POST CATEGORY : Products & Reviews

Dermagist Product Review & Giveaway

As a mom, I love to hit the spa. Maybe you didn’t hear me…I LOVE to hit the spa. But, with two little ones around my ankles, it’s not always easy to just get up and go find some Zen amidst the Barbies and teddy bears. So, I look for it anywhere I can get it. I tend to look for products that are quick and easy but can still get the job done. It may sound like something easy to find, but let me tell you, it’s not.

So, in my quest to find some tranquility in my life, I tried out the Dermagist Hydrating Spa System. It comes with hydropeutic body lotion, hydro-renewal hand cream, as well as foot and hand revitalizing cream (my fave by the way!). The hydropeutic body lotion is great for after the shower, especially during these summer months when skin tends to dry out due to sun exposure. The lotion glides on so easily and isn’t thick and nasty like some other over the counter stuff. It also has that “spa” smell, if you know what I mean. It’s that refreshing smell that just says relaxation. After using it for a month, I can honestly say I can feel a difference in my skin. It isn’t dry and yucky, not even in this summer weather. Bonus!

As far as the other products in the system go, the hand cream worked well too. I have to admit my hands were never dry or really in need of extra TLC, so I didn’t really see that much of a difference. But, it still smelled great and was also easy to apply.

Saving the best for last…the foot and hand revitalizing cream. Let’s focus on the feet, shall we? This cream was absolutely awesome for tired feet that have been flipping and flopping all day long in sandals. It really was a little slice of heaven to put it on at night while finally putting my feet up and catching up on my DVR. Once again, the smell brought on a feeling of relaxation. In the morning, I could notice a definite difference in how my feet felt. They felt rejuvenated. It really brought a smile to this momma’s face!

All in all, I would recommend using these products if you are looking for a light moisturizer that smells great and makes you feel like you are at the spa, without making your wallet feel like it is there too. They smell great and work great, so you can ask for much more.

Wouldn’t it be great to try these products out for free too? I thought you would say yes. So here’s how you can…

1. Go and like Dermagist on Facebook
2. Follow Dermagist on Pinterest

A couple of rules:
If you have previously won a Dermagist giveaway, you are not eligible for this one
This is open to U.S. & Canada residents only
Giveaway winner will be chosen on 7/15/13
Good Luck!

Let Your Kids Leap Ahead This Summer

It’s almost here. It’s the time of year kids look forward to all year long…summer.  Its three months of fun without going to school and without having to set an alarm. But, just because kids are turning off their alarm clocks, doesn’t mean they should be turning off their brains too. Three months is a long time to go without learning something, don’t you think?

As parents, we continuously hear about how we should always read to our kids. But, what about helping them keep up in math too? It’s just as important. During the summer, there is plenty of time to slip in some math lessons to keep their brains fresh and help them get ahead for the fall. Leap Ahead is a great online program that offers just that, without breaking the bank. Problem solving, algebra, and geometry are just a few of the topics covered.

If your child is entering grades three through nine, this is a great opportunity. LeapAhead! Online Summer Math Program even offers a gifted program for parents and children who want a greater challenge. Whichever program you choose, there are plenty of exercisesto keep your child’s mind active.

Summer Practice = Fall Success

Why not take advantage today?

 

*This is a sponsored post

Goya MyPlate Cookbook Review

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t particularly enjoy cooking. I’m not a person who gets excited about creating recipes of my own. In fact, I often joke around with my husband and tell him we’re having “the house special” for dinner. That means chicken cutlets…again.

With that said, you may be thinking why on earth would someone like me want to review a cookbook? Two reasons…nutritious meals and easy recipes. That’s the claim on the cover of the “Goya My Plate Cookbook”, so I figured why not give it a try? The cookbook is part of Michelle Obama’s LetsMove initiative, launched in 2010. Since I have been trying to eat healthier, I thought this may be a good starting point.

After flipping through the book, I decided to try my novice skills with the Black Bean Quesadillas. I’ve read black beans are good for you and I really like quesadillas, so I figured this was a win-win. There were also only a few ingredients needed and the recipe said the total time was only fifteen minutes from start to finish. With two extremely energetic kids, I can’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen (not that I would want to), so I figured this was another reason why this recipe was perfect for me.

The prep was so easy. All I had to do was mix everything in a bowl, fill a tortilla, and put it on a griddle. I think even my three and a half year old could handle that, if she were allowed to use the stove!

The quesadilla cooked pretty quickly and was really, really good. I was actually surprised that it was something that I actually made! My 17 month old even tried a few bites too and liked it. I think my only critique would be that I would have liked more cheese than the recipe called for, but it probably didn’t call for more because it is a pretty healthy recipe.

Besides the Black Bean Quesadillas, there are some other recipes I wouldn’t mind checking out. The light fruit smoothie and the avocado and grapefruit salad sound pretty tasty too. They also fall into the category of things I can handle! I think this cookbook is good for moms who don’t have a lot of time to cook, but also want to eat healthy.

For your chance to win a copy of this cookbook, just “like” this post on the Mommy Rundown’s Facebook page or if you’re not on Facebook, leave a comment below. The contest ends March 21, 2013 at 5 p.m. Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I did receive one free cookbook to complete this review.

The Blog Workshop

We’ve all heard it before…”time flies when you’re having fun”. Or in my case, time flies when you’re blogging (and having fun at the same time).  As my two-year “blogaversary” approaches, I really can’t believe how many topics I’ve written about and how many interesting people I’ve met doing it. To think, this blog journey just started as just a way for me to vent about that things that really irk me about motherhood and kids! Who knew it would turn out to be so much more than that?

With that said, I also didn’t realize how much I’d have to learn and quite truthfully, how much I still have to learn. I’ve gained a lot from social media, but there are also online courses and plenty of blog workshops out there that can really help out too. The only problem with that is trying to find the money, time, and babysitters those require to make it worth your while. That’s why The Blog Workshopis really a win-win. It is a totally online conference that’s going on May 17th-19th. That means no travel, less money, less hassle, all while getting the benefits of some great speakers that will be dishing out great tips to make you and your blog more successful.

 

The best part is the fantastic agenda they’ve got planned. The line-up of speakersincludes experts on topics that will help you maximize your blog and branch out in ways you may have never thought possible. Some of the speakers are from Blog-Trends, The Blog Frog and IZEA, just to name a few.


 

If you’re worried about money, The Blog Workshop is a real bargain when compared with so many other conferences that you would have to travel to get to. The Blog Workshop’s registration is under $200. You can also get some discounted tickets through the perks offered in their Indiegogo campaign they have going on. It’s a total win-win.

If you couldn’t tell, I’m pretty excited about this event and you should be too! What are you waiting for?  Log on and sign up today!

Product Review: Oral-B Professional Precision 5000

Brushing your teeth is one of those things that you just do. It’s like washing your face and taking a shower. You just do it. I have to admit, I never really thought too much about it. I brush my teeth like everyone else, go to the dentist twice a year, and get my new toothbrush every time I go. It’s pretty much a no brainer. I never gave my teeth the royal treatment with a special brush, that is until now.

I recently had the chance to try out the Oral-B Professional Precision 5000rechargeable power toothbrush. When I first took it out of the box I was a little overwhelmed by all the bells and whistles. I mean when you buy a regular old toothbrush at the drugstore you just take it out of the box and go. This had a few more parts. But I quickly got over it and started reading the instructions and found myself actually excited to brush my teeth.

 

The set up instructions were easy to follow. As I read on, I found the wireless smart guide to be a very cool surprise. This little gadget keeps track of how long you have been brushing and can even let you know when you are done with each quadrant of your mouth so you get the ultimate professional treatment. This was one of my favorite parts of this toothbrush. It takes the guess work out of trying to figure out if you’ve been brushing long enough.

While using the Oral-B Professional Precision 5000 toothbrush, I could actually feel my teeth getting cleaner when compared to my old school toothbrush. The oscillating and pulsating movements do make a difference when trying to get your teeth clean. This is something you’re not going to get from manually brushing. The only downside I found was it could be a bit messy. I’m the type of person who tends to walk around the house when brushing my teeth, especially if the kids are running here and there. That is hard to do, neatly, when you have a rotating toothbrush in your hand. But, if I stayed over the sink like a normal person, this wouldn’t be a problem!
 

A friend of mine told me once you upgrade to a rechargeable toothbrush, you never go back. I have to say I agree. I actually threw out the one from the dentist so my new Oral-B Professional Precision 5000 now has a permanent home.

 
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Modern Mom on behalf of Oral-B and received a product sample to facilitate my review.”
                     

 

 

How Do You Stay Slim?

   It seems to be a never ending battle. You gain weight, you lose weight, you gain weight…you know the drill. When you have kids, things expand easily, but the trouble is, they don’t shrink as easily. After having two kids, I can tell you that losing weight is one of the hardest things. I found after both pregnancies my secret weapon was breastfeeding. It shed the pounds quicker than anything else. The trouble is after you’re done breastfeeding, the weight starts to creep back.

   That’s when you hit the gym hardcore. I try to go as often as I can, but it’s hard when you have kids. They have those kids’ club babysitter things, but I don’t completely trust them to be honest with you! I know a lot of other moms who turn to Weight Watchers, while some try other means. Whatever you do, it’s always best to check in with your doctor too. Sometimes he or she can also get you on the path to becoming a slimmer momma. Here’s my advice, for what it’s worth…After having kids, I’ve come to realize that my body will never be the same again, and I’m okay with that. As long as I’m healthy for myself and my family, the size 4 jeans can stay on the rack.
–Kristina
(sponsored post)

Finding the Best Diaper Bag

   It’s one of the most important things you will buy as a new mom. Is it a car seat? No. What about the crib? No.  Drum roll please….It is the almighty diaper bag! I never thought it was such an important part of the mommy experience, but it really is. Your life and your kids’ lives are pretty much in that bag 24/7. Diapers, bottles, formula, toys, clothes, wallet…you name it and its there.

   Some moms still carry a pocketbook along with their diaper bags. I ditch the pocketbook when I have the kids because it’s just one more thing to lug around. These days diaper bags are so trendy that you really don’t have to bring along the pocketbook. I’ve had some serious bag envy when I see other mommas with diaper bags nicer than any pocketbook that is collecting dust in my closet. Don’t get me wrong, some of these will put you back a few boxes of diapers. But, if you’re not going to carry a pocketbook, it may really be worth it. If you don’t want to shell out the cash, you could always put it on a registry or a little wish list too! You never know what people will buy for you if you just ask them!
–Kristina
(sponsored post)

Finding the Right Fit

   As women, we have a lot more clothing options than men do. That’s part of the fun of being a woman. We have our skirts, our dresses, our different coats, and of course our underwear. Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to revert to buying “granny panties”. You know which ones I’m talking about…those ones you can buy in multi-packs in any old store. Can you say boring?

   I’m not saying we all need to or can afford to shop at Victoria’s Secret. But it’s ok to treat yourself a little bit too when it comes to bras and underwear. You don’t have to buy your underwear where you buy your shampoo. We all know how much our bodies change after having kids. Things start sagging and can get a little jiggly too. If they don’t, then you’re not human! Either that or you have extremely good genes and you should be eternally grateful! If you decide to breastfeed your kids, things may start sagging a little quicker too! That’s why it’s really important to find the right bra. Those suckers did some major combat, so it’s only right to reward them, right?
–Kristina
(sponsored post)

Time to Play Dress Up

   New Year’s Eve is almost here. If you’re lucky enough, maybe you have plans to go to a party where crayons aren’t a staple. If you are, then you better take advantage and play dress up. If you have little girls you probably play dress up all the time. No matter how old you are, there’s something magical about slipping on a dress and some high heels, especially if you’re usually walking around in jeans and sneakers. It really makes you feel like a woman.

   If you’re not used to dressing up, you may actually find yourself at a loss for what to wear. I remember going shopping last year for post maternity clothes. I felt like I needed my own personal shopper. Sometimes you get so caught up with being a mom that you forget what’s hot and what’s not, all you know is that you are falling under the “not” column more often. I found the best bet is to check out some popular stores and see what you “should” be wearing and then modify it for what you can wear and afford. As long as you don’t get stopped by the fashion police, you should be alright!
–Kristina
(sponsored post)

Ready, Set, Shop!

   I love to shop. I know a lot of women out there are with me on this one. I think there’s just something in our DNA. Whether its jeans, shirts, dresses, or jackets, there’s just something about buying a new item. If you’re lucky enough to do it without kids, it takes on a magic of its own. If you can’t swing that, online shopping really isn’t a bad way to go. I have to admit before kids I never really bought clothing online. But, once you have kids, you do a lot of things you never did before.

   To be honest, online shopping is really not bad and is so much easier when you have kids. You don’t have to lug around the stroller. You don’t have to stop at every potty in the mall, and you can browse for as long as you want without a salesperson bugging you or your child having the meltdown of the century. I’ve really come to like it, especially around the holidays when the stores are so crazy with super long lines. If you’re lucky enough to get free shipping, there’s really no reason not to try it. A warning though…once you do, you may get hooked.

–Kristina
(sponsored post)