Yoga Mats Review and Giveaway

Wendy Moore, owner of Aspen Yoga Mats contacted us for a feature of her company's custom yoga mats. A Yoga class is on my bucket list. I've tried learning it from a CD, but haven't come close to mastering even the beginning level. I was so happy when Wendy offered to send us one of her custom mats to try. 

The mats are available in five tranquil colors ~ Tangerine, Pink, Aloe, Plum and Turquoise ~ each having a different meaning. The mats can be further customized by choosing an embroidered design ~  Orchid Branch, The Laughing Buddha, Ying Yang, Aspen Leaf/Lotus Blossom or balance.

I chose the plum mat with balance embroidered in silver. I am thrilled with the way it turned out. The color is more of a lively lavender than plum. The balance design is perfect for me as my sign is Libra {the scales} and I could definitely use some balance in my life right now. Hopefully this beautiful mat will be just the ticket to inspire me to finally take that class!

The mat is very large measuring 24x72" and the embroidery measures 7"x2". It reminds me of a tight basketweave design. As a high-quality sticky mat, it has a great grip both on the surface of the floor and under the feet. It's also cushiony soft, eco-friendly and wipes clean easily. The sticky mat rolls up in a snap and weighs just 3.3 lbs. A must for any yoga enthusiast, Aspen Yoga mats retail for $59.95.


Wholesale pricing is available as is custom embroidery for corporate clients. Mats can be personalized with a logo or special event phrase. I could see these in spa gift shops or given to employees on corporate retreats. Yoga instructors could personalize with their company name and gift to clients who enroll in a series of classes. 

Chic Giveaway! ~ Aspen Yoga Mats is gifting one lucky reader a custom mat in their choice of color and design. Aaaahhhh

Please read carefully ~ To enter complete one or all of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to include your name and/or twitter ID. ~

• Visit AspenYogaMats.com and leave a comment below letting us know which is your fav color or design

• Follow @AspenYogaMats on Twitter and leave your twitter ID in comments

• Like Aspen Yoga Mats on Facebook and leave your Facebook name.

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook and leave your fb name
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter and leave your twitter ID
• Tweet about this contest, sample tweet ~ #Win a chic yoga mat from @AspenYogaMats on http://ChicLuxuries.com ARV: $60 #Contest #Giveaway cc: @ChicLuxuries

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET August 11, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Many thanks to Wendy for gifting us this beautiful custom mat and sponsoring this giveaway.

Photos courtesy of Aspen Yoga Mats.

Cortizza Monaco Handbag Review and Giveaway

I've always enjoyed filling my home and closet with unique treasures not seen everywhere. So when the owner of Cortizza contacted me, I was all ears. Cortizza makes a line of handbags and accessories. I know you're thinking "What's so unique about that?" Well, these are not your average handbags, they are made of cork! Checkout the Monaco Handbag we received ~

I can't believe how soft and smooth this bag is. Dark brown leather straps are a striking contrast to the natural cork. The interior is lined in dark brown fabric and has a cell phone holder and zippered pocket. The Monaco Handbag retails for $180.

I've never given much thought to how cork is made but I found the story fascinating. Cork Oak Trees are not damaged or cut down in the harvesting of cork. The average Cork Oak Tree lasts 200 years. Cork is hypo-allergenic and dirt, water, fade and stain-resistant. Cork Oak Forests support 25,000 species including endangered birds, plants and wildcats. I learned something new, thanks Cortizza!

This is one of their newest designs the Porto Satchel {LOVE} ~

They also just debuted a pretty line of cork jewelry. 

Cortizza also makes cork business accessories, wine totes, luggage tags, they even sell cork fabric by the yard! Cortizza is offering Chic Luxuries' readers free shipping through August 31 with code ChicSummer at checkout.

Chic Giveaway! ~ Pop the cork, Cortizza is gifting one lucky winner the Monaco bag!

Please read carefully ~ To enter complete one or all of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to include your name and/or twitter ID. ~

• Visit Cortizza.com and leave a comment below letting us know which item is your fav

• Follow @Cortizza on Twitter and leave your twitter ID in comments

• Like Cortizza on Facebook and leave your Facebook name.

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook and leave your fb name
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter and leave your twitter ID
• Tweet about this contest, sample tweet ~ #Win a Monaco handbag from @Cortizza on http://ChicLuxuries.com RV: $180 #Free #Contest #Giveaway cc: @ChicLuxuries

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET August 13, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Many thanks to Cortizza for sending us this unique handbag and sponsoring this chic giveaway.

Photos courtesy of Cortizza

Umbra Luna Photo Wall Art Review and Giveaway

We've teamed up with the award-winning Umbra, designers of chic, unique and cutting-edge home accessories. The company was started 31 years ago after graphic designer, Paul Rowan, couldn't find a shade for his apartment window and decided to make one. His friends liked it so much that soon after Paul teamed up with his friend, Les Mandelbaum, and Umbra was born. Umbra offers a myriad of well-priced chic accessories for the modern home, you'll find a smattering of everything from jewelry displays to furniture. They have a terrific PR Rep who arranged to have Umbra's Luna Photo Wall Art Display sent to us ~ 

A sleek contemporary design to display treasured photos that everyone in the family will enjoy. Luna is a space-saver for rooms without a lot of shelf space for frames. The artistic combination of different shapes will be the focal point of any room. Designed by Alan Wisniewski, the collage-like mural holds nine 4x6 photos. The open airy design gives small rooms the illusion of a larger space. My nephew just moved into his first apartment and this will be perfect. I can also see this in an office, foyer, hallway, teen's room, college dorm. So many options.  The Luna Wall Art is also available in white and retails for $40.

Chic Giveaway! ~ The Umbra team is generously gifting one reader the Luna Photo Wall Art Display!

Enter to win by completing one, or all, of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to include your name and/or twitter ID.

• Visit Umbra.com and leave a comment below letting us know what your fav item is.

• Like Umbra on Facebook

• Follow umbra_ltd on Twitter

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway, sample tweet ~ #Win a Luna Photo Wall Art Display from @umbra_ltd on http://ChicLuxuries.com RV: $40 #Contest #Giveaway cc: @ChicLuxuries

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET July 31, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Many thanks to the Umbra team for sending us the Luna photo wall art display and for sponsoring this giveaway.


Photo courtesy of Umbra.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries from 1-800-Baskets

Ya'll are in for a sweet treat! Our friends at 1-800-Baskets.com were kind enough to send us a dozen of their Decadent Chocolate-Covered Strawberries and they have a surprise for one lucky reader!


Oh My Gosh! Look at these, they are a work of art ~

Have you ever seen a prettier dipped strawberry? 

I ♥ chocolate-dipped strawberries and LOVE LOVE LOVE these. They start with JUMBO juicy just-picked strawberries and cover them in rich milk and white chocolate, then artistically drizzle them to perfection. It's hard to believe these were shipped from half-way across the country, they taste as though they were just picked from my local strawberry farm. Packed securely in a lovely gift box with an enclosed ice pack and shipped overnight, they arrived in perfect condition and look EXACTLY like the images on the website. Pretty as a picture ~

Yes, there is only 11 in my photo, they looked so appetizing, I couldn't wait to indulge ~ the result? Chocolate Heaven in a box! And guilt-free too...hey, strawberries are good for you! This is THE perfect gift for a birthday, get-well, client gift, thank you, or just because. They also offer different varieties such as nut toppings or color-variations. Look at how cute these are for a birthday celebration ~

1-800-Baskets Decadent Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries are available in boxes of 6 for $24.99 and 12 for $49.99, a chic luxury that the recipient(s) will remember long after their special occasion.

Chic Giveaway! ~ Our friends at 1-800-Baskets are gifting one super lucky reader a dozen of their Decadent Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries! Party!!!! 

Enter to win by completing one, or all, of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to include your name and/or twitter ID.

• Visit 1-800-Baskets.com and leave a comment below letting us know which is your favorite basket.

• Like 1-800-Baskets on Facebook, be sure to include your Facebook name in the comments below

• Follow @1800Baskets on Twitter, be sure to include your twitter ID in the comments below

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway, sample tweet ~ #Win Decadent Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries from @1800Baskets on http://ChicLuxuries.com ARV: $50 #Contest #Giveaway cc: @ChicLuxuries
• Repin our pin on Pinterest about this giveaway

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET August 3, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Huge thanks to our friends at 1-800-Baskets for sending us this over-the-top treat and sponsoring this giveaway! We ♥ you!


Photo courtesy of 1-800-Baskets.com

Cygnett Alumni iPad Case Review

We were fortunate to be contacted by Cygnett's PR Rep, Lexie, and asked to review their new Alumni iPad Case ~

Lexie sent one over in my favorite color, pink! It's covered in a durable canvas. You'll never forget where you put your iPad with this bright pink cover. Pink not your thing? No worries, it's also available in blue, black, and green. 

This is a fun cover, it has some really cool features too ~ a sleep/wake function that is activated when the case is opened or closed ~ no more running the battery down. It also has hidden magnets to keep the cover closed when not in use and ensures the iPad is safely stored. A camera hole in the back allows for facetime with friends and family. The price is the most affordable we've found for a quality case ~ $49.99. This case is perfect for a new graduate, college student, or anyone who wants a sturdy, attractive case at a reasonable price. If you have an iPad, you surely want to protect it from scratches, dirt and damage. Other designs are available as are covers for iPhones, laptops, tablets, smartphones and iPods. Check them out at Cygnett.com and on Facebook and Twitter.


Big thanks to the Cygnett team for sending us the Alumni iPad Case to help facilitate this review.



Photos courtesy of Cygnett.

Where Did She Get That?

Bachelorette Emily Maynard wearing Towne and Reese Brooke Earrings {$30}

Wondering where to find the gorgeous jewelry this season's Bachelorette, Emily Maynard, has been wearing? We found many of the styles at Charlotte-based Towne and Reese. Started by two moms who wanted fashionable but effortlessly affordable jewelry, Towne and Reese blends trendiness with timelessness. We love that every piece is priced less than $55. They sent us a couple of their fab pieces, including one of Emily's {and our} favorites, the Daisy Ring in Turquoise ~

A stunning adjustable ring with an eye-catching stone in bright turquoise. This fun-to-wear ring brightens up any outfit and it looks like it costs a lot more than its $30 price tag. 


Here's Emily trying on another of her picks, the Willa Ring in Raspberry {$25} ~

Pretty sure I spotted Emily wearing Towne and Reese's Merrie Earrings from their Fall Collection in last week's preview of The Final Rose {$25} ~

Sneak peek of more fabulousness from the Fall Collection ~

Find your must-have style at TowneandReese.com and be sure to follow them on Twitter and Facebook to be the first to hear about new designs and fun happenings. 

Photo: Craig Sjodin, ABC

Many thanks to the ladies at Towne and Reese and their wonderful PR Rep for gifting us two of their lovely designs. We look forward to featuring many more pieces from the Towne and Reese collection. To Emily, we wish you and Ricki lots of love and happiness. We're hoping we see the Daisy ring on your other hand very soon to make room for something sparkly on this one! xox




Photos courtesy of Towne and Reese

Murad Intensive Wrinkle Reducer Review and Giveaway

I never hesitate to try Murad products when the opportunity arises. I find their product result claims are true, never over-inflated and their products pack a powerful punch against wrinkles. We were recently sent two products to try ~


Intensive Wrinkle Reducer ~

You know I'm always at the ready to try anything that will help diminish wrinkles caused by years of sun-worshiping and wearing very little sunscreen. The reviews on this product were outstanding so I was very eager to try it. Right off, I liked it because of the pleasant citrus scent. It is also very light which is great in this heat and humidity. My skin drank it in, it was not greasy and virtually disappeared. I also like that it is a pump dispenser rather than a jar. I used the Intensive Wrinkle Reducer for three weeks and am happy with the results. My skin feels baby soft! It is smoother and brighter, after about a week of use, it looked as though I just had a facial.


It The product claims to reduce wrinkles up to 45% in 8 weeks. I'll take that! I have confidence in Dr. Murad and his products and will definitely continue using this. Use after cleansing and follow-up with a moisturizer for best results. A tiny bit goes a LONG way with this product so even though a 1-oz bottle retails for $150, it will last quite a while. Well worth the price to put off going under the knife or having needles stuck in your face. 


Intensive Wrinkle Reducer for Eyes ~ 

In a word ~ LOVE! I saw a reduction in tiny lines in just 3 weeks, which was quicker than the face cream, probably because the lines are smaller. As with the face cream, the consistency is light, smooths effortlessly into skin. I'm hooked on this product, thank you, Dr. Murad! A .5-oz bottle retails for $90. A drop is all that is needed for each eye, well worth the price! Free shipping and samples with every purchase.

Chic Giveaway! ~  Soooo who wants to say bye-bye to wrinkles? One of you will be because Murad is gifting one very fortunate reader both the Intensive Wrinkle Reducer and the Intensive Wrinkle Reducer for Eyes.  

Please read carefully! To enter complete one or all of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to leave your twitter ID and/or full name in comments.

• Visit Murad.com and leave a comment below letting us know which product you most want to try.

• Like Murad on Facebook

• Follow @MuradCares on Twitter

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter 
• Tweet about this contest, sample tweet ~ #Win a Luxurious Skincare Bundle from @MuradCares on http://ChicLuxuries.com ARV: $240 #Free #Contest #Giveaway #sweeps cc: @ChicLuxuries
• Click Share under one of our facebook post about this giveaway and then Share Status/Photo to post on your wall.

• Repin our Pin on Pinterest about this giveaway.

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET August 5, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Huge thanks to the Murad team for sending us these fabulous products and sponsoring this chic giveaway.

Photos courtesy of Murad.

Smooth, Frizz-Free Hair

A few of our latest finds that we like to straighten, fight frizzies and hydrate dry damaged hair ~

JONATHAN Product ~

If your hair is parched from the sun, chlorine and salt water, we like JONATHAN Product Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner. Made with a sugar-derived complex that helps increase moisture retention deep within the hair cuticle to prevent dehydration and improve overall hair health. I noticed a dramatic improvement after two shampoos. Each 8.4-oz bottle retails for $18 on JonathanProduct.com. 

Keune Blend De-Frizz Straight ~

To help straighten hair and keep it smooth and frizz-free, try Keune's Blend De-Frizz Straight. A rich moisturizing cream that adds shine and leaves hair silky soft. A 6.8 fl.-oz tube goes a long way. MSRP $20 available at Keune Salons across the US. Visit keunesalons.com to find one near you.

Joico Smooth Cure Thermal Styling Protectant ~

Protects hair from styling tools up to 450 degrees, smooths and softens. Use with Joico's Smooth Cure Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-in Rescue Treatment to fight humidity and eliminate frizz. A 5.1-oz. bottle retails for $17.95. Available at select professional salons nationwide. Visit Joico.com for locations.

KeratinPerfect PerfectRenew ~

LOVE that this lightly grape-scented Daily Keratin Replenishing Spray can be used on dry hair in-between shampoos to refresh styles. Can also be used on towel-dried hair before blow drying or straightening. Smooths, detangles, helps maintain color and helps keep hair frizz-free. Great to keep at the office for emergency repairs on those 100% humidity days. ♥♥♥ A 6.7-oz spray bottle retails for $34 at sephora.

Many thanks to Jonathan Product, KeratinPerfect, Keune, and Joico for providing the products and photos.

Jerry's Nut House Review and Giveaway

Are you nuts about nuts? If so, we have a special treat for you! Jerry's Nut House sent over several of their best-selling Gourmet Nuts to introduce us to their company which has been delighting customers since 1948. We received ~


Happy Hour Mix ~

A delightfully crunchy and slightly spicy blend of Mini Pretzels, Toasted Corn Nuts, Sesame Sticks, Cheddar Sesame Sticks, Cheddar Whale Crackers, Blanched Virginia Peanuts R&S, Chili Lemon Corn Sticks, Salsa Corn Sticks, Garlic Rye Chips. ♫ Proceed to party! ♫ We received the 14-oz. size which retails for $4.75.

Shelled Pistachios ~

Pistachios are my favorite nut of all and these did not disappoint, fresh and delicious. Roasted and salted in-house. Available in 3 sizes, we received the small 8-oz bag which was several servings. Retails for $8.50


Almonds Roasted Salted Unblanched ~

Almonds are the perfect tasty healthy snack. We loved these. Available in small, medium, and large. The small 14-oz. bag retails for $6.25.


Cashews Colossal  ~ 

About three times the average-size cashew. Roasted and salted to perfection in-house. YUM! Available in three sizes. We received the 14-oz. size which retails for $12.75.


Pecans ~ 

Roasted and salted in-house these butter tasting pecans are great for  baking, cooking, in salads and, of course, eating right out of the bag. We received the small 14-oz. bag which is loaded and retails for $13.75.


Gone In A Flash ~ 

This mix of Puffed Bread Squares, Breadsticks, Garlic Rye Chips, Bagel Chips, Pretzel Squares, and Bread Chips positively lives up to its name. SCRUMPTIOUS! Available in three sizes, we received the small 12-oz. bag, which was quite large, and retails for $3.79.


These snacks are ideal to take along on summer picnics, barbeques, camping, traveling and for college care packages. You can never have too many bags on hand. Fresh products, reasonably priced and you don't even have to leave your air-conditioned house to purchase! Jerry's Nut House's contact info is: 2101 Humboldt Street, Denver CO 80246 303-861-2262.

Chic Giveaway! ~ Ready to go nuts? Jerry's Nut House is gifting one lucky Chic Luxuries' reader ALL of the above!

Please read carefully ~ To enter complete one or all of the following and leave a comment below for each entry completed including bonus entries {each comment = 1 entry}. Please be sure to include your name and/or twitter ID. ~

• Visit JerrysNutHouse.com and leave a comment below letting us know which is your favorite product other than those featured above.

• Follow @JerrysNutHouse on Twitter

• Like Jerrys Nut House on Facebook 

Bonus Entries {optional} ~

• Like Chic Luxuries on Facebook and leave your fb name
• Follow @ChicLuxuries on Twitter and leave your twitter id
• Tweet about this contest, sample tweet ~ #Win delicious snacks from @JerrysNutHouse on http://ChicLuxuries.com ARV: $50 #Free #Contest #Giveaway cc: @ChicLuxuries

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET July 24, 2012. For Complete Rules and additional Gifting Events, please visit our Chic Giveaways page.

Many thanks to Jerry's Nut House for allowing us to try their delicious snacks and for sponsoring this giveaway.

Photo courtesy of Jerry's Nut House.