First up is Diva Tweeze, “tweezers for the diva in you.” I had no idea something so practical (and essential) could be so fun. These little tweezers by J&D Beauty Products (available here) come in close to 20 different styles or divas including 6 holiday styles. Diva Tweeze tweezers are:

• Precisely aligned to grab hair every time


• Made with surgical grade stainless steel tips


• Easily sanitizable


• Professional grade

But does flirty and fun equal effective? I put my Diva Tweeze tweezers to the test against my favorite pair of tweezers from the Sonia Kashuk line at Target and guess what? They were just as good at snagging those obnoxious outlying hairs when you’re about 4 weeks past due for a waxing. And for once my husband wasn’t snagging my tweezers thinking they were his own. He wouldn’t dare be seen using Diva Tweeze tweezers—another bonus!

If you want something fun to slip into the stockings this Christmas or give to girlfriends, these would be the perfect thing!

Now for your toes. Along with the tweezers, I was sent a few colors of China Glaze nail polish to try out for this review. I love a good homestyle pedicure so I was happy to oblige. China Glaze nail polish, or lacquers, contain China Clay as a nail hardener, the same material that gives porcelain its shiny finish. Who knew? All China Glaze colors are also free of DBP, toulene and added formaldehyde. Good to know. I don’t like yucky fillers in my polish.

I tried out the GR8. It was a shimmery gold I thought perfect for Indian summer toes. It went on smoothly, though it took a good 3 coats being a lighter color, and lasted until I was ready to move on to the next color. My daughter tried out one of the darker colors and said it did chip a bit, but I’m not sure she knows the secret of the top coat.

I do love the colors in their Holiday 2010 and Vintage Vixen lines (I think I might need to sport some Mommy Kissing Santa polish (at left) holiday season), and their Poolside colors have me already aching for spring. I also love their Fight Like a Woman collection that includes three different shades of pink (Encouragement, Empowerment, Endurance).

China Glaze nail colors are available at Sally Beauty Supply stores and online. Another fabulous stocking stuffer idea!—Emily

Another fabulous stocking stuffer for the holidays!—Emily

My girls received the Shine Shampoo and Rainbow Soft Conditioner combo. Both have Sparklehearts’ naturally sweet signature scent and girl-friendly packaging. The shampoo contains pansy and violet extract, rosemary and natural coconut and sugar while the conditioner has Vitamin B-5, shea butter, jojoba and wheat protein. My girls couldn’t wait to try these out but of course I made them wait until they had used up their current shampoo and conditioner. (Looking back they went through it faster than usual…I think a lot of it went down the drain…literally.)

I asked them what they thought about their new Sparklehearts sparkly bath products and here’s what they first said (both in agreement): “I think they smell good but when you mix them together they don’t smell very good.” Huh? I was confused by what they said—were they mixing the shampoo and conditioner and putting them on together? Were they putting on one, then the other before rinsing out the first one? Apparently not. They explained they did the lather and rinse thing for both the shampoo and conditioner, and once they were done and out of the shower they didn’t like how their hair smelled. You’ve got me—I didn’t have this issue when I used the Sparklehearts shampoo and conditioner. Hey, our master bathroom shower was being cleaned and regrouted. (That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!)

My oldest daughter did walk off with this comment: “I like the outside of the bottles; they’re cute!” So score one for 100% recycled packaging decked out in shininess, sparkles and glitter! I’m good with a more natural smell because I know the product is a lot better for their bodies. I think my girls are just too used to their typical “toxic” haircare products! It’s about time Sparklehearts helped them kick the habit, don’t you think?—Emily

** Giveaway! Sparklehearts is giving away one product, winner’s choice! Please visit the company’s site and leave a comment telling us what inspiring quote the little Sparklehearts bird carried across the screen while you were there; include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: July 7, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.

* Promotion! Sparklehearts is offering Daily Dish readers 20% off their purchase! Simply enter code Blog20 when checking out at Sparklehearts.com.

• Congratulations to Kim M., the winner of the Sparklehearts giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!