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7 Great Gift Ideas for Dad + Win Taun Skincare for Him!

We’re keeping it simple this year and sticking to the basics since men are complicated enough to shop for. And while ties didn’t make our list, that’s mainly because that’s the one thing my dad says every year “no more ties”. (Under other circumstances I’d approve.) 7 great gifts for men:

1. A solid moisturizer – most men neglect a basic moisturizer as part of their daily routine. Not only is it great for their overall complexion, but also anti-aging. Which is why we’re giving away 2 bottles of Taun, specifically formulated for him!

Taun Facial Repair Formula ($79/1.7oz) is a household favorite in my humble abode. All dad needs to know is it feels good and helps hydrate his skin (he’ll like it, it absorbs quickly into skin and feels very refreshing). Why we love it: It’s dermatologist-approved, and packed with anti-aging and moisturizing ingredients to help keep him looking young. The special blend of 13 ingredients, including retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin-C esters, peptides, jojoba oil, and apricot kernel oil, are designed to stimulate collagen production, neutralize free radicals (aka damage from the sun), even skin tone and color, and strengthen skin cell barrier.

WIN IT! We’re giving away 2 bottles of Taun 1 on this blog on 1 on twitter! 

TO ENTER: Leave a comment on this post on why you’d like to win OR tell us what you plan on getting dad!

And/Or

Follow @TaunForMen on Twitter, and  tweet us your response using the hashtag#Win4Dad or tweet the following: Win @TaunForMen for Father’s Day! RT to enter. http://bit.ly/KsCErM #Win4Dad

One winner will be picked from the blog comments and the other from twitter. Entries will be accepted until June 15rd at 8pm EST. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply.

2. Cufflinks!

How fun are these Esc & Ctrl Keyboard Button Cufflinks ($9.99)?  Makes for a fun gift for techy dads…

 3. Boat Shoes!

Sperry’s Men’s 3 Eye Boat Shoe by Band of Outsiders ($175) – Sperry has teamed up with Band of Outsiders designer Scott Sternberg to merge their classic Authentic Original style with funky detailing in a variety of colors and materials to add a stylish twist on a classic boat shoe. For the more conservative dad, Sperry has a variety of more classic styles starting at $75.

4. Shaving products

Unless he’s a burly dude, dad shaves! So you can’t go wrong with a shaving kit or products (he’ll use it!). Murad has an extensive line of shave products starting with  Cleansing Shave ($28/6.75 FL. OZ.), a generous tube of antioxidant-rich cleansing formula that features Murad’s exclusive Beard Softening Complex® and Mushroom Enzyme exfoliants to uncover stubborn facial hairs and provide

Why YOU Need to Enter the Aveeno Ultimate Sun Protection Giveaway

By now you’re all aware of how bad the sun is for your skin, right??? All of those UVA and UVB rays reflecting from the sun and causing premature aging, wrinkles and more severely sun cancer. So with the sun in full bloom, we’re hosting a giveaway compliments from our friends at Aveeno filled with everything needed to help keep your entire body protected from UV rays!

WIN The Aveeno Ultimate Sun Protection Set ($150 value):

This set includes:

1. Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat – to keep the hot rays from reaching your face from above.

2. AVEENO® HYDROSPORT™ Sunscreen SPF 30 and AVEENO® Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer SPF 30 – Whether you are on the beach or running errands around town, a daily sunscreen is a must.

3. Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection – Nothing beats a pair of stylish “sunnies” to help shield your peepers from ultraviolet light — not to mention prevent you from squinting which can cause crows feet… (not on my watch.)

4. One month of ACUVUE® OASYS® Brand Contact Lenses – While most contact lenses don’t offer any UV protection, ACUVUE® OASYS® Brand Contact Lenses offer the highest level of UV blocking available — blocking more than 96% of UVA rays and 99% of UVB rays that reach the lens. NOTE: Exam and fitting fees not included. Winner must present current, valid prescription for ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses to redeem.

TO ENTER: leave a comment on why you’d like to win or how you protect yourself from the sun.

Extra entries if you…

**Follow us on Twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweet us your response using the hashtag #Aveeno.

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

Entries will be accepted until June 15rd at 8pm EST. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply.

Not convinced the sun is really that harmful? Well, besides the loads of research proving it and experts vouching for the negative effects of sun exposure, I was particularly taken back by

Tell @Bergdorfs: How do you Jason Wu + Meet the designer

I have such a strong appreciation for Jason Wu, he’s one of the few designers I’ve had the pleasure of following since attending his very first runway show in 2006. Since then Michelle Obama wore his gown for the presidential inauguration and the flood gates opened. Then came the Target line and now? Hopefully an expansion into home starting with Nest Fragrances Jason Wu Orchid Rain candle!

Isn’t it chic? In perfect Jason Wu fashion, the frame is adorned with a signature orchid-floral print inspired by his Spring 2012 runway collection. While the scent is unmistakably feminine, there’s a unisex appeal to the design that makes it fit for any shared spaces with your spouse or otherwise… The Orchid Rain candle, combines white orchid with nashi pear, pomegranate and goji berry to create an airy, fruity-floral scent that enhances any room both in fragrance and in aesthetic.

With that in mind, Bergdorf Goodman invites you to print a picture of it, cut it out and style it for your chance to win it!

The contest is open through June 13th. To enter, tweet @bergdorfs a picture of JASON WU Orchid Rain (using the DIY cut-out above) styled in your surroundings. . . the setting can be home, office, wherever you see fit – just remember to be really creative! They are looking for the five best submissions. When sharing your picture, be sure to tweet at @bergdorfs & use the hashtag #BGJasonWu. For complete details visit the Bergdorf blog or click HERE.

Meet Jason Wu & have your candle signed! Additionally, Bergdorf Goodman is hosting the designer for a meet and great on June 14 from 5pm – 6pm on the Beauty Level at 5th Avenue and 58th Street. If you would like to attend, RSVP at [email protected] OR  by calling 212 872 8764.

As for how I styled this little marvel… In the bedroom.

NOTE: This candle is too pretty to just disregard after it’s burned out. Clean it out and re-use it as a holder! It can hold anything from a collection of markers or pens, hair elastics and bobby pins, jewelry and pins, loose change… the possibilities are endless!

The Nest Fragrance Jason Wu Orchid Rain Candle ($48) is available at BergdorfGoodman.com. Approximate burn time 45 hours.

Disclaimer: PC was given a complimentary candle by Bergdorf’s for review purposes and consideration of a post. PC was under no obligation, financial or otherwise to write this post.

CEW Beauty Awards Winners + Giveaway!

If you work in beauty (or want to) then you should be familiar with CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women). It’s a non-profit organization comprised of industry leaders and members that offers professional development through mentorship, job counseling, and networking opportunities in all aspects of the beauty industry. They also hosts a series of events and educational speeches from some of the top beauty executives as well as conduct their annual CEW Beauty Awards.

Now in it’s 18th year, the CEW Beauty Insiders’ Choice Awards is the only awards program where the winners are determined exclusively by beauty industry professionals and selected by their members. To celebrate this years winners, we’re giving away two of our favorites to one lucky winner: Shiseido Replenishing Body Cream and  Bumble and bumble Bb. Texture Hair(un)dressing Crème.

{WIN IT! Shiseido Replenishing Body Cream and Bumble and bumble Bb. Texture Hair(un)dressing Crème ($99 value)}

TO ENTER: Leave a comment under this post and tell me why you want to win OR what your favorite beauty product is. You can also enter by following us on on twitter, @PrettyConnected and tweeting us your answer using the hashtag #CEW

**Entries will be accepted until June 3rd at 8pm EST. US residents only. All federal, state and local laws apply.

Without further adieu, the winners of the 2012 CEW Beauty Awards are:

Living Proof Expands Restore Collection + Launches Restore the Love 14 Day Challenge

In December we posted about the launch of Living Proof’s new Restore collection consisting of a shampoo, conditioner, and mask treatment. Now the innovative hair brand is expanding the collection with the launch of 3 new products: Restore Targeted Repair Cream (designed to add shine and prevent split ends), Revitalizing Spray (which consists of pro-vitamins to strengthen hair and protect against heat and UV damage for up to 24 hours) and Recovery Regimen (which is a weekly anti-damage ampoule treatment, formulated to repair frequently colored, chemically processed and overly stressed hair). Additionally, they have launched the Discovery Set, which is a 3-peice set that includes a 2-week supply of their Restore Shampoo (2oz), Conditioner (2oz) and Mask Treatment (1oz).

{Mix and match the products to find your perfect combination}

What I like most about the Restore collection is it’s designed to repair dry and damaged hair and serve more like a hair diet to revert hair back to it’s “virgin hair” state. Once your hair is restored, you can move on to one of their other haircare lines, or mix and match as I like to do. Originally when

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

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

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

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…

###

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

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

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}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-1VtXb7cD4A

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.

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

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

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

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.