Aquaphor Wonder Set ARV $33 (Review & Giveaway)

It seems that no matter how hard I try, I can’t keep my lips from getting chapped.  See, I’m a licker, and we all know that licking your lips causes them to chap.  Even if it temporarily “moisturizes” your lips, in the end it worsens matters.  I was introduced to Aquaphor Lip Repair during the BlogHer conference in August, and was recently sent a “Wonder Set” including a few other Aquaphor products.

Aquaphor Lip Repair
This is the only product that heals my lips.  Now that I’ve found my “wonder” product, I can’t live without it.  No wonder it was rated #1 by dermatologists!  Lip repair is available in a .35 oz tube and retails for $4.49.Aquaphor Healing Ointment
Similar to the consistency of vaseline, the healing outment protects and heals even the most chapped and driest skin.  It’s also great to use on baby’s bum when diaper rash is a concern.  It’s a great product for the entire family.  Healing Ointment comes in a 1.75 oz tube for $5.49 or a 14 oz jar which costs $16.99. 

Aquaphor Gentle Wash & Shampoo 
I love baby wash – having one product to cleanse baby’s body and hair is so convenient.  It’s enriched with soothing chamomile and provitamin B5, and is soap-free, fragrance-free, tear-free and pediatrician recommended.   The bottle is a generous size at 8.4 FL oz and sells for $6.29.

GIVEAWAY!
One lucky reader will win the Aquaphor Wonder Set! Four items, ARV $33
(US Only – Ends 11/5)

Mandatory Entry: Visit Aquaphor, and tell me something you learned while there.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry. 
+1 Extra Entry if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:

Win a Wonder Set from Aquaphor ARV $33 @GirlGoneMom – so many great uses from this healing skincare line http://bit.ly/b5QddA

+1 Extra Entry if you subscribe to my youtube page.
+1 Extra Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Aquaphor on Facebook and leave your FB name.
+2 Extra Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.
+2 Extra Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.
+2 Extra Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+1 Extra Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Extra Entry if you leave a comment on a recent non-giveaway post.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link to this post.

Contest is open to US residents and closes at Midnight EST on 11/5/2010.  One main entry per person.  No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor sent me the product sample and is offering the same for a lucky reader.

Scandle Shimmering Lotion Body Candle (Review & Giveaway)

Contest Closed. Congrats to the winner - Becky

I hadn’t heard of a body candle before I was introduced to the Shimmering Lotion Candle by Scandle.  The thought of pouring hot wax onto my skin sounded a little scary, and to be frank I wasn’t sure what to expect from this body candle.  

But this is not your typical home candle.  The patent-pending body candle burns at 2° above body temperature so that it is warm on the skin but not scalding hot.  I received a travel candle in the Copa Cabana scent.  The tin is convenient since it is portable and will travel well, but the travel packaging doesn’t look as nice as the ceramic one that I thought they were sending me.  It’s also about ten dollars more for the ceramic container.

Once the body candle burns for about 30 minutes and has puddled to the rim, it’s ready for use.  You just pour a small amount into your hands and apply.  I used the product to simulate the experience you get with a parafin manicure.  It gave me the same moisturizing benefits with a shimmering finish, and felt nice and relaxing.   

There is a silicone wristband that reads "Reduce. Reuse. Recycle." that is wrapped around the tin.  When you’ve finished the last of the body candle you are left with the awareness bracelet to use, which is a nice idea.  The travel version of the Scandle Shimmering Body Candle is only $13.95. Not bad for a product that will give you a lovely spa experience in the comfort of your own home.

GIVEAWAY!
One lucky reader will receive a Shimmering Lotion Candle from Scandle!
(US + Canada - Ends 10/18)

Mandatory Entry: Visit Scandle, and of the scents available tell me which one you would like.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  For example, if you become an email subscriber, leave two comments.

+1 Extra Entry if you follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect.
+1 Extra Entry if you follow Scandle on twitter.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message:
#WIN a shimmering body candle from Scandle! http://bit.ly/dluvD3 @girlgonemom @ScandleCandle #giveaway

+1 Extra Entry if you ‘Like’ Scandle on Facebook.
+1 Extra Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall that you entered.
+2 Extra Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.
+2 Extra Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.
+5 Extra Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.
+2 Extra Entries if you add my blog url to your text blog roll. Leave link.
+1 Extra Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Extra Entry if you leave a comment on a non-giveaway post.
+5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway.

No compensation was received for this post.  The sponsor provided a product sample for the review. Contest is open to anyone age 18 and older who lives in the US or Canada and closes at Midnight EST on October 18th.  One main entry per person.  The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. This Product Was a Free Giveaway for one lucky reader. Sponsored by Tomoson.com GOOD LUCK!

Toilet Tree Fogless Shower Mirror (Review & Giveaway)

Contest Closed.  Congrats to #13 moushka

When my husband and I were newly engaged and ready to spend our first Christmas together, I inquired about what kind of gift he’d wanted.  The answer that I got wasn’t what I expected.  It wasn’t very romantic or flashy, but a practical fogless shower mirror was what he wanted, and that is what he got.  Or did he?  The truth is, that fogless mirror fogged up along with the rest of glass in the bathroom when he showered.  It didn’t work as advertised, so we returned it to the store.

After trying a few different mirrors over the years that made the very same “fogless” claim, he gave up on the idea of ever being able to shave his beard in the shower.  So when I told him I was going to be reviewing the Fogless Shower Mirror by Toilet Tree products, he scoffed at the idea.  And to tell you the truth, I wasn’t very confident that this mirror would be any different from the others we’ve tried.

But I was dead wrong.  This one works!  This patent-pending mirror has a reservoir that you fill with hot shower water when you’re ready to use it.  This is key in neutralizing the steam in the air when you’re showering to provide a truly fogless mirror.  You can see in the photo here that there is steam on the shower doors, but the mirror is clear.  Amazing, right?

It was very easy to attach the base to the wall using the double-sided tape and the adhesive provided in the package.  You have to wait 24 hours before attaching the mirror onto the base.

After the adhesive is allowed to dry, you just slide the mirror on and adjust the angle.  This is a great feature in and of itself because my husband will need to pitch it upward, and I’ll need it tilted down since I am vertically challenged.   There is a handy shelf located just beneath the mirror which is great for holding razors and shaving cream.  I am storing the squeegee that came with mirror in the image below, which works well for keeping the mirror clean and streak-free.

I would never dream of shaving my legs outside of a hot steamy shower so I have no idea how many shave their faces without the steam and heat of the shower.  This mirror is also a time-saver for my husband before he leaves for work in the morning, and it’s a great tool for me when I have to remove makeup.  I can’t even count the number of times I washed my face in the shower, only to do it again when I got out because I hadn’t removed all of the mascara from under my eyes.  I’m so glad we finally found our fogless shower mirror thanks to Toilet Tree Products!

GIVEAWAY! 
Toilet Tree Products has agreed to give away one Fogless Shower Mirror to a lucky reader! 

Mandatory Entry:  Tell me how this mirror would make your life easier.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a separate comment for each entry.
+1 Entry ‘Like’ Toilet Tree Products on Facebook
+1 Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook and leave a comment on my wall.
+1 Entry if you follow Toilet Tree Products on twitter and leave your handle.
+1 Entry daily follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter and tweet this message.  Must leave the url to tweet in your comment.

Finally! A truly fogless shower mirror that sticks to the wall from @ToiletTreeProd – Enter to win it @GirlGonemom - http://bit.ly/9ffvma

+1 Entry if you are a public follower of this blog.
+2 Entries if you become a feed subscriber and tell me which reader you use.
+2 Entries if you are an email subscriber.  Leave email address.
+3 Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.
+1 Entry if you add my Fall for Fashion button to your blog sidebar.  Leave link.
+1 Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Entry if you leave a meaningful comment on a non-giveaway post.
+5 Entries if you blog about this giveaway.

No compensation was received for this post. I discovered this opportunity due to my membership at The Product Review Place.  The sponsor provided a product sample in order to facilitate my review and has generously offered one for a lucky reader. Contest is open to anyone living in the USage 18 and older and closes at Midnight EST on September 27th.  The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Annemarie Börlind Scented Body Products {Giveaway}

Contest Closed – Congratulations, Kimberly!

In the beginning of August, I posted a review of my favorite new skin care products by Annemarie Börlind.  I’ve been using them every day and am very happy with the results.  Shortly after , the company contacted me about featuring their line of scented body products.  I hadn’t even noticed them on the site the first time around.

If you didn’t catch my earlier review, let me tell you a little bit about Annemarie Börlind.  The company uses first pressings of plant products to derive the basic ingredients for their products.  The water used is from natural springs, and great care is taken to provide products that are unpolluted and chemical free.  The result is a high quality product that is healthy for your skin.

Their body products are available in several scents inspired by nature, like Lotus Ginger, Strawberry and Guarana, among others.  It wasn’t easy to choose, but I went with the Milk & Honey Lotion and Shower Gel.  This scent was described as being relaxing, pampering and awakening the mind. Sold! 

Milk & Honey is a scent like none other.  I would describe it as being more of a musk type, and it’s a nice change of pace from the more flowery scents I’m used to using.  After using the Milk & Honey body products my skin is so smooth.  My skin is normally on the dry side, so I seek out products that will moisturize.  I knew that milk and honey were great for the skin and the products did indeed provide the result I was looking for.  And I smell great!  The packaging is beautiful while also being practical.

Sale! The scented lotions are normally $19.99 and the shower gels $14.99, but both are on sale for only $7.50 each!

GIVEAWAY!
One lucky reader will win a bath and body set from Annemarie Börlind!

Mandatory Entry: Visit the body products page and leave a comment below telling me which scent you would like.

EXTRA ENTRIES: Must leave a comment for each entry.  If two entries are taken, leave two comments.
+1 Entry ‘Like’ Annemarie Börlind on Facebook.  Leave your Facebook name.
+1 Entry ‘Like’ Girl Gone Mom on Facebook.  Leave your Facebook name.
+1 Entry Follow Girl Gone Mom on twitter. Must leave your twitter handle.
+1 Entry Follow Annemarie Börlind on twitter.  Must leave your twitter handle.
+1 Entry per day for tweeting this message, and leave the link to your tweet.
Win a set of natural body products from @anneborlind Treat the body and awaken the mind! http://bit.ly/cDXi2c @girlgonemom #giveaway

+1 Entry if you are a public follower of this blog.
+2 Entries if you are an email subscriber (must activate).  Leave email address.
+2 Entries if you subscribe to this blog in a reader.
+2 Entries add my new (green) button to your blog sidebar.  Leave the link.
+2 Entries if you add my Fall for Fashion event button to your blog sidebar.  Leave link.
+1 Entry for every other current giveaway you enter.
+1 Entry if you leave a meaningful comment on a non-giveaway post.

No compensation was received for this post. I received the product sample in order to facilitate my candid review. Contest is open to US residents 18 and older with a street address (no P.O. box or APO) and closes at Midnight EST on September 6th.  The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

All Terrain Natural Remedies (Review & Giveaway)

Contest Closed.  Winner: Jennifer B.
All Terrain was founded by Todd Hakanson, who was hiking in Costa Rica with a bottle of DEET in his backpack.  The bottle leaked and ate through his backpack and melted the keys on his calculator.  Scary right?  Well you now know why he decided to invent an all-natural DEET-free insect repellent for fellow outdoor enthusiasts.  The All-Terain Herbal Armor was born.

The products offered at All-Terrain are not only natural and safe for you, they're also packaged in recycled materials, recyclable materials or biodegradable materials.  The company's mission is to be environmentally conscious and to encourage others to do the same. 

We received a nice collection of All Terrain products, including the Kids All-Weather Cream, Hot Spot Helper and Pet Skin Soother for our cats, Recovery Rub for sore muscles and joints, and Aqua Sport SPF 30 spray to protect our skin from the sun.  The products feel good on the skin and smell great.

Finally I have a treatment for Mr. Winston’s scabby dry patch that won’t seem to go away.  I’ve been applying pet creams under his chin daily. Don't you love that All-Terrain has products for the entire family, even the furry members?  Me too.  Stay up-to-date with their products and staff stories by following their blog.

GIVEAWAY!
Somebody will win the All Terrain product of their choice!

Fill out the entry form below to be entered.  For EXTRA ENTRIES:
-Like All Terrain on Facebook.
-Like my new Facebook page for Girl Gone Mom.
-Follow All Terrain on twitter.
-Follow me on twitter.
-The tweet to use for this giveaway: Win your favorite All Terrain natural remedies product http://bit.ly/aquWj4 @girlgonemom @AllTerrainCo #giveaway

 

No compensation was received for this post. I received the product discussed in order to facilitate my candid review.  Contest is open to US residents 18 and older and closes at Midnight EST on August 19th.  The winner will be selected using Random.org. See giveaway rules before entering. GOOD LUCK!

Annemarie Börlind Natural Beauty - Review

I’m not the most responsible person when it comes to caring for my skin.  I spend entire days in the sun sans-suncreen and I don’t religiously wash and moisturize my face before turning in for the night.  As I get older, I am noticing the effects of my carelessness in the form of wrinkles, age spots and clogged pores. 

Annemarie Börlind natural beauty products include skincare and makeup lines for women and men too.  The company was founded more than 50 years ago and offers botanically-based products.  Plant extracts are completely organic and top-quality--only first press extracts are used in the company’s products.

The one skincare ritual I do keep up with daily is moisturizing my face.  When I learned about the Naturesome Nature Effect Fluid could be used both as a daily facial moisturizer or as a special treatment when combined with cold cream, I was intrigued.  The key ingredients in this product are criste marine, immortelle, and white tea.  I’m only familiar with that last one, but that doesn’t really matter, because I loved the way it felt on my skin.  I liked the nice light scent.  Not so strong that it gives you a headache, but enough to smell pretty and natural.  The mosturizer absorbed into my skin without any greasy feeling.  Personally, I am not a big fan of the greasy aftereffects of some moisturizers, so I thought that this Annemarie Börlind product was pretty great.

I mentioned one of my skin problems, enlarged pores.  The Facial Firming Gel is said to help with that.  It tightens and treats large pores, improves slack tissue and reduces enlarged capillaries.  It has been proved to work through dermatological tests.  Its key ingredients baobab, celandine, white agaric, lactic acid, horsetail and witch hazel work their magic.  I haven’t seen any visible improvements yet, but I haven’t used it for more than a few days.  The gel goes on nice and light.  When I think of gel, I think of something the consistency of thick hair gel, but this is nothing like that.  This is much thinner and also absorbs nicely into the skin.  Its scent is derived from nature, no doubt.

Why would you ever want to absorb harsh chemicals into your skin?  People forget that what you put onto your skin gets absorbed into your blood stream.  So you are not only what you eat, you are what you put onto your skin!

The prices are a bit higher than what I’m used to spending on beauty care.  The Naturesome Nature Effect Fluid is $86.99 and the Facial Firming Gel is $49.99.  But if these products do anything to help with my enlarged pores (I’ll be sure to update you as I use them), they’ll be worth every last penny!

No compensation was received for this feature.  I received the products discussed in order to facilitate my candid review.