Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice Blog Tour

"I live in a house full of athletes. Between my teenage son who currently plays varsity volleyball, my daughter who plays on a traveling club soccer team, my husband who loves to golf, and always trying to perfect my forehand on the tennis court myself; we expend tons of energy in our respective athletic pursuits. Simply put, we need carbohydrates to maintain our energy level. And when we sit down to dinner, we need to refuel!

However, what we need to eat to stay fit and healthy doesn't always work into our limited time or appeal to our taste buds. Like many moms, I tend to reach for heavier meal staples like pasta or potatoes, which are great in winter but can weigh you down during the summer months. And also like most moms, I want to serve whole grain brown rice because of its numerous health benefits (one cup meets 100% of daily grain requirement, supports a healthy heart and is loaded with iron and fiber), I just don't always have the time to prepare it.

So to give home cooks the choice, Uncle Ben's has developed a few types of whole grain brown rice – Natural Whole Grain Brown, with the traditional cook time (40 minutes), plus Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice and Boil-In-Bag Whole Grain Brown Rice (both ready in 10 minutes) so you can decide which type of brown rice fits the type of meal you are preparing, but still know that you're getting whole grains on the table.

To help showcase the versatility of their Whole Grain Brown Rice, Uncle Ben's created a few recipes that will be a hit this summer such as: Chicken & Brown Rice Sloppy Joes; Tex Mex Rice with Shrimp, Corn and Lime; Chicken, Apple and Walnut Brown Rice Salad; and Mediterranean Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms."

-Courtesy of Mom Central

***

I had the wonderful opportunity to sample three types of Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice. We received Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Boil-in-Bag Brown Rice, Uncle Ben's Natural Whole Grain Brown Rice, and Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice. 

Uncle Ben's is a trusted brand my family purchases, and I have been eating this brand since I was a kid. I remember my parents always made the Boil-in-Bag Rice with chicken and I loved it!

On the back of each box of rice I received is a great recipe you can make using the rice. Some of the recipes include Stir-Fry Chicken & Vegetables, Fiesta Chicken (sounds really good!), and Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry.

Uncle Ben's Instant Brown Rice is great for those nights where you want to make a healthy and delicious meal in no time. As I mentioned, Uncle Ben's Boil-in-Bag Brown Rice is a favorite of my family's. And Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice is ready in 40 minutes, making is wonderful for those meals you have no time limit on. Still much faster than soaking a bag of regular rice!

Thanks so much to Uncle Ben's and Mom Central for the delicious samples of rice! I will be giving my extra boxes to some mom friends of mine.

http://www.unclebens.com/ 

www.MomCentral.com

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Uncle Ben’s and received samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Ronzoni Smart Taste Photo Contest!

"Pasta has always played an important role in my family's pantry:  it appeased the picky eater going through the "I just want it plain" phase and now provides a versatile base for quick meals incorporating meats and vegetables that give my kids the additional nutrients they need.

Since it looks and tastes like traditional pasta, Ronzoni Smart Taste does the job on both fronts, and is also an excellent source of fiber, calcium and Vitamin D.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, less than 60 percent of children age three to five get enough calcium, and the numbers decline as kids get older. And with three out of four pre-school age children also not getting enough fiber, Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta combines the nutritional benefits you want as a Mom with the great taste your kids want to eat—plain or not."

-Courtesy of Mom Central

Our photo: Pasta Sauce Princess

My family loves Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta and we have have tried it a few times before. The great thing about Ronzoni Smart Taste is that you really can't tell the difference between it and regular pasta. 

I'd love for you to vote for me or another favorite photo of yours in the Ronzoni Smart Taste Photo Contest! Our photo is above. Anyone who votes is entered to win a $25 gift card! The winner of the photo contest wins $500 and a year's supply of pasta. Here's the link:

http://ronzonismarttaste.newworldpasta.com/blogger
  

*I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Ronzoni and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review and photo contest entry. In addition, I received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate. 

Momcepts Review

With the need to save green and be green, grocery shopping can be a complicated endeavor these days. Consider these two ingenious new items to help keep grocery shoppers organized, efficient and eco-friendly…

The Koala Pouch ($14.95 at www.momcepts.com) – A stylish eco-conscious shopping organizer that fits securely over any shopping cart handle to hold EVERYTHING the grocery shopper needs. It has:

•A dedicated pocket with index cards to keep coupons and shopping lists organized
•A roomy see-through pocket for easy access to your mobile phone
•A pocket with two stylish and spacious reusable bags so you’ll never forget them again!
•Enough space for a List Caddy, Koalabiner, keys, money, debit/credit cards etc. (a great idea for those who’d rather leave their purse at home or in the car while they shop)
•A pen/pencil holder

The Koalabiner Purse Hanger ($4.95 at www.momcepts.com) – This is a must-have accessory for all purse toting grocery shoppers and moms. The Koalabiner is a super sturdy carabiner that clips purses securely to any shopping cart or stroller handle to free up cart space and provide easy access for the shopper, and difficult access for kids or purse snatchers. It also is a great for securing reusable bags while shopping, and for clipping full grocery bags together to prevent items from spilling out.

Momcepts is creator of the popular List Caddy ($1.99 at www.momcepts.com), a sturdy list, coupon and pencil holder that snaps onto shopping cart handles and attaches to refrigerators for easy list and coupon management.

-Courtesy of Momcepts

I had the awesome opportunity to review three products from Momcepts! The List Caddy, Koalabiner, and Koala Pouch. All three products are organizational products specifically designed to enhance your shopping experience!

I actually hosted a review and giveaway for the List Caddy on my former blog. I have found this to be an ingenious product great for the home and shopping trips. The List Caddy has a magnet on the back of it, so at home I attach it to the refrigerator. It holds notes, lists, and a pen too! When I need to make a trip to the grocery I take it with me and attach it to my shopping cart handle. It holds my coupons, shopping list and a pen to mark off the things I have put in my basket. Love it!

The Koalabiner is yet another inspired product from Momcepts. It is a metal clip shaped like a koala's head. You can attach it to your shopping cart handle and then attach your purse or reusable shopping bags to it. It keeps those items out of your way and makes it difficult for kids or thieves to make off with your stuff! You can also use the Koalabiner to clip two grocery bags together to keep the contents inside and to make it easier to carry them both at once.

And last but not least is the Momcepts Koala Pouch. Every mom needs this  eco-conscious shopping organizer! It has tons of uses. You can organize and remember what you need for your shopping trips. It has a pocket for and includes two stylish reusable grocery bags. This organizer is spacious enough for coupons, lists, a pen, and List Caddy holders. There is even a see through pouch for your iPhone or Blackberry. The organizer has velcro so you can fold it over your shopping cart handle and have easy access. There is also a clip for your keys and other items. 

Thanks so much to Momcepts for letting me test drive their wonderful products! 

*I received samples of the featured products to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own! 

French's New Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce Review

 

I had the opportunity to test a new product from America ’s favorite mustard, French’s. It’s the company’s NEW French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce! 

 

Everyone knows kids loves to play with their food, so why not let them dip!  From favorites like chicken fingers and pretzel sticks, French’s new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce will become a family must-have from the first time you try it! In addition, it’s a great way to get finicky kids to enjoy their vegetables. So cut up some carrot and celery sticks and let them dip away!  

Take A Dip Before Summer !

French’s® Debuts New Dipping Sauce

Bringing Excitement to Everyday Meals

 

According to the National Restaurant Association, more than 70 billion meals were served in restaurants nationwide last year. For the many consumers who enjoy recreating the restaurant experience at home with chicken fingers and other popular menu items, French’s®, America’s favorite mustard, has created a break-through dipping sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavorful and fun experience that everyone in the family will love and especially the kids!

 

The new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce is a creamy and sweet condiment with a perfect balance of sweetness and smoothness that adds excitement to a variety of finger foods. It is perfect for making everyday meals more interesting.

 

“In an effort to be economical, many families are trying to eat at home more often,” says Miguel Gonzalez, brand manager for French’s Mustard. “With its special blend of real honey and French’s mustard, our new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce makes eating at home a novel experience. Happy  Dipping!”

 

French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce compliment  all  kid and family favorites such as chicken nuggets but is also ideal for dipping other finger foods like veggies, fish sticks, French fries and even pretzels. It is available in a 12 oz. squeeze bottle and has a suggested retail price of $2.49. It will be available nationwide, March 2010. This new product joins French’s existing product line of traditional mustards, also available in squeeze bottles, such as Classic Yellow, Spicy Brown, Honey, Honey Dijon and Horseradish. 

-Courtesy of French's 

***

I had the wonderful opportunity to sample French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce. The sauce is made with real honey. French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce is great with pretzels, carrots & celery, chicken nuggets, french fries and more!

My husband was the first to try the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce. He tried it along with the mini corn dogs he loves to eat. French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce certainly got the seal of approval!

My daughter loves the sauce with treats like nuggets, fries, corn dogs, even croutons. I like to dip healthier snacks like veggies and pretzels in French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.

Thanks so much to French's for the samples!

*I received a sample of French's to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

 

STL Ocarina Review

As parents begin to finalize plans for their children's summer activities, I have a music expert who can provide insight into why either learning to play a musical instrument or continuing to practice over the summer provides key benefits for kids.

Laura Yeh, director of the St. Louis School of Music who designs ocarinas for STL Ocarina, says there are practical benefits kids realize by learning to play a musical instrument and with parents still paying close attention to costs, she says it is possible to learn to play a musical instrument without breaking the bank.

"In this economy, music lessons and musical instrument purchases and rentals might be out of reach, but there are alternatives," she says. 

STL Ocarina is offering two summer enrichment packages:

The Art of Ocarina for Young Children: This method book is specially designed for children and those of who are young at heart. Through ten step-by-step lessons, you can learn how to read music and how to play songs on your six-hole ocarina. No prior musical knowledge is required. A demonstration CD is included so you can play along with us! This book also includes: 10 Step-by-step lessons; Colorful fingering chart; Over 30 well known songs; Tips on how to practice each song; and a free 6-hole plastic ocarina. SRP: $30 Available at http://stlocarina.com/method3.html

The Art of Ocarina for Older Kids (ages 10+): This method book is designed to help older children learn to play the ocarina. No prior musical knowledge is required. In addition to presenting various rhythms and the fingerings for the notes, our lessons provide instruction on how to read standard musical notation on the ocarina. The repertoire chapter includes 12 famous songs with detailed information on how to practice each song. A demonstration CD of all the songs in the book is provided to help you learn to play beautifully. This method book includes: 12 Step-by-Step lessons; How to play each note; Tips on how to practice; Breathing techniques; How to play various rhythms; How to play in different keys; Scales and exercises for daily practice; Over 50 well known songs; and a demonstration CD. Also included in this custom package is a 12-hole Plastic Tenor Ocarina in C Major. SRP: $39. Available at http://www.stlocarina.com

Yeh has also put together nine benefits kids realize by learning to play a musical instrument.

Nine Benefits of Music Education for Kids

By Laura Yeh

Kids who learn to play a musical instrument gain an outlet for their creativity that can bring them a joy for a lifetime. They also reap tangible benefits that can help them as students and throughout their lives.

Through musical instruction, children learn discipline, patience, problem-solving skills, confidence and responsibility, to name just a few benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages your child can gain from learning to play an instrument:

Precision, discipline and focus: In addition to fostering the development of discipline, music enables children to learn precision and accuracy. I know of no other form of education that can help students learn this kind of focused precision at a young age. Students learn to pay close attention to exactly how a particular skill looks, sounds and feels. The brain learns to notice more detail.

Patience: Students gain the valuable quality of patience, especially with a more complex instrument like violin or piano. Each skill requires hundreds of repetitions to become easy. Students must have the confidence that they will get it if they just keep practicing.

Problem-solving and persistence: Practicing is always about problem-solving. Why do I make a mistake here or why does it sound squeaky? What solutions can I come up with to fix the mistake? Good practice techniques require creativity and patience to identify and solve the problem. From this, students learn persistence. No passage is impossible to play correctly. It’s just a matter of finding the right way of practicing.

Fine motor skills: I have seen the development of fine motor skills in my violin students, particularly the ability to isolate certain muscles and joints as well as the independent use of each finger.

Healthy habits: Learning a musical instrument requires good posture and the ability to keep muscles relaxed even while doing something challenging. Students also strengthen muscles and gain flexibility, both of which contribute to overall health.

Memory: As music is memorized, the capabilities of memory are greatly enhanced. Education then becomes a matter of drawing conclusions and making connections between concepts rather than an exertion to merely memorize all the material. The younger a child can begin learning music, the greater the benefit for their short- and long-term memory.

Creativity: The wonderful thing about music is that, although it requires precision and accuracy in terms of rhythms, notes and playing technique, when it comes to interpretation, there is so much room for individuality. The skill of improvisation allows even greater creativity. Students learn to think for themselves and make their own artistic choices rather than being told how to do everything.

Cultural Understanding: Students are introduced to music of different cultures and from different times. This exposure is useful for kids to learn about and appreciate the differences and individuality of all people.

Confidence and work ethic: Students learn that if they apply themselves intelligently, efficiently, and persistently they achieve the desired result.

So what is the best way to introduce children to music? Many children with encouragement can learn challenging instruments such as the violin and piano. But not all families can invest the money and time required for instruments and lessons. A wonderful instrument that I have found to help spur children’s interest in music is the ocarina.

These ancient little wind instruments were played by the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas of South and Central America and in ancient India and China. The ocarina was well known in the United States in the early part of the last century after being issued to troops in the two World Wars.

In 2004, I bought several ocarinas while on a visit to Taiwan. I was impressed by how easy the ocarina was to pick up and play. So we began teaching it at the St. Louis School of Music. It turned out to be a perfect fit.

The ocarina is pocket-sized, fun and intriguing to play. It’s portable, economical and has a pleasant sound even in the hands of a beginner. It offers a great way to teach children the lifelong joys of music and introduce them to skills that will help them excel in everything they do.

———————————————————————————————————————

About the Author:

Laura Yeh is a performer and music educator trained in the Suzuki methods of instruction who teaches violin and ocarina at the St. Louis School of Music to children as young as 3 and adults. Laura and her husband Dennis have collaborated with ocarina makers around the world to produce new models of the ocarina. They have designed and produced many unique and innovative ocarinas sold by STL Ocarina (http://www.stlocarina.com).

-Courtesy of STL Ocarina & Laura Yeh 

I was impressed when I received two STL Ocarinas for review! There are two sizes, one for children younger than age 10 and a larger Ocarina for children and adults 10 and over. The Ocarinas I received are made of durable, thick, hard plastic. The smaller Ocarina is blue and the larger is green. Simple but awesome! 

I also received two Guide Books for learning to play the Ocarinas. I actually tried playing the smaller Ocarina for children first, because it looked easier. But the larger Ocarina makes such a beautiful sound when you play it.

I love that these Ocarinas are of such high quality but come at a great value. The smaller Ocarina is $30 and the larger Ocarina is $39. These are real instruments that everyone can afford! 

Even renting instruments can be very expensive, not to mention purchasing them. With STL Ocarinas your child can learn to play a real wind instrument this summer. And you won't break the bank.

My daughter loves the child's Ocarina and is in the kitchen practicing as I write this. We personally have a small painted terracotta frog Ocarina that a friend brought us from her travels. 

Thanks to STL Ocarina for the samples!

*I received two Ocarinas and two Guide book samples to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

Baby Magic Patty Cake Review

 

I’m excited to let you know about a new launch from Baby Magic® that I think every parent in North America is going to appreciate.

Launching this June, Baby Magic® is introducing the world’s first U.S. patented, talc-free, dustless baby powder compact.  The hypoallergenic formula comes in a pressed powder form, so it easily stores away without all the mess of the traditional baby powders, and provides well over 250 uses (or more than two months).

Baby Magic® Introduces Patty Cake®,
World’s First Patented Dustless Baby Powder Compact

When it comes to changing diapers, there hasn’t been much advancement in the past century.  Sure, we’ve gone from cloth to disposable diapers, an innovation that had moms the world over crying for joy, but beyond that, many parents have followed the same diaper-changing protocol for generations: remove soiled diaper, clean, apply lotion and sprinkle your little one – and everything around them – with baby powder.  If only the process could be made easier and less messy.  Coming this spring, Baby Magic® – a mom- and physician-approved brand for more than 100 years – will revolutionize the industry with the launch of Patty Cake®, the world’s first U.S. patented*, talc-free, dustless baby powder compact that will help give parents the magic touch at the changing table. 

Baby Magic® Patty Cake®, the first pressed baby powder packaged in a conveniently-sized compact, implements a hypo-allergenic, talc-free formula that uses rice starch and Lauroyl L-lysine to help keep skin dry.  Together with zinc oxide, a proven ingredient in diaper rash prevention; moisturizing jojoba esters, derived from natural jojoba oil; and lubricating squalene, derived from olives; Patty Cake® eases chafing and dryness on your baby's most sensitive areas.     

DIRECTIONS: Using the disposable cotton round applicators included in every package (extra rounds can be stored in compact), swipe applicator across Patty Cake®.  Apply baby powder on baby’s bottom and other areas that can use powder and are susceptible to irritating friction.  Not only is the precise application easy-to-use, the dustless formula eliminates the possibility of airborne particles from entering your baby’s lungs, something that is hard to avoid with all other baby powders.

Suggested Retail Price: $8.99 (Over 250 Applications)

Patty Cake® will launch at CVS stores nationwide June 2010, with more retailers to follow.

* U.S. Patent 5747007

About Baby Magic
Baby Magic is the dermatologist and pediatrician-endorsed brand known for gently cleansing and protecting babies for over 100 years.  Providing a wealth of information and support on everything parents need to keep their baby’s skin soft, clean and healthy, Baby Magic offers a wide range of products for all your baby care needs.  For more information, please visit www.BabyMagic.com.  

-Courtesy of Baby Magic 

 ***

I was curious when presented with the opportunity to review Baby Magic Patty Cake. I had never heard of such an ingenious product!

Baby Magic Patty Cake is a Dustless Baby Powder compact. Similar on the outside to a makeup compact, inside is a dustless pressed baby powder cake. Included is a big stack of disposable powder applicators. 

I love this product! When my daughter was a baby I never used baby powder because I read somewhere while pregnant that babies can inhale loose powder and its bad for them. Maybe I was a little overcautious but I always was irked by the fact that I could never use baby powder. 

In comes Baby Magic Patty Cake. It is a Dustless Pressed Baby Powder so there's no risk of your baby breathing it in. Its also much less messy than loose powder! And Patty Cake is Talc-Free.

I am so excited to pass this product along to my sister in law at her upcoming baby shower. Its confirmed the twins (my niece and nephew) are a boy and a girl! Due this August.

Thanks so much to Baby Magic for the wonderful sample! Look for Baby magic Patty Cake in stores in June.

*I received a Patty Cake sample to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

 

Sunshine by Karen Skloss: Independent Lens Review-Airs Tues., May 4 @ 10pm on PBS

SUNSHINE, Karen Skloss’s film about the changing face of motherhood, will air on the PBS series Independent Lens on Tuesday, May 4 at 10 p.m. (check local listings).

Skloss found herself wondering if history repeats itself when she unexpectedly became pregnant, her own birth the result of her mother’s unplanned pregnancy 23 years earlier.  How had ‘unwed motherhood’ changed over those decades, from 1975, when her mother, from a small town in Texas, was sent away in secret to give birth, to today, when single moms are more prevalent but the rules are still being written?

SUNSHINE examines the change from the Scarlet Letter of ‘unwed motherhood’ to today’s single moms through the story of her own life.  Today, Karen and her ex-boyfriend co-parent her daughter, Jasmine, equally splitting the time with her.  How are the changes in society’s perceptions changing our idea of family?

You can view a trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YApfNHCSTAo

-Courtesy of Independent Lens

***

I was interested when presented with the opportunity to review Sunshine, an Independent Lens film by Karen Skloss. The film examines the changing role of mothers.

Skloss found herself asking the question 'Does history repeat itself?' when she found herself unexpectedly pregnant. She personally was the result of an unplanned pregnancy 23 years earlier.

She wondered how much had 'unwed motherhood' really changed after all these years? Many years ago in 1975 her own mother had gone away in secret to give birth to her. Today single moms are more common, but the rules are 'still being written'. 

I personally know many single moms who are great moms! A good friend of mine is a single mom of two kids and does a awesome job. Many of the moms I provided in-home daycare for were single moms and worked hard to provide for their kids. Its amazing how many years ago being a single mom was unheard of, now many powerful, professional moms choose to be single mothers. When I cleaned homes one of our clients had an impressive home and she was a single professional mom of two children. Today single motherhood is more accepted but these mothers still face prejudices. 

I love the discussion the film Sunshine brings to the table. Sunshine by Karen Skloss will air Tuesday May 4 at 10 pm on PBS as a feature of Independent Lens. Check your local listings.

* I received a copy of Sunshine to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

Proactiv New Formula with Micro-Crystals Review

Proactiv^® Introduces New Micro-Crystal Technology and

Unprecedented Customer Access to Expert Acne Treatment Advice

New Proactiv^® is Designed to Penetrate Pores Fast to Gently and Effectively Treat Acne;

Customer Experience Becomes a Virtual Visit to the Dermatologist

Proactiv^®, the trusted leader in acne treatment for 15 years, today introduced new Proactiv^®, the same effective formula that revolutionized the treatment of acne now enhanced with exclusive micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide.  This innovation of the active acne-fighting ingredient designed to penetrate even clogged pores quickly is the first change to the original Proactiv since its launch. Current Proactiv customers report faster and gentler results with new Proactiv^®.

New Proactiv will be available on January 18, launching on television with a cast of all new Proactiv celebrities and exclusive enhancements to the Proactiv customer experience. Customers will receive unmatched access to round-the-clock guidance and support from trained Skin Care Advisors, as well as new online tools including Proactiv^® Day One – a comprehensive online support system to help customers get the best possible treatment experience literally from Day One.

"It has been estimated that 85 percent of the 40-50 million Americans suffering with acne attempt to self-treat their condition,” said Dr. Katie Rodan, dermatologist and co-developer of Proactiv.  “We created Proactiv to help people effectively manage this chronic and often devastating problem. From the beginning, Proactiv offered education about acne through our infomercial and now, we’re expanding that education with innovative online support and trained Skin Care Advisors available 24/7. We want our customers to know we care about them and are dedicated to their success.”

Dr. Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, dermatologist and Proactiv co-developer, traveled the country together to personally train Proactiv Skin Care Advisors. Now, this highly skilled group of experts is available to help customers in a whole new way – acting as acne-treatment coaches helping people reach their goal of a consistently clear complexion.

"Not everyone can get access to a dermatologist or insurance to cover an office visit," said Dr. Kathy Fields.  "As doctors, we've been dedicated to treating acne since we began practicing medicine, and we wanted to do everything we could to extend our knowledge and expertise to benefit as many people as possible."

In addition to ongoing training of Proactiv Skin Care Advisors, Drs. Rodan and Fields will be available to personally respond to email questions, giving Proactiv customers access to the expertise of world-renowned dermatologists – without the expense or hassle of an office visit.  

About Proactiv^®

Proactiv^® Solution, the world's best selling acne system, is a leader in acne prevention and treatment formulated to offer consumers the opportunity for a lifetime of smooth, clear, healthy-looking skin.  Now with new micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide, Proactiv utilizes Combination Therapy® to directly target the root causes of acne – bacteria, oil production, and dead skin cell build up – and heal and soothe acne prone skin.  Proactiv clears existing blemishes, soothes inflammation and redness, and helps to prevent new breakouts from occurring. Proactiv Solution has a complete line of products, beyond the 3-Step System, including moisturizers, sunscreens, spot treatments and body washes formulated specifically for acne prone skin.  

Proactiv, developed by Drs. Rodan and Fields, celebrates its 15-year anniversary in June 2010. It has been used successfully by millions of women, men and teens around the world. The iconic 3-Step System, along with other products in Proactiv’s extensive skin care line, have been recognized with 27 coveted awards and honors from the beauty and health industry. 

Proactiv Solution is distributed by Guthy-Renker and can be purchased by calling (888) 819-2019 or online at www.newproactiv.com.

About Guthy-Renker

Guthy-Renker is one of the largest and most respected direct marketing companies in the world, with distribution in 61 countries.  Since 1988, Guthy-Renker has discovered and developed dozens of well-loved, high quality consumer products in the beauty, skincare, entertainment and wellness categories.  Known for moving, award-winning productions and marketing campaigns featuring some of today's biggest stars, Guthy-Renker has been credited with transforming the broadcast direct marketing industry.  

Co-Founders and Co-Chairmen Bill Guthy and Greg Renker have set industry standards for trust, integrity and best practices and have been invited to testify before regulators to help shape industry governing policies.  Greg Renker, a founding member of the Electronic Retailing Association, was elected the first chairman of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the organization, for which he now serves as Chairman Emeritus.

Nearly 15 years ago, Guthy-Renker introduced Proactiv leveraging its unique style of marketing to bring a revolutionary new approach to acne treatment direct to consumers.  Proactiv has become a best selling acne treatment all over the world, helping millions achieve the goal of clear skin.

Guthy-Renker has a superior track record of customer satisfaction for more than 20 years.  Its direct to consumer model allows consumers to purchase products at a guaranteed low monthly price with generous extended return policies.

Guthy-Renker is headquartered in Palm Desert, CA; and has offices in Santa Monica, CA; San Francisco, CA; London; Beijing; Tokyo; New Zealand; and Sydney, Australia.  For more information, visit http://www.guthy-renker.com/

http://www.proactiv.com

-Courtesy of Proactiv

***

I had the awesome opportunity to try Proactiv's New Formula with Microcrystals. I received Steps 1-3 of the New Formula, Green Tea Moisturizer and Refining Mask. The New Formula Starter Kit even comes with the book 'Doctors Secrets to a Lifetime of Clear Skin'.

Before I tried Proactiv, I had developed a bad case of adult acne due to stress, bad diet and not enough exercise. I tried the old formula a few months back and my face would clear but then the blemishes would come back. Fast forward a few months later, I've been using the new Proactiv and my face has cleared up, and stayed that way! I get blemishes less often, and they are even less severe than when I used the old Proactiv. Often I will know a blemish is coming on, and just by using Proactiv as I normally would or putting a bit of Refining Mask on it will make it go away.

Thanks so much to Proactiv for the samples! I am grateful for the relationship I have established with the company. Proactiv has been the true answer the the problem of my bad skin and I would recommend anyone having problems with acne try the product!

* I received a Proactiv New Formula Starter Kit to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

WaterWorks Review

 *This article is intended for a mature reading audience.

WaterWorks is the first and only patented and FDA-cleared douching alternative that harnesses the cleansing power of ordinary tap water and medical grade stainless steel into one remarkable odor-eliminating product. WaterWorks is a safe and effective vaginal cleansing system clinically proven through six years of research to eliminate feminine odors.

Unlike other products, WaterWorks doesn’t just mask odors and it does not upset the delicate balance of the vaginal ecosystem. Because of this, WaterWorks is recommended by OB/Gyn’s.  Waterworks is the first-ever completely natural douching alternative. It is the easiest and safest product on the market and now distributed online on sites like Amazon.com and Drugstore.com.  It is also reusable and no prescription is required.

The top three reasons why women who purchased WaterWorks was that it is all natural and chemical-free; they felt it was an effective solution to their problem and lastly, their doctor recommended using WaterWorks. 

The spokeswoman for WaterWorks, Dr. Donnica Moore is a well-known women’s health expert and advocate; she has done more than 650 television appearances including, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, and Good Morning America.

WaterWorks is gaining momentum among women as a result of its national on line marketing and TV campaign plus word-of-mouth referral, due to its extremely high owner satisfaction rate.

Check out their website: www.WaterWorksHealth.com

-Courtesy of Water Works Health

***

I was presented with the opportunity to review WaterWorks and knew that a product that is good for health must be reviewed! This isn't my typical review material, but as women we must be fierce!

Before I reviewed WaterWorks I was not an advocate of 'douching'. Women of my generation generally think of that as something our mothers do. I thought that douching would just mess up your 'personal ecosystem'.

But WaterWorks is a revolutionary new product that combines the cleansing power of regular water with the sterility of stainless steel. WaterWorks is the only FDA approved douching alternative. WaterWorks is a safe and effective personal cleansing system. WaterWorks is reusable, recommended by ObGyn's, and is available online on sites such as Amazon and Drugstore.com. WaterWorks is also natural and chemical free.

The product is easy to use. The stainless steel cleansing device is attached to a hose. That hose is attached to a small plastic bag that can be hung from your shower head. Fill the small plastic bag with water and it flows down to the stainless steel cleansing device. The water then flows by gravity emptying the water bag and provides the right amount of pressure needed for cleansing.

I won't go in to great detail of my experience, but I think WaterWorks is an awesome product. For the first time you can use a personal cleansing device that doesn't disturb your body's delicate balance. I love the fact that WaterWorks is FDA approved, recommended by doctors, all natural and chemical free.

I may have been a skeptic but I will definitely keep using my WaterWorks product. Its the perfect product for new moms!

*I received a WaterWorks sample to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

ecostore USA Review

www.ecostoreusa.com is an extension of a 20 year old New Zealand company www.ecostore.co.nz that makes plant based, non-toxic Household Cleaning, Baby and Personal Care Products that contain No Nasty Chemicals™.

 A Few Tid-Bits

·The Founder was a stay at home dad living in an eco-village.
·They offer free shipping on orders over $25 and you can find us at Meijer and Duane Read stores.

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-Courtesy of ecostore USA 

I was happy to review ecostore USA's products as they have some of the best earth friendly home products available.

ecostore is originally a company from New Zealand, started by a dad over 20 years ago who lived in an eco-village. 

I was able to choose which two products I wanted to review and I chose the Manuka Honey & Kelp Soap and the Aromatherapy Baby Body Wash. Something for me, and something for kiddo!

I first used the Manuka Honey & Kelp soap in my daughters bath. She has sensitive skin and I had noticed a small rash on her skin. I washed it with the Manuka Honey & Kelp soap and the healing properties of the Manuka Honey helped to reduce her skins redness where the rash was. The soap is green and has small bits of bran in it to exfoliate the skin. It smells lightly sweet and produces a great lather. I used it in my bath as well!

The Baby Body Wash is a great product as well. It is a safer and milder alternative than washing with regular soap. There are no nasty chemicals, no toxic petrochemicals, no lauryl or laureth sulfates, no propylene glycol, no dyes, no artificial perfumes, and no parabens in the Baby Body Wash. ecostore USA has spent over 10 years perfecting plant based products that are better for your health and that of the planets. I used the Baby Body Wash in my daughters bath and even used it as shampoo for her hair. The Body Wash, like the soap, smelled great and produced a good lather while not irritating my daughters skin. 

I would recommend ecostore USA's products as a safe and effective alternative to regular home products. And they carry much more than bath products... there's cleaning products as well! 

*I received two ecostore USA products to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!