Mother's Therapy Organics Review and Giveaway!!

Its that time of year- time for colds, flus, viruses and all of those other nasty little germs that people pass from person to person.
Yippie!

Not.

 

I'm not kidding when I tell you, I buy my weight in hand sanitizer (currently on my third gallon sized jug from Costco) each season because I don't want to bring home a nasty germ to my little guy or the hubs. Well that, and I don't want it myself. Those kids come to school SICK, and I have been known to Lysol a desk or two in my day...sometimes even when the kid is still in it. Some say I'm paranoid, I say I'm not sneezing and coughing so I'm okay with it.

 

As a biology teacher, I teach the kids about chemicals and their effects on people- and it never fails that one of them always asks if hand sanitizer is good or bad for us because of all of the chemicals in it. Knowing that I teach them well, I do try to look for natural organic sanitizers- but in reality the ones I've found all left a greasy feeling on my hands and smelled, well, bad.  Either that or they dry my skin out so bad I'm itchy for days. Not good at all.

 

So when Mothers Therapy Organics contacted me and asked if I would be interested in trying out their organic and natural line of sanitizers and baby lotions, I was very interested, but still skeptical. 

 

 

The box arrived and the first thing I noticed was that this stuff smelled GOOD. Like cucumbers with a hint of lemon, good. It didn't burn my nose with the overwhelming smell of alcohol or perfume. It just had a nice clean scent. The baby lotion also had a very faint cucumber smell, but I could also smell lavender which I loved. 

 

When I tried out the sanitizer, I noticed that it didn't take any longer to "dry" or absorb than normal hand sanitizer, and it didn't feel greasy at all.  Once it was all in, my hands didn't burn or feel gross- so I was pretty excited. Maybe this would be different. I checked out the ingredients next, and there was only one ingredient that a didn't know what it was. A quick Google, and I was thrilled to realize it was an ingredient in cosmetics that had no risk of cancer and it wasn't classified as expected to be toxic or harmful.

 

Score another one for the sanitizer.

 

 

 

Well, that was the claim- but after a few days of use I was sure that I would find out that it wasn't the case.  Now let me explain, I have ridiculous dry skin. Like need a prescription lotion if I want to shave in the winter, dry.  So usually my hands are all red and chapped most of the winter from sanitizing/washing.  However, after using the sanitizer and the sanitizing lotion for about a week continuously I realized- my hands were not red, not chapped, and were actually SOFT.

 

It was official, I loved it.

 

Now would be the real test. I passed my super sensitive/dry skin on to the toddler. So I was really curious to see if the Mothers Therapy Organics Baby Lotion would keep his skin soft and rash free. We have to religiously lather him up with lotion twice a day to keep him from getting dry and itchy, and I was so glad that this lotion seemed much less greasy than our regular lotion. Since his skin is so crazy sensitive we usually buy non scented stuff, and after one application Grayson was sniffing it saying "Mmmm!". I think he liked the scent as much as we did! So what were the results?  After about a week, my kid was asking for the lotion to rub on himself.  He puts it on his little hands and tells us "Ahhh", which I can only take as a resounding 'I love this stuff'. His skin seems less dry, and after rubbing it all in his jammies go on a lot easier because it actually absorbs into his skin unlike other lotions. 

If that's not enough to convince you, there's also the fact that my husband claims we will not be using any other baby lotion in this house. He hates the lotion stage of the bedtime routine, and always has to wash it off of his hands.  Since we switched, he hasn't wanted to wash the "gunk" off once- which is huge.

 

The wonderful ladies at Mothers Therapy Organics have a pledge to provide parents with healthy options for their children, and this women-run company certainly hit the mark with these products. Not only do they happily donate product to non-profit organizations to bring their products to everyone who wants to try them, but they have also graciously allowed me to give away a Family Pack of Hand Sanitizers- which has a $30 value!

 

 

 

All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter to enter, and give these awesome products a try!

Disclaimer- I was gifted a product to review, but as always all opinions are my own!!

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 



More is always better at Christmas (and Cottonelle Cash Giveaway!)!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cottonelle.

 

It goes without saying that at Christmastime around here, more is always better. For example,  the 11 foot Christmas tree we carted home, even though our ceilings are only 10 feet tall. Need more proof, how about the 4,000 white lights we then crammed onto the tree?  Still not convinced, how about the roughly 10,000 lights that adorn our front porch and dance and sing to music? Christmas cheer in excess is never a bad thing around here.

 

We bake cookies, decorate the house, put up three trees, leave neighbor gifts on the porches of our favorites, have breakfast with Santa, drive to see Christmas lights and spend time searching for the perfect presents for everyone. Last year I may have even pretended to be a reindeer with a few colleagues and pranced in front of the entire student body while pulling a principal dressed as Santa singing our own version of the twelve days of Christmas.  

 

When people see our house and tree they always ask if I know I married Clark Griswold. I am aware, and I may even encourage him from time to time, because Christmas is just so magical and a little more Christmas never hurt anyone.

 

 

As he was pulling the tree up the hill and was slipping, he was reciting this line from Christmas Vacation- I kid you not.

 

 

Yep, he's Clark alright.

 

 

But the one thing I would LOVE to have 25% more of this holiday season? Time. Each day I make my to do list and there is always something I just do not get to. This weekend I had it on the list to decorate the tree, the house, bake cookies and get our Christmas cards made and addressed. Well of course we got the tree up and the lights and ornaments on, only for the 300 count strand in the MIDDLE OF THE TREE to go out. There went three hours of my life, un-decorating, heading off to buy a new strand of lights and then re-decorating the tree that I had already spent four hours decorating. (I told you, the thing is a beast.)

 

Even if I didn't need the 25% more time to get things checked off of my to-do list, I would love to have more time to just hang out with the crazy toddler and just enjoy him enjoying life. He's a pretty awesome tiny human, and amidst the crazy of things that need to get done I don't get to enjoy that enough. 

 

No matter what you wish for more of this holiday season, its easy to see that 25% more of anything can make a big impact. More is always better. More time, more money, more love- its a win win.

 

You know what else is a win-win? Cottonelle!

 

 

 

When I say I want more time around the holidays it makes sense that I don't have time to be running out to the store every few days to stock up on essentials- like t.p.  Cottonelle Clean Care makes it easy by having 25% more sheets per roll than the competition- meaning it will last longer and keep everyone in the house happier.  The toddler loves to pull some off of the roll and pretend to blow his nose in it, just so he can toss it in the potty and flush it down (which is apparently thrilling when you are two).  I don't need to worry, because with 25% more I know that there is always enough on the roll to last through a few fake sneezes.

Another awesome thing about Cottonelle? They are working with some awesome bloggers and  giving away some serious cash this holiday! One winner (from all 30 giveaways) will be selected daily to receive a $500 American Express gift card for themselves AND for a charity of their choosing!!! The giveaway will be open Monday December 9th  and end Friday December 20th. All winners will be announced daily on the SITS Girls facebook page.  You can also follow the conversation on twitter #Moreisbetter!



So what are you waiting for- enter today and tell me in the comments, what would you like 25% more of this holiday season?

 

 

 

 

 

 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cottonelle.

Custom T-Shirt from The Bellingham Baby Company Giveaway!!

Have you guys heard of The Bellingham Baby Company?

 

In 2005 Shelly and Jeremy Allen started a Mom and Pop online shop of fresh fun gifts and gear for babies, toddlers and parents.  They carefully selected each item they offered with safety, functionality and uniqueness in mind.  One thing they tried to make sure of was that their stock comprised mostly of products that are handmade by a mom, invented by a mom, or come from a mom-run company.

 

In 2008 they opened their first brick and mortar store in Bellingham, Washington. Doing this allowed them to expand their inventory and sell even more awesome products, always keeping in mind that customer service and satisfaction was key. 

 

And trust me when I say this, you will not get better customer service than with this company. Or a better selection of reasonably priced unique and customizable baby products.

 

When I first started talking to Shelly she reminded me of the kind of shop owner that would go around with you explaining all of the products if you needed help- and come on, you can't get service like that from a big box store.  They sell everything from shopping cart covers, teething bling,  handmade baby booties, diaper bags that are gorgeous and oh so much more.

 

 

One of the best sellers in the store are the personalized t-shirts, onsies and bibs that they offer in store and online. They offer tons of different pre-made designs and they even give you the option to work with them to upload your own custom design if there is something you have in mind at no extra cost. They really do want to help you to create your own special gift for someone, and if they cant create something you love you are not obligated to buy it.  All designs ship within 48 hours of order placement and the quality can not be beat.

 

 

 

 I immediately fell in love with this design, and when it arrived on my door step a few days later I could not have been happier with it.  The shirt is nice and thick, and its super soft. Even where it has been printed the design doesn't make the shirt stiff or wonky.  It washes beautifully-  just turn it inside out before tossing it in the wash. I have purchased these as gifts for friends before, and I can tell you that even after standing up to the roughness of a toddler and multiple washings they look as good as when they arrive.

 

 

Lovelies, seriously? This is like everything I love about Christmas in one shirt. A tree, lights, AND Rudolph? PLUS its personalized? Uh, sign me up!

 

Mr. Man will be sporting this next weekend when we go cut down our own Christmas tree, and if I could get one big enough to fit the hubs and me- well we would all match.
Maybe I need to give Shelly a call back on that one...hmm.

But here's the best part- the amazing Shelly has graciously offered not one but TWO of you lovelies your own awesome shirt!!  She's giving you the option to choose either a short or long sleeved bodysuit or t-shirt in one of their custom designs, or she can work with you to create one of your own, from size 0-3 months up to size 6!

So what are you waiting for, enter now!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


****DISCLAIMER- I was gifted a product to review and two to giveaway, but all opinions and thoughts are, as always, my own****



 

 

Diamond Candles Review and Giveaway!!

Seriously? Who doesn't love a good candle? And when you pair that with the chance to find a ring worth up to $5,000 inside that candle? Well, Sign me up.

 

Enter Diamond Candles. The all natural soy based candles that smell AMAZING. 

 

 

 

 

When I first hit the website it took me forever to decide which one I wanted. After much deliberation I chose Sunwashed because I cant pass up the smell of fresh washed laundry, and very few candles can get that smell right. However, Peachy Mango, Miami Beach, Island Getaway, Cupcake and Lavender and Lemon you are all on my I need to buy you list.

 

When the candle arrived- super fast shipping by the way- I was really glad to see how well protected it was in the box. It arrived in perfect condition, and I have seen my mailman whip boxes from the front steps to the door so I was a bit nervous.  Like I said very few people can get that true sunwashed laundry smell and this candle nailed it right on the head. When I lit it, immediately it filled my whole downstairs with the most amazing clean scent.  The best part was that the smell wasn't overpowering, even when you were close to the candle. It was perfect.

 

 

 

The back of the candle shows you where your ring is located, and lets you know that your ring could be worth $10, $100, $1000 or $5000!

 

 

I was super glad they didn't put the ring too far down, because I was super excited to see what was in there. I will admit that I didn't dig through the wax with a spoon like some people but I may have poured a little of the wax off each time to get to the ring quicker!

 

 

 

All totaled, it took about 15 hours of burn time to get to this point where I could grab the ring with a pair of tweezers.  

 

 

 

My ring wasn't worth $1000, but its gorgeous all the same!

 

Here are some of the other pretty baubles that people have found.

 

 

 Check out more of the awesome ring reveal photos here!

 

It's crazy, I love burning candles but having the chance to find a ring- possibly a vary valuable ring- made the experience of burning this candle so much more exciting. I found myself just watching to see how fast it was burning.  Now that the ring is out I love that I have the ring to look back and remember the experience and excitement that I felt.  Normally with candles you don't get a souvenir, so Diamond Candles makes it extra special.  They are also priced cheaper than most large jar candles, and none of those candles include a piece of jewelry. Easily a win-win in my book. I may or may not have already ordered a second one or possibly a third...well shipping is free once you spend $45, so it only made sense to order two, right?! Check Diamond Candles out on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, or Twitter to see other peoples fun ring finds!

 

Oh and the best part- the amazing folks at Diamond Candles are giving me the chance to give one of you lovelies a FREE candle as well! Use the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win!!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclaimer: I was provided a free candle to review and one to give away, but all opinions and thoughts are always my own.

 

Fashion to Figure Giveaway Winner!!

Well it only took me 20 minutes to figure out how to take a screen shot- but I got it!! 

Who would have thunk that giving away $30 to Fashion to Figure would teach me a new skill, too!!

Anyway- on with the goods!!  There were 15 of you lovelies who entered, and using Random.org we have a winner!

And the lucky lady is- Kristi Boyko!

Kristi said she loves the castaway striped top, and I hope it looks fab on her!

Ill be in touch soon to get you hooked up with your prize :)

Thanks again to the wonderfully generous people over at Fashion to Figure!