PC Mother’s Day Gift Guide (+ Win Phebo Soap Bar Trio!)

Posted 05/06/2012 by Lara

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and while flowers and a thoughtful card are always a safe bet (and take mom out to dinner while you’re at it), here are some other PC Mom picks. Most of these are our classic favorites, with the exception of a new brand to this site, Phebo!

WIN IT! Brazilian luxury perfumery brand, Phebo is debuting in the US at Macy’s nationwide for only a few months! Available until the end of July, we’re giving away the Phebo Soap Bar Trio Set ($24 value) in your choice of fragrance. Set includes: 2 Phebo bar soaps and 1 liquid soap in your choice of fragrance: Naturelle, Amazonian, Lavanda, Manha, Oriente, Primavera, Rose or Tropical. To view the complete assortment on flavors visit macys.com

TO ENTER: leave a comment on why you’d like to win!

Extra entries if you…

**Follow us on Twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweet to us why you’d like to win using the hashtag #MDay

**“Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrettyConnected and leave us a comment referencing this giveaway.

{PC Mother’s Day Gift Guide}

1. WIN IT (details above)! Phebo Soap Bar Trio ($24) – While this set comes in a several fragrances, I’m partial to the Flores de Primareva. Not only does it make you’re bathroom pretty in pink, it’s refreshing floral change to your conventional clean-scented hand soaps. Phebo is 100% vegetal based, using a wide range of essential oils, botanicals, herbs, spices and fruit oils in all of their products.

2. Tocca Candle (10.6oz/$38) – Cleopatra is a classic Tocca scent (it’s a light/clean aroma that blends cucumber and grapefruit), that I’m a fan of, however you really can’t go wrong with any of their candles (especially since they have recently expanded the line with so many more choices). They burn for roughly 60 hours.

3. Philosophy I think You’re Wonderful Pure Grace set ($32) – I’m not sure what’s better, the packaging or Philosophy’s cult favorite products, Pure Grace. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone that didn’t like Grace’s beautifully clean scent. The gift set includes Pure Grace Foaming Bath and Shower cream (8 oz.) and Pure Grace Perfumed Body Lotion (8 oz.). No need to wrap… the packaging says it all.

4. Royal & Langnickel 12-piece Silk Pro Set ($120)- Synthetic brushes have come a long way in the past 5years that there’s no reason animal hair needs to be involved to have a high-end, quality brush. There is every brush you could ever want in this set and they are all so soft, durable and animal-friendly. Quality brushes are Continue Reading…

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What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? Win a copy of The Buried Life’s NEW book!

Posted 04/30/2012 by Lara

WIN IT! I’m gonna cut to the chase, not since I received my first copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Suess have I wanted to give a book to so many friends, colleagues and readers as I do with What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? by The Buried Life. So we’re giving away a copy to one lucky winner!

To enter, leaves a comment under this post telling us at least one thing you’d like to do before you die.

**Entries will be accepted until May 18th. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply. Good luck!

Now on to the book review…

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Every morning for the past 10 years, I’ve woken up to a plaque that reads: “What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” It was a high school graduation present from my mom and question I’ve spent the last decade putting a lot of pressure on myself to answer; until recently when the book “What Do You Want to Do before you die” by The Buried Life found it’s way into my home.

On the nightstand... (Look Mom, a I didn't lose it!)

I’ll admit, I wasn’t familiar with The Buried Life when I was introduced to one of the founders, Ben Nemtin over email. In my defense, I live under a rock and don’t watch much television. I’m still unclear on the sequence of events that landed me a copy, but I remember Googling The Buried Life and before clicking the link reading: “Four regular guys on a mission to complete a list of ‘100 Things To Do Before You Die’ and to help and encourage others to go after their own list”. Sounded interesting…

TBL fulfilling #35, "Sing the national anthem to a packed stadium." I like their t-shirts.

By the time the book arrived it had made the #1 New York Times bestseller’s list (impressive considering it’s only been on sale for less than a month. I take that back, it’s just plain impressive no timeline attached). While that one-liner is an accurate description of TBL, the book was so much more then I ever expected. Started by four friends, Jonnie Penn, Dave Lingwood, Duncan Penn and Ben Newtin in 2006, the Continue Reading…

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Are you an ACTIVE NATURAL? PC Partners with AVEENO to award $10K Grants

Posted 04/12/2012 by Lara

If you happened to pick up the new May issue of Elle Magazine, flip to page 130!!

Weeee! I'm in an AVEENO advertorial in ELLE!

Yup, that’s me! I’m thrilled to be partnering with AVEENO and so honored to serve as an an ambassador for their BE AN ACTIVE NATURAL campaign!

For AVEENO, being an ACTIVE NATURAL is at the core of the brand’s values and something they are committed to in both their products and as a lifestyle. As ingredients ACTIVE NATURALS care for your skin and hair to make a healthier and more beautiful difference. As people, ACTIVE NATURALS care for their communities to also make a real difference. For me, getting to partner with one of the most reputable skin care brands is exciting enough, but to do so for a campaign that’s focused around making a difference… I’m elated!

*Deep breathe* Aveeno called me a HERO

So, in celebration of my fellow ACTIVE NATURALS across the country, AVEENO is awarding eight grants in the amount of $10,000!!! To enter, visit AVEENO’s Facebook page and tell them what you’re doing to enrich, engage, and encourage a beautiful change in your community. Apply now at Facebook.com/Aveeno.

If you visit the “HEROES” tab on their Facebook page you can learn more about my fellow ambassadors and how we strive to be ACTIVE NATURALS. Or you can watch my video they posted below. I am so flattered to have been chosen by AVEENO and to be acknowledged as an ACTIVE NATURAL. It’s such a honor to have the opportunity to couple both of my passions and hopefully inspire some of you to make a difference as well as spread the word about this wonderful campaign.

{What makes me an ACTIVE NATURAL}

I’m lucky to have grown up with a philanthropic mother who always taught me the importance of volunteering and giving back. And in addition to using my website to promote brands, like AVEENO striving to make a difference, I mentor with the non-profit organization, STOKED, that serves to promote personal development, academic achievement, and healthy living to under-served youth through action sports (snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing) and community service programs.

If you’re an ACTIVE NATURAL or know someone who is, APPLY!

**Style moment (all about scarves): In the AVEENO ad I am wearing an Express scarf, in the picture where I’m holding the magazine, I’m in the Lolly Gauze Fringe Scarf and in the video I’m wearing a mark. scarf.

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PC GIVEAWAY! Enter to WIN a custom set of mugs, USB drives, or multi-function tools with YOUR logo on it

Posted 04/10/2012 by Lara

I just started working with Sutter’s Mill Specialties, which specializes in custom engraved promotional marketing materials. You know… all of those cool shirts, mugs or wine openers you see with brands logo’s on it, they do that! They have a product assortment that spans drinkware, apparel, desk & office accessories, frames, tools… And I’m so excited to be partnering with them to give one lucky winner the chance to win their choice of either a set of 6qty Ceramic Mugs, 6qty Stainless-Steel Tumblers, 4qty 18-Function Multi-tools or 6qty 4GB USB Drives with your logo (or initials) on them!

{Win your choice of a set of 6 Ceramic Mugs, Stainless-Steel Tumblers, 4GB USB Drives or set of 4 18-Function Multi-tools}

WIN IT! To enter, leave a comment on which item you want to win and why!

An extra entry will be awarded to anyone that follows @SuttersMill1 and tweets “Enter @SuttersMill1 giveaway to win a set of custom promo materials http://bit.ly/HYxFNP #win” (or any link back to this page is acceptable).

Sutter’s Mill Specialties is additionally giving away 10 additional sets to 10 lucky winners of the same sets through their Facebook page! Just “Like” them and enter at Facebook.com/SuttersMillSpecialties for additional chances to win!

I’m constantly getting promotional products at events, but it wasn’t until Sutter’s Mill sent me a “Pretty Connected” mug with my logo, that I truly appreciated the enjoyment of having something custom branded. Now, after perusing their website, I literally want my logo slapped on everything; which is why I’m so excited to host this giveaway and give some readers the opportunity to win their own.

Think about it, not only is this great for big companies, but also for anyone looking for a Bar Mitzvah party favor, brides for their wedding parties, family reunions, corporate gifts… the possibilities are endless. And they are priced so affordable Continue Reading…

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WIN IT! Enter our Lolly Scarf Giveaway ($74 Value)

Posted 04/05/2012 by Lara

I am a bit of a scarf collector — I consider it genetic. Newest obsession, LA-based Lolly Clothing scarves. While they’ve already taken over the necks of many celebs (including Gwyenth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen, Jennifer Aniston, and Sarah Jessica Parker) they are new to my company so I’m excited to give one away to a lucky reader!

Their collection combines artisanal and textile patterns and for Spring 2012 they have beautiful range of dip-dyed scarves and silk pashmina’s. Everything is one-of-a kind and done with an innovative layering dye process, giving each scarf it’s own unique, individual look.

 WIN IT – The Lolly Silk Pashmina ($74 Value)!

Description: 100% silk, unbelievably soft pashmina/silk scarf. The gorgeous splatter wash is done by hand (no two pieces look alike) in a cascade of yellows that’s perfect for spring. (For more details click HERE)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment under this post and tell me why you want to win OR what your must-have accessory is for spring. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.

Extra entries if you…

Follow us on Twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweet to us why you’d like to win this @LollyClothing Scarf.

“Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/PrettyConnected and leave us a comment referencing this giveaway.

**Entries will be accepted until April 15th at 8pm EST. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply. Winner will be announced on April 17th. Good luck!

Sweepstakes, WinPrizesOnline: Sweepstakes

Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by Lolly Clothing. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to host this promotion, nor is receiving any financial gain.

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PC featured in Smashbox Lights, Camera, BB Video- You can be too! (+enter to win a years supply!)

Posted 03/31/2012 by Lara

Last week I gushed over Smashbox’s new Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 (read my review HERE), and I’m so excited to be one of the featured bloggers for their  their BB Cream campaign! And that’s all good news for you, because we want you to be apart of it too! Smashbox is doing a fun interactive video to give you the in studio photo-shoot experience and the chance to win a year’s supply of BB Cream!

Here’s how it works: Starting April 2nd, go to Smashbox’s Facebook page (click HERE). Then on the “Lights, Camera BB Cream tab” simply upload 5 pictures of yourself and then your video will be made! You can then share it with your friends and get them to vote for you! Every week, the video with the most votes wins a year’s supply of BB Cream, plus more Smashbox faves. It’s so easy and literally takes 2 minutes to do.

**There does seem to be a few glitches, as my pictures did pop out of order, but hopefully that gets fixed! Or you don’t have that issue.** In any case, it’s still fun!

As one of the featured bloggers, I got a sneak peek into the app, and made my video! Check it out below or you can view it HERE.

Now go out there and make your own! It’s so quick and easy (and fun!). Don’t forget to share your video with me. Leave a comment with the link or tweet it to me @PrettyConnected. xxLara

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Ideeli Spring Preview + Win the nOir Enamel Link Necklace!

Posted 03/30/2012 by Lara

If you’re not already a member (and subscriber) to Ideeli, here’s a few reasons why you may need to (like seriously, right this second…). Behold a preview of what the limited-time discount retailer has in store for you this spring:

{Necklaces from nOir  (on sale 4/16) and South Sun (on sale 4/19), watches from La Mer Collection (on sale 4/16) — spring is all about color blocking and neon accents!}

HALT, GIVEAWAY TIME! Before we go on, we’re giving away a nOir Enamel Link Necklace (in Orange/Gold) to one lucky winner on twitter who follows us, @prettyconnected and @Ideeli and tweets: “Enter the @Pretty Connected @Ideeli giveaway for this @nOirJewelry necklace! To enter RT & follow us both http://bit.ly/H1fRHd”.

You can tweet any link for the above that either links to a picture of the necklace or this post to be automatically entered. Entries will be accepted until tomorrow, Saturday March 31st at 8pm EST. US residents only. Winner will be announced on Monday vis Twitter.

{Okay… back to the Spring preview and gushing over these amazing La Mer Collection watches…}

{Reuse Denim (on sale 4/19) — they use 80% recycled denim for their line! LOVE sustainable brands!}

Continue Reading…

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Spreading the GOODNESS! Win The Daily/GOODNESS Gift Bag ($225 value)

Posted 02/29/2012 by Lara

Elettra with the gift bag. Photo credit: Abe Shaw

Recently, I posted about the exciting GOODNESS pop-up restaurant I was apart of during New York Fashion Week.  Founded by Supermodel/environmentalist, Elettra Wiedemann and presented by The Daily Front Row and CIRCA, GOODNESS is a full service pop-up restaurant that provides fresh, healthy and delicious food to the fashion community, while showcasing regionally sourced seasonal cuisine created by local culinary talent. This season the chef line-up included Mario Batali, Alain Allegretti, Leo Forneas and Julian Medina and GOODNESS earned the CFDA’s Health Initiative Stamp of Approval.

In addition to launching the pop-up restuarant, GOODNESS also hosted the GOODNESS Lounge by Renaissance Hotels, offering guests a comfortable “living room” atmosphere for reporters, models and editors to relax and recharge. And for guests in attendance there was a an amazing gift bag which we’re giving away to some lucky readers!

Now for the fun part… WIN THE GOODNESS GIFT BAG ($225+ value)! 

GOODNESS Gift Bag! Photo Credit: Abe Shaw

Here’s what’s in the bag:

• Rradley London canvas tote bag
• Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate
• Lancome Genifique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate
• Lancome Rouge in Love Lip Colour in shade Midnight Rose
• Kusmi Tea in Sweet Love flavor
• Two-Pack of MERCY beverage
• Cynthia Rowley for BAND-AID pack of 20
• Vita Coco 100% pure coconut water
• Hanes Silk Reflection Ultra Sheer Toeless Hosiery
• VITACARE Whitening Gum in Cool Mint Freshness + Pomegranate flavor

GOOD LUCK!

Official Rules: Continue Reading…

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So you think you can DJ? Enter for your chance to perform at New York Fashion Week

Posted 01/05/2012 by Lara

Elettra DJing. Photo Credit: Stella McCartney

Supermodel, Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann returns this February with her pop-up restaurant, GOODNESS for Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. This season she has teamed up again with The Daily Front Row magazine and is partnering with Talenthouse and world renowned DJ Zen Freeman to invite aspiring DJ’s to submit a sample of their set for the opportunity to perform live at New York Fashion Week. One artist will be selected to DJ at GOODNESS and for an event at RLife LIVE in a New York Renaissance Hotel between February 11th – 14th, and offered travel and five night hotel accommodations in NYC, together with $500 (courtesy of Renaissance Hotels).

To enter, participants must submit a sample by January 18th of their DJ set which demonstrates their versatility, diversity and ability to offer a range of lounge music and remixes to suit both daytime and evening environments.

This is an awesome opportunity for DJs around the world to perform at New York Fashion Week and showcase their talent in front of the fashion elite. So get in on it and enter or send this article to your DJ friends and lets see what they got!

For more details and to enter visit Talenthouse.

And for all you foodies, get excited for another season of GOODNESS! They just released the line-up of this season’s chefs that includes Mario Batali, Alain Allegretti, Julian Medina and Leo Forneas.  I’m salivating in anticipation.

UPDATE: Please note this post has been updated to note the submission phase has been extended to Wednesday, January 18th.  Voting will now take place from Thursday, January 19th through Thursday, January 26th and the winner will be announced on Monday, January 30th.  For more details and to enter visit Talenthouse.

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Win VIP Tickets to Lucky Magazine Ultimate Shopping Event, Lucky Shops (+15% off tickets)

Posted 10/10/2011 by Lara

What: LUCKY SHOPS
Where: HIGHLINE STAGES, 440 West 15^th Street, btw 9^th and 10^th Ave., NYC
When: NOVEMBER 4-6: Nov. 4^th, VIP Party 6-9pm (tickets $150); Nov. 5^th, 10am-6pm (General Admission tickets $27.22); Nov. 6^th, 11am-5pm (General Admission tickets $16.33). 2-Day 11/5-11/6 Shopping pass $32.66.

Enter PCbeauty at checkout for 15% off tickets

Mark your calendars New Yorkers, it’s almost time for Lucky Magazine’s annual shopping event, Lucky Shops! Now in its 8^th year, from November 4-6, you can enjoy savings of up to 70% off on merchandise from this season’s hottest designers including Milly, Rebecca Minkoff, Yumi Kim, Rebecca Taylor, Tracy Reese, Foley + Corinna (and many more!).  Mixed in with some music, cocktails and giveaways (and did I mention it’s being hosted at the Highline Stages!), it’s going to be the most fun shopping event of the season.

And I’m thrilled to announce that I’m partnering with Lucky Magazine and am on the Lucky Shops NY Red Carpet Blog Committee! Part of my perks is I get to offer all of my readers 15% off general admission tickets (prices range from $16.33 to $32.66). Simply visit luckyshopsny.eventbrite.com and put in code PCbeauty at checkout to redeem this discount.

WIN IT! Now for the fun part!

I’m giving away two tickets to the VIP red carpet opening night gala on November 4^th from 6-9pm ($300 value) to one lucky Pretty Connected fan.

To enter, leave a comment and I’ll be choosing one lucky winner on October 18^th. Fans, friends, family, acquaintances are all are welcome to enter. Good luck!

Help me spread the word! Show me some love on Facebook (Facebook.com/prettyconnected) and twitter (@PrettyConnected) and let your friends know about Lucky Shops and my discount. Together lets make this the most fun Lucky Shops yet!

For more information, tickets and official designer line-up visit luckyshops.com. See you there!

Official Rules –>  Continue Reading…

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