The Big Birthday Giveaway, Courtesy of Jackpot Candles

I've said it before. I'll say it again:  Being a blogger certainly has its perks. A few months ago, I was contacted by a representative from Jackpot Candles about the potential for sampling their wares in exchange for a product review here on Let's Go Thrifting. And I gleefully accepted the offer, choosing the Cherry Blast candle. 

Now, I bet you're thinking that it doesn't get better than a free decorative candle. But it's a cherry candle! I love all things cherry scented. But, of course,  that's not all. The operative word being 'Jackpot' in the Jackpot Candles company---there's piece of jewelry tucked away in there. And it's not just any piece of jewelry, but one of my choosing. 

And this is why I'm in love with Jackpot Candles. Unlike their competitor which only offers the promise of a ring within the wax, Jackpot Candles lets the buyer decide. The jewelry choices offered are a pair of earrings, a necklace, or a ring (sized 6-9). Firstly, let me commend Jackpot Candles for giving my pudgy digits a shot at a ring that fits with offering a size option during the purchasing process. I would've been content with that. But once I realized the added bonus of being able to pick a ring, or a necklace, or earrings... well, I was one happy blogger indeed. 

And after several hours surrounded by the cherry-scented glow of my Jackpot Candle, the foil packet at long last was revealed. But I'm not ready to share my findings just yet.

But what I will share with you that May 19th is my birthday. And on this most joyous of celebrations, I'll be giving one reader a very special gift---a complimentary candle (with a jewelry piece of their choice), courtesy of Jackpot Candles! 

That's right. On my birthday I'll be announcing who will be blowing out their Jackpot Candle, and revealing my own jewelry prize. So get those entries in and get ready to celebrate with me.

The Jackpot Candles giveaway is subject to entry verification. 
Any falsified entries will be disqualified. Open to US residents only. Good luck, everyone! 






a Rafflecopter giveaway

Announcing The Diamond Candle GIVEAWAY!!

A representative from the Diamond Candles company contacted me recently, wondering if I would be interested in reviewing one of their products and perhaps giving away one here on Let's Go Thrifting.

And let me tell you that I could not agree quick enough! I had heard about Diamond Candles in magazines and online and found myself intrigued by the idea. So imagine my surprise and delight to be offered this exciting opportunity! I clicked on over to the Diamond Candles website and immediately ordered an Orchid Meadow candle for myself.

Now, before I get to the review, let me just say that I'm especially wary of scented candles. Many times, I find them to be just too overpowering to enjoy. I love my home smelling fresh, but dread that overly fragrant headache that many scented candles can bring. But ever since my Orchid Meadow Diamond Candle arrived at my doorstep, I've been drawn to the sweet subtle scent. It's lovely...and large. I didn't expect a candle of this size at all. It's just perfect for a coffee table or dining room area. But I've admittedly been hogging all the floral scented freshness in my bedroom. 

Now, let's talk about the ring. Yes, I said the ring. Every Diamond Candle has a ring tucked inside the soy, just waiting to be revealed. All you do is burn the wick and let the candle burn down to reveal that foil packet. And surprise! There's a randomly selected diamond ring that could be worth up to $5000. I'm just about to unearth my ring from the wax and am giddy over the possibilities.

I guess I'll just have to wait. And so will you. But before I reveal the lovely ring within my Diamond Candle, how about I give one of you lucky readers a free Diamond Candle of your very own?

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to relax with your favorite scent or the excitement of revealing a ring surprise inside.  

Simply enter using the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win. Entries are open for two weeks to all Let's Go Thrifting readers within the United States. One winner will receive a code for a free Diamond Candle of their choice. This prize has a value of the $24.95 candle, the ring inside worth anywhere from $10-$5000 and free shipping. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is sponsored by Diamond Candles, to which I am very thankful. 
Good luck, everyone!

My First Free Product Review: Palmolive Soft Touch

After hearing about Influenster from a friend a few months ago, I was a little skeptical.

I've never been a big fan of online surveys. What I purchase to eat, wear, groom myself with or clean with is my business.  Ya know?

But being the thrifty gal that I am, I thought I'd give it a whirl. And let me just say: If you have a few minutes to spare and a social media presence, Influenster is a pretty neat program.

Based on your likes and dislikes in product choices and reviews, you could qualify to become part of a testing market for various products...FREE FREE FREE.

How much? Oh. It's free.

I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Jackie. Come on. Nothing is free. There's a catch." Well if there's a catch, I haven't been pitched yet. It's as easy as signing up, making a little profile and answering brief survey questions. There's no phone calls. No spam emails. Nothing gimmicky at all. Really!

A few weeks ago, I was notified that I had qualified for a free cleaning sample to be sent to my house for product testing. And just the other day, I was surprised by a hefty package of two full-size 25 oz bottles of Palmolive dish liquid.

And here I was expecting a free sample to be...sample sized. Thanks, Influenster!  Now, let's get to washing those dishes.

I'm going to try to not let my thrift senses completely blind my better judgment. (Did I mention these were free?)

So on with the review:

My favorite pick between the two samples was the Palmolive Soft Touch Vitamin E.  While I enjoyed the scent of the Palmolive Soft Touch Coconut Butter, I think the overall performance of the Vitamin E was superior.

Of course, the Vitamin E is the perfect shade of pastel pink, which I love. And the scent, while not overpowering, is enough to make me a regular buyer.

Since I work with my hands all day long, getting nicks, cuts, scrapes and dry skin...using a dish soap that's easy on the hands is a big factor in purchasing. While both samples use the "soft touch" technology, the Palmolive Soft Touch Vitamin E really left my hands and nails lotion-soft.

The coconut butter dish liquid cleaned the grime off all of the pots, pans and silverware...but left my hands feeling just a bit too greasy. But that doesn't surprise me, since coco butter lotions have the same effect on my skin.

Maybe I'm partial to the color pink...or love that extra dose of skincare while washing the dishes, but Palmolive Soft Touch Vitamin E gets an "A+" in my book.

If you're a coconut butter fan and have extra-dry hands, you'll likely love the Palmolive Soft Touch Coconut Butter dish liquid. But for me it's a "B."

Both cleaned the dishes perfectly, even the ones that had been sitting in food remnants overnight. And I love that unlike most gel dish soaps, the Palmolive dish liquid rinsed from the glassware with minimal effort. I hate when you think a glass is rinsed thoroughly only to spot those soapy streaks on the inside. Don't you?

So there we have it, my honest to goodness review.  Now if you'll excuse me, I have some more cleaning to do.

Bubbles, ahoy! 

If you're interested in seeing how your purchasing power can earn you free goodies to sample and review from Influenster, click on over and set up a profile. Talkin' about being thrifty, folks. Ya can't beat free! 

"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."