30 Day New Proactiv Challenge and Giveaway

I'm sure you've all seen the commercials for Proactiv at some time in your life.  I know I've seen them so many times, and I've always wondered does it really work? In my teen years I had such a horrible time with breakouts (who didn't right?) Even now as I'm approaching my 40's, I still struggle with breakouts. I wonder if anything will ever keep my skin clear and still manage the dry skin I get during the winter.  I've seen the celebrities on the commercials talking about how Proactiv worked so great for them, yet I'm always skeptical of commercials. Unless I have a friend that has actually tired it and says they love whatever product, I never hold much stock into what I see on tv. So when I was offered the chance participate in the 30-day New Proactiv Challenge, as a blog tour from Mom Central; I jumped at it! And so I begin my 30 day challenge and I will be that friend who will tell you if Proactiv really lives up to all the claims. :)

The Proactiv products I will be using consists of a 3 Step System, that clears and helps prevent acne blemishes and is designed for twice daily use.

Step 1 Renewing Cleanser:

• New, exclusive micro-crystal pharmaceutical-grade benzoyl peroxide
• Smaller, finer particles quickly penetrate pores, attack and heal blemishes fast
• Tiny, round exfoliating beads gently remove dirt, excess oil and dead skin cells

Step 2 Revitalizing Toner:

• Refreshing alcohol-free toner refines and purifies pores
• Glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin cells to help keep pores unplugged
• Botanical-rich formula soothes and hydrates acne-prone skin

Step 3 Repairing Treatment:

• Feather-light, invisible medicated lotion kills acne-causing bacteria
• Features pharmaceutical-grade benzoyl peroxide as an antimicrobial
• Ultra-fine micro-crystal pharmaceutical-grade benzoyl peroxide penetrates pores fast while being gentle on the skin

There is also a team of Proactiv trained Skin Care Advisors, that provide round-the-clock guidance and education to ensure that you get the best possible treatment!

And now for the Giveaway!

Five {5} Canadian readers are going to win a full size bottle of Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer (ARV $33).

Mandatory Entry: Tell me if you’ve tried the New Proactiv yet, and if you have, what are your thoughts? And, if you haven’t tried Proactiv yet, why would you like to try it?

Extra Entries (remember the mandatory entry is the only required entry):

• Follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect - leave your GFC Name (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense via email (1 entry)
• Follow Me @Luvschweetheart and @Proactiv on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway; leave the URL where you did. (you may tweet once per day for an extra entry) You can use this tweet: FIVE winners: full size @Proactiv Green Tea Moisturizer {$33 value} from @Luvschweetheart http://bit.ly/ggzVY1 #NewProactiv {Canada only}  (1 entry per day)
• "Like" Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense on Facebook - Leave your first name & last initial (1 entry)
• Add my button to your blog and leave a link to where you did. (1 entry)
• Blog about this giveaway linking back to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense and Proactiv; leave the URL where you did (5 entries)

Leave a comment for each entry. You must leave your email in your comments so that I can contact you.

This giveaway is open to Canada only! Giveaway will end Dec 17, 2010 at 9:00 pm EST. The winners will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. You must contact me within 48 hours. If you fail to claim your prize, a new winner will be chosen by random.org and emailed. You may enter the Proactiv Giveaway on other blogs, but you are only eligible to win once.

**I am participating in the New Proactiv Canada program hosted by Mom Central on behalf of Guthy-Renker. I received a 30-day trial kit and a gift card a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.**

30 Day New Proactiv Challenge and Giveaway

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Maggie's Pure Land Soap Nuts: Review & Giveaway (ENDED)

Winners have been chosen by Random.org and they have been notified. When I hear back from all the winners I will post the information here. Congratulations!

What are Soap Nuts?
Maggie’s Soap Nuts are the dried fruit of the Chinese Soapberry Tree (Sapindus mukorrosi), related to the lychee and rambutan. The Soap Nuts are harvested in Indian and Indonesian jungles. The Soap Nuts fall to the ground where they are collected by local folks who have used them for centuries.

How to use Soap Nuts & my review
I've done a review of soap nuts before, so when Maggie's Pure Land contacted me about doing a review I really didn't expect it to much different than other soap nuts I have used. Boy, was I wrong! They sent me two products to try. They sent me a box of Soap Nuts and a bottle of the liquid Lavender Tea Tree Soap.

First thing I noticed was these soap nuts were far different than the other soap nuts I tried. They were better! All of the soap nuts were whole, no little pieces in the package. Just put 2 of these Soap Nuts in the cloth bag (included with your Soap Nuts) and toss it in the washer with your clothes. That's it! You don't have to worry about taking it out during the rinse cycle because Soap Nuts are non-sudsing; any little bit of saponin left in the rinse adds softness and body to your clothes - so you don't need to use a fabric softener. They work amazing! They cleaned my clothes incredibly well and everything smells so fresh and clean - not heavily perfumed like with regular laundry detergents.

Then I tried the liquied lavender tea tree soap. Oh my gosh. I am in love with this laundry soap. I love how it's already in the liquid form to use (you can also boil the soap nuts and make your own liquid soap for cleaning, laundry and body use). What I really loved was the scent. It smelled so good. It's very lightly scented; which is perfect for me as I am sensitive to smells. You only need to use 1/8 of a cup of the liquid for a full load of clothes! I love washing the sheets with this and hanging them on the line - so nice! Also, Soap Nuts & the liquid are safe to use in any machine.

About Maggie's Pure Land
This company is committed to providing you with the most natural products available, providing fair wages to workers, and protecting our animal friends by never testing on them. They also donate 10% of their net proceeds to groups that improve the lives of mothers, children, and support a happy, Pure Planet Earth.

And it gets better! Maggie's strives to help normalize breastfeeding! Take a look at their flyer that they distribute to stores with their product - don't you love it!?  This was the biggest reason that I wanted to do this review. As a breastfeeding mother and a lactivist, I was very eager to share these products and this company with you. I think this is a huge and positive step for normalizing breastfeeding. It says a lot about their philosophy that they are eager to support breastfeeding and I am more than happy to support their company. I hope you will support them as well and let others know about this great, eco-friendly, breastfeeding supportive company.

The Giveaway
Maggies Pure Land has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway to three readers. You will win your choice of an 8 load sample of the lavender tea tree liquid detergent, or a 5 load sample of the Soap Nut shells!

So here's how you win it:
Mandatory Entry: (remember to leave each entry in a separate comment box or it won't count)

• Head over to Maggie's Pure Land and tell me one thing you learned about the company.

Here are some ways to get extra entries (remember the mandatory entry is the only required entry):

• Blog about this giveaway linking back to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense and Maggie's Pure Land; leave the URL where you did (5 entries)
• Follow Me publicly with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense via email (1 entry)
• Follow Me @Luvschweetheart on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway; leave the URL where you did. (you may tweet once per day for an extra entry) "#Win Maggie's Pure Land Soap Nuts from @Luvschweetheart US & Canada {ends 11/19} http://bit.ly/9Zv2z9 #clothdiapers #bfing #giveaway" (1 entry per day)
• "Like" Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense on Facebook and leave a comment about the giveaway either on the Typical Ramblings page or your page linking to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense; leave the URL where you did (2 entry)

Leave a comment for each entry. You must leave your email in your comments so that I can contact you.

This giveaway is open to US and Canada! Giveaway will end November 19, 2010 at 10:00 pm EST. The winners will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. I will announce the winner at the top of this post as well. You must contact me within 48 hours. If you fail to claim your prize, a new winner will be chosen by random.org and emailed.


**Full Disclosure: This is a sponsored review. The thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not paid for this review although the company did send me products to review for free.**


My giveaways are also now going to be listed on Giveaway Scout. It's a great website if you host giveaways. They publish giveaways on multiple channels (Web site, newsletter, Twitter, Facebook and widget network) I've been using the site for awhile now to find giveaways and thought I would start using it to promote my giveaways as well.

Maggie's Pure Land Soap Nuts: Review & Giveaway (ENDED)

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Weight Release A Liberating Journey: Review & Giveaway ENDED

WINNERS ANNOUNCED

                  Congratulations Joanna!

                 Congratulations MMScarlett!

                   Congratulations Mary Beth!
Sorry Mary Beth, I waited over 24 hours to hear a response from you. I have to choose another winner.



Barbara that makes you the 3rd winner of the Weight Release Program! Congrats!!

Congrats to all three winners! I am excited to share this journey with you and I'm looking forward to learning from each of you! (Now email me back!! :) )

If you didn't win and you still want to take part in the program starting August 31st, please use the coupon code: 198778 at the checkout for 20% off the program! (Scroll to the bottom of the post and click the button, it'll take you right where you need to go) The changes that will occur in your relationship with food, yourself and others will be so worth it! 

Back in April I had recently joined the Mamavation Sistahood and I was really struggling.  I wanted to lose weight but I just couldn't seem to get with the program. If I did "good" one week with my eating plan then I seemed to "fail" at exercising. Each week I'd start out with "this is going to be the week I get it right and finally start losing weight" and each week I would fail.  I should be great at dieting and losing weight - I had tried it all. From Weight Watchers, to South Beach, to Atkins, to The Cabbage Soup Diet, to diets that I made up *cough* the popcorn diet. At one point in my life I even went so far as to just deprive myself of food for as long as I could. I tried diet pills and diet drinks, you name it I probably tried it. I knew something was missing. I even posted how I felt like I was sabotaging myself. So when I came across The Weight Release program being offered on a It Feels Like Home and I read about the program; I figured what else do I have to lose if I try it. It sounded like it could possibly hold the key to me being finally able to rid myself of the weight once and for all.

The Weight Release Book and the Weight Release Program, both by Freeman Michaels, have profoundly changed my life. Not just my relationship with food, but my relationship with myself (I don't think I ever had a relationship with myself before - at least not a good one), with my husband, with my children, basically everyone. And it's all about me - I never asked anyone to do anything for me. It wasn't about how they could change so I could have a better relationship with them. It's been about how I could change so I could have a better relationship with them and myself.

The first part of the book deals a lot with replacing negative (judgmental) thought patterns with a more compassionate view point. When I first started with this work it was really hard. I never thought of myself as a negative person. I knew I wasn't the most chipper person, but I considered myself more of a "realist". The truth was I really was negative. And I really struggled with even being able to find a little bit of compassion for myself. It took a few days before I could even figure out how to have compassion. Then the light bulb moment came and now through practice I am finding more compassion for myself and that leads over to more compassion for others in my life.

Another section of the book deals with Needs VS Wants. In this part we are taught how to identify what our true needs are. For example, when I am stressed I want to go into the kitchen and have chips. But with the help of my compassionate observer I am able to be aware of what is going on and I know that I think I want chips but what I really need is to de-stress. This awareness allows me to make a different more self-honoring choice.

The last part of the book deals with the food and exercise part. This is where I learned about tracking patterns and behaviors (needs vs wants) and about making a meal plan. This is not a diet program though, there is nothing that is not allowed on the plan. But I promise you will release weight. Daily I work on strategies for not using food to deal with stress and emotions. I no longer view food as good or bad, I don't deprive myself and then later binge on something - no food is "off limits", but I've learned how to eat and make self-honoring choices when it comes to food. And exercise - it doesn't have to be chore or torture either. I've started running and I always thought I hated it. It's amazing the things in my life that have changed.

The Weight Release book and program have helped me become the empowered, joyful, compassionate person that I was born to be and I'm releasing weight. It is life changing!

Now for some really good news! 


Starting on August 31, 2010 there is going to be another chance to go through the Weight Release Program.  I will be supporting a group going through the program by participating in the program again and using my blog Krista's Weight Release Journey. Three lucky readers of my blog are going to win the chance to go through the same program I went through for 12 weeks ($195 value).

   Here is what you get: 

• 12 videos with program founder Freeman Michaels personally taking you through the complete Weight Release program in a simple, easy-to-follow, step by step format. You will receive one video a week for twelve weeks to help take you through the program at the right pace! (Electronic Format)
  
• The Weight Release Program Workbook – in an e-book format.
  
• Freeman Michaels’ book Weight Release: A Liberating Journey in e-book format.
  
• Visualizing a New You guided imagery audio programs. The long format is 39 minutes and takes you through an incredible process to calm your mind and refocus your thoughts and attention. You’ll also receive the 20 minute “refresher”, a shortened version of the long program to use on a daily basis. Together these audio programs will help to reprogram your thinking and keep you on track through out the process and provide a truly valuable resource well after the program is complete. (Electronic MP3's)
• The “Weight Release Manual”. This manual helps outline the complete program in a simple step by step format so that you know exactly how and when to use all of the materials included in the Weight Release Program. (Word Doc)
  
• Access to the Weight Release Community. The Weight Release Community was created for everyone who is using the Weight Release principles. It is the perfect place to receive support, guidance, and advice for others who use the program or from Freeman Michaels.
  
• The Weight Release A Liberating Journey the audio book.(MP3 Format Delivered over the internet)
• You also receive the “Flow of Success” video by Freeman Michaels. This video teaches you principles of success. Success is nothing more than a perspective. 

That's a lot right? Are you excited? I am! So how can you win this great opportunity?

Mandatory Entry: (remember to leave each entry in a separate comment box or it won't count)

• Head over to Service to Self, take a look through the program and tell me what interests you most about this program. (1 entry)

Here are some ways to get extra entries (remember the mandatory entry is the only required entry):

• Blog about this giveaway linking back to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense and Service to Self; leave the URL where you did (4 entries)
• Follow Me publicly with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense (1 entry)
• Follow Me @Luvschweetheart, and @MyWeightRelease on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway; leave the URL where you did. (you may tweet once per day for an extra entry) "#Win a Full Digital Weight Release Program from @Luvschweetheart and @myweightrelease http://bit.ly/bL3FU0 Worldwide #Giveaway" (1 entry per day) 
• "Like" Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense on Facebook (1 entry)
• "Like" Weight Release on Facebook (1entry)
• "Like" Krista's Weight Release Journey on Facebook (1entry)

Leave a comment for each entry. You must leave your email in your comment so that I can contact you.

This giveaway is open Worldwide! Giveaway will end August 27, 2010 at 10:00 pm EDT. The winners will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. I will announce the winner at the top of this post as well. You must contact me within 24 hours (this is to ensure you have the materials necessary to start the program on August 31). If you fail to claim your prize, a new winner will be chosen by random.org and emailed.

Can't wait for the giveaway and want to get started now? Or if you don't win and still want to take part in the program - I have good news for you too! I believe in this program so much that I have decided to become an affiliate. For the duration of this promotion I'm going to give you 20% off when you purchase the program by using this coupon code: 198778. Just click the button below to get started today!

This 20% off offer will end August 31, 2010 at 11am EDT. So HURRY, don't miss the chance
to change your life!

Weight Release A Liberating Journey: Review & Giveaway ENDED

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Sapadilla Product Review & Giveaway (ENDED)

Winner Announced!!

Congratulations Deanna! I know you're going to love Sapadilla as much as I do! :)

I read about Sapadilla eco-cleaners on the web and I was so impressed by their product that I wanted to try it. After looking on their website I realized no one had their products locally. So I contacted Sapadilla to see if they would be interested in allowing me to review their product for my blog.  If I can find a great eco-friendly company that is also in Canada I want to share it with you! They agreed and they sent me three of their products to try :  their All Purpose Cleaner & Counter Top Cleanser  in Grapefruit & Bergamot, and a bottle of their Dish Soap in Rosemary & Peppermint.

A little bit about Sapadilla:

• They are manufactured completely in Canada.
• Their fresh aromas are made from 100% pure essential oil blends with no synthetic additives. These heavenly scents were created by a natural perfumist and add mood-lifting benefits to household chores.
• They use alkyl polyglucoside as the main surfactant, or cleaning agent, in all our products. This ingredient is highly effective and derived from naturally occurring sugars. It is also endorsed for products eco-labeled “Good Environmental Choice” by the Swedish Society of Nature Conservation.
• All of the ingredients are plant-based, derived from renewable resources like coconut, palm and corn oil. They do not use:
o Synthetic fragrance or dyes
o Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate
o Petroleum-based solvents
o Phosphates
o Ethylene Glycol Ethers
o Chlorine
o Ammonia
o EDTA
o Formaldehyde
o Parabens
o Any other harsh or questionable chemicals
• They donate 1% of their revenues to 1% for the planet. (www.onepercentfortheplanet.com)
  
• They are against animal testing and say so on their packaging.
• Their clean, modern package design means are oh-so countertop worthy.
• You won’t find them at unsightly bigboxmart type stores.

I think this is one of the few truly green, eco-friendly companies out there and I'm so excited to share them with you!

 As soon as I recieved my box of products and tore into it, the first thing I did was smell the product. Oh My! They are lovely! I was immediately excited to start using them, I knew they were going to make my home smell great but I wondered if I would get the usual migraine I get when I use commercial cleaners. Guess what? No migraine! That's impressive!

 The first product I used was the All Purpose Cleaner.  I added 1 tablespoon to my bucket and added 4 liters of water and went to work on my floors.  The scent from the product was lovely and mood-lifting and my floors were so clean. There was no residue left on the floors, no stickiness, just nice clean floors. This is a generous bottle (600ml) and you only use a very small amount, so this will last a long time.

 The next product I used was the Countertop Cleanser. I used it on the bathroom counter and in the kitchen.  It contains Lactic Acid which is a natural sanitizer. Just spray and let sit for a few minutes and then wipe up. It worked great and smelled so good. My counters were clean, shiny and there was no sticky or gritty residue left behind.

The last product I used was the Dish Soap.  I think this was my favorite one of them all.  I really love the smell of the rosemary and peppermint.  Even the kids commented on the smell, a couple times they would come in the kitchen and ask what I was making because it smelled so good! I actually get a little excited when I have to wash the pans that can't go in the dishwasher because I get to use this dish soap, and I hate washing dishes.  Know what else, my hands aren't all dry and rough feeling after washing dishes. That's amazing. I've used it a few times just to wash my hands in between cooking jobs and it feels really nice, and moisturizing. That's not the same feeling I get using a commercial dish soap as hand soap.

 I really love using these products. I love using them so much that I'm going to see if I can get some local boutiques to carry Sapadilla products.  What a great opportunity to support an eco-friendly, Canadian company.

 So now that you've read about this great company and how much I loved using their products wouldn't you love to try some yourself?  Well you can!

Buy it: You can check the Sapadilla website to find a local boutique or an online retailer.

Win it: Sapadilla has graciously offered one of my Canadian readers the chance to win 1 bottle of Dish Soap in Rosemary & Peppermint and 1 Countertop Cleanser in Grapefruit & Bergamot. This makes a nice sink set.

Mandatory Entry: (remember to leave each entry in a separate comment box or it won't count)

• Visit Sapadilla and tell me what product is your favorite or something you learned about their company. (1 entry)

Here are some ways to get extra entries (remember the mandatory entry is the only required entry):

• Blog about this giveaway linking back to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense and Sapadilla; leave the URL where you did (4 entries)
• Follow Me with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense (1 entry)
• Follow Me on Twitter @Luvschweetheart AND Tweet about this giveaway; leave the URL where you did. (you may tweet once per day for an extra entry) (1 entry per day) #Win a sink set of Sapadilla Eco-Cleaners from @Luvschweetheart for Earth Day! http://bit.ly/bkXrmA *Canada ONLY* #Giveaway
• Become a Fan of Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense on Facebook (1 entry)

You must leave your email in your comment so that I can contact you.

This giveaway is open to Canada only! Giveaway will end April 30, 2010 at 10:00 pm EST. A winner will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. I will announce the winner at the top of this post as well. You must contact me within 48 hours. If you fail to claim your prize, a new winner will be chosen by random.org and emailed. 

**Disclosure: I received the Sapadilla products at my request, free of charge in exchange for this review. The opinions expressed are my own**

Sapadilla Product Review & Giveaway (ENDED)

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Marcal Small Steps Review and Giveaway (ENDED)

Winner Annouced!!

Congratulations Kate! I hope you enjoy your Marcal Products! - Sadly Kate Didn't respond so I had to pick a new winner and that winner is:

Congrats Steph! Hope You will enjoy the Marcal products

I was contacted by Marcal Small Steps to see if I wanted to do a review for Earth month. Well, today is Earth Day and what better day to share my review with you!

Marcal Smalls Steps makes toilet paper, napkins, and paper towels from 100% premium recycled paper- not trees. It may seem like a small thing, but it actually adds up. If every household in the U.S. replaced one package of traditional toilet paper with Marcal Small Steps, together we could help save nearly one million trees. And, in your own home, a family of four could save two trees a year (17 trees over 10 years) just by switching to paper products made from 100% recycled materials.

For those of us watching our budgets (who isn’t?!), Marcal doesn’t have the “green premium” often attached to earth-friendly brands. In fact, Marcal Small Steps typically sells for less than traditional paper goods that are made by cutting down trees and often contain dyes and fragrances that Marcal doesn’t use.

My Review:

I was really excited to receive the line of Marcal products to try.  I'll be honest, we don't use a lot of paper towels in our home.  For most jobs I use microfiber cloths to clean with, and towels for spills but I do occasionally buy a package (2 roll) of paper towels.  That will last a long time in our house because it's mostly used when I cook bacon or something that needs to be set on something to get rid of the grease, so a roll can last a couple of months.  The Marcal paper towel was fantastic.  I loved that I could tear off a small piece or a larger piece. The paper towels I usually buy doesn't have that option.  I did use it for one small spill so I could see how absorbent it was and it worked like a charm. Did the job without falling apart too.

Marcal also sent me a package of 180 ct Napkins in a Drawstring Bag. Again we mostly use cloth napkins, but these will be nice for occasional use. I really liked the drawstring bag. I've bought napkins other times and there is no nice way to store them without napkins everywhere. The drawstring keeps everything neat and tidy and I like that!  They were very comparable to other napkins I've purchased in the past. They did a good job and held up well.

Our family is never going to be one of those families that uses Family Cloth in the bathroom - not for bath tissue or facial tissue. Maybe if I lived alone, but I'm never going to convince my husband or the kids to use cloth. So the option of buying a recycled bath tissue is fantastic to me.  I have to say the first day that I put the Marcal bath tissue on the roller to use everyone noticed a difference in the softness. It wasn't public restroom hard but it wasn't quite as soft as we were used to. After a couple of days of using it though I can honestly say it really didn't bother me anymore. So if you are used to that squeezably soft stuff and wanted to change to a more environmentally friendly option I think you could do it fairly easily.

The facial tissue was very comparable to the usual facial tissue I buy.  I only buy the lotion tissue if someone has a cold (those sore noses hurt!).  I didn't even notice a difference in the way it held up - it did a great job. Also not only is the tissue made from recycled paper the cardboard box for the tissue was too. :)

The Giveaway: Marcal Small Steps has graciously offered to giveaway a Marcal starter kit (worth $25) to one of my lucky readers. The starter kit features an assortment of Marcal paper products—toilet paper, napkins, paper towels and facial tissues. Perfect for somebody who wants to give Marcal Small Steps a try!

Mandatory Entry: (remember to leave each entry in a separate comment box or it won't count) The only thing you need to do is go to the Marcal Small Steps website and leave me a comment about something you learned about the company or products. It's that easy!

Really want to try Marcal Small Steps products? Here are some ways you can get extra entries: (remember to leave each entry in a separate comment box or it won't count)

• Blog about this giveaway linking back to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense and Marcal Small Steps and leave the URL where you did (2 entries)
• Follow Me with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense (1 entry)
• Follow @Luvschweetheart and @MarcalSmallStep on Twitter; leave a comment with your twitter id (1 entry)
• Tweet about this giveaway; leave the URL where you did. (you may tweet once per day for an extra entry) (1 entry per day) * #Win Marcal starter kit ($25 value) of recycled paper products from @Luvschweetheart & @marcalsmallstep  http://bit.ly/bkXb4V*
• Become a Fan of Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense on Facebook (1 entry)
• Add Marcal Small Steps to your Facebook Friends (1 enrty)

*Remember these are all extra entries, the only one you are required to do to win is the mandatory entry.*

You must leave your email in your comment so that I can contact you.

This giveaway is only open to the US. Giveaway will end April 30, 2010 at 10:00 pm EST. A winner will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. I will announce the winner at the top of this post as well. You must contact me within 48 hours. If you fail to claim your prize, a new winner will be chosen by random.org and emailed.

**Disclosure: I received the Marcal Small Steps products free of charge in exchange for this review. The opinions expressed are my own**

Marcal Small Steps Review and Giveaway (ENDED)

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Skin MD Natural™ Review and Giveaway! CLOSED

Sarah won a bottle of SkinMD with the winning comment #20!!

My little guy has eczema and I have chronically dry hands year round so when I received an email from Amber at 21st Century Formulations with an offer to review a bottle of Skin MD Natural™ I was thrilled!

Here's what Skin MD Natural™ has to say about their product:

Skin MD Natural™ is made in the US and is specially formulated using high quality natural ingredients making it over 90% all natural with all ingredients being of food grade and on the FDA's most safe list. It is free of harmful fragrances, parabens, and colorants making it hypoallergenic. We don't participate in animal testing nor does the lotion contain any animal products.

A shielding lotion is unlike any other conventional, artificial moisturizers because it works with the skin to naturally moisturize and heal. Most conventional, artificial moisturizers only add moisture to the surface of the skin, but do little to repair the skin's natural barrier against moisture robbing irritants. Skin MD Natural breaks the dry skin cycle by working to help restore skin's natural protective abilities by bonding to the outer layer of skin, strengthening skins natural barrier against toxins and irritants that can dry the skin, while locking in the skin's natural oils.

The first time I opened the bottle and started using it, I noticed right away this wasn't your typical lotion.  It was silky. My hands weren't greasy or sticky while waiting for the lotion to dry.  In fact the lotion was absorbed right away so I didn't have to wait for it to dry! I was very surprised that right from the beginning my hands felt so much better and now they even looked younger.  I don't know about you but especially in the winter my face gets so dry and tight feeling.  Well, one morning after my shower I thought I'll go ahead and see how this works as a facial moisturizer.  At the worst I'd just have to wash my face right away.  I'm prone to breakouts so I really have to watch what I put on my face. Skin MD Natural™ was amazing! I've been using it every few days on my face and no breakouts!

I've also been using the lotion nearly daily on E's eczema, and I wish now I had taken before and after photos for you.  He is all clear except for one spot near his diaper line - I think that would be all clear too if he was potty trained - but even that spot is so much better. He had a doctor appointment last week and even the doctor comment on how his eczema was clear except for that one spot. All the other lotions and creams I've tried on his skin never gave me the results I have gotten using Skin MD Natural™.

Skin MD Natural™ Benefits
See the list of ingredients

• No animal products or testing
• Dermatology tested
• Fragrance and colorant free
• Hypoallergenic
• Paraben free
• Non-comedogenic

So now that you've heard how much I loved the product don't you want to try it for yourself? Well you can!

Buy It: Can't wait to see if you win the giveaway? You can buy a bottle of Skin MD Natural™ for $18. Even better for the next 30 days (expires April 7, 2010) enter the discount code "RAMBLE" for 20% off your purchase!

Win It: One of you lucky readers is going to win a bottle of  Skin MD Natural™ (US and Canada!!)

Mandatory Entry: (remember to leave each entry in a separate comment box or it won't count)

• Visit Skin MD Natural and tell me what product is your favorite. (1 entry)

Really want to try Skin MD Natural™? Here are some ways you can get extra entries: 

• Blog about this giveaway linking back to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense and Skin MD Natural™ leave the URL where you did (2 entries)
• Follow Me with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
• Subscribe to Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense (1 entry)
• Follow Me on Twitter @Luvschweetheart AND Tweet about this giveaway; leave the URL where you did. (you may tweet once per day for an extra entry) (1 entry per day)
• Become a Fan of Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense on Facebook (1 entry)
• Purchase something from Skin MD Natural before this giveaway ends and leave a comment. (5 entries)

You must leave your email in your comment so that I can contact you.

This giveaway is open to US and Canada! Giveaway will end March 21, 2010 at 10:00 pm EST. A winner will be chosen by random.org and will be notified by email. I will announce the winner at the top of this post as well. You must contact me within 48 hours. If you fail to claim your prize, a new winner will be chosen by random.org and emailed. 

**Disclosure: I received the Skin MD Natural free of charge in exchange for this review. The opinions expressed are my own**

WINNER ANNOUCED:

   

Congratualtions Sarah! Hope you love SkinMD as much as I have. :)

Skin MD Natural™ Review and Giveaway! CLOSED

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Familytime.mine® Planner - Review and Giveaway!

I don't know about you, but I have tried a few day planners since at least my college years. I would start off really excited to get organized and not forget an appointment and then carrying around this big planner or the cover would get ripped off or something would get spilled all over it and that would be the end.

Flash forward to now.  I'm a SAHM to 3 kids.  That doesn't mean I am always home and we have nothing to do. So I have my big calendar on the fridge that I use to keep pretty good track of things when I remember to take it down so I can write on it.  I needed something more.  Something I could keep on the counter next to the phone that wouldn't be ruined if someone spilled juice.  I needed something that I could toss in my bag on my way to school meetings or appointments, so I could immediately write down future events and it wouldn't get ruined in my bag.  Enter the planners from Dotmine Group.

Tan Pottery Familytime.mine® Planner

They sent me the only planner I am every going to need again. Well, I'll need a new one in 17 months, because that's how long this one will last me. Not only is this planner functional it is pretty!  The front and back covers are made from sturdy plastic that I can just wipe off if any spills happen.  I also love that it is spiral bound. That makes it very easy to write on both sides of the planner.

When you first open up the planner the first 2 pages are made from heavy card stock that read Fall and Winter 2009 Schedule.  In the back of the planner there are two more pages for Spring and Summer 2009 Schedules. This is a great spot to color code your family's schedule that repeats itself weekly such as, sports, music lessons, ect.

After the seasonal planner pages there are some instruction pages, a page with a bit about the company and then there is a page for personal information, emergency phone numbers and holidays.  Then we get to the planner!  This is where I get really excited. =)

At the start of each month there is a big monthly calendar.  The boxes for the days are nice and big. I need lots of room to write, because more often than not I have more than one thing going on for one day.

Then you turn to the weekly pages.  The weekly pages are a page per week. The boxes here are nice and big to hold lots of information. On the side is a gray column that is perforated and can be torn out.  You can write shopping lists, errands, ect there.  I have been using the light gray box to write my weekly dinner menu.  Works nicely for me so when I check my schedule each morning I just have a peek at the menu and take out something from the freezer if I need to.

At the end of the weekly/monthly planner pages are some fun extras! There are additional pages for you to write important numbers for coaches, dentists, banks, ect. A place for all those numbers you are always having to look up.  There are also a few pages to use as a mini-address book as well.  There is also a sheet for babysitters - a spot to write your address and important numbers.  Finally there is a sheet of stickers you can use to mark important dates on your monthly planner sheets.

I love using this planner daily.  There is only one thing I wish the planner had and that's an elastic cord so I could easily open to the week without having to search. I think that's a very small deal though because the rest of the planner is phenominal!

You can see a demo of the planner being used here:

Buy it: You can buy your own Familytime.mine® planner at Borders
or you can order online at Amazon.com.

Win it: Dotmine Group is offering a free planner to one of my followers.
So you need to make sure you are following my blog using Goggle Friend Connect and
then all  you have to do is become fan of Dotmine Group on Facebook
and send them a message that you found their page through my blog.
Once 50 of my followers have joined they will raffle off a planner and ship it to the winner.

Disclosure:  I contacted Dotmine Group about reviewing one of their planners.  They sent me a planner and I reviewed it.  I received no compensation for reviewing this planner other than the free planner.

Familytime.mine® Planner - Review and Giveaway!

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Eco Bebe Boutique Soap Nuts - Review and Giveaway! ENDED

This giveaway has ended. Winner announced at the end of the post.

Have you been searching for a laundry detergent and household cleaner that is truly eco-friendly and isn't going to break your budget?  I have found the product for you!  They are called soap nuts. I was browsing the Eco Bebe Boutique online and saw their Superior Soapnuts.  I tweeted that I was thinking of buying some to try and @ecomomwannabe graciously offered to send me some to try out.  I have been using them for about a month and a half (maybe a little longer now), and I have to tell you I am in love!  So let me tell you all about soap nuts.

What are soap nuts?  Soap nuts are actually a fruit that grows on the Ritha (sapindus mukorossi) tree in Northern India and Nepal. They dry the berries and this is what gives them their hard, nut like shell. They are completely sustainable - they are renewable and biodegradable.

How do soap nuts work? Soap nuts contain saponions (natural soap) that is released when it comes in contact with warm or hot water. They are low sudsing, which makes them a great alternative for use in front load washers, carpet cleaners, and for washing cloth diapers. Soap nuts can also be boiled to make an all purpose natural liquid cleaner.

How to use soap nuts in the laundry.  Your soap nuts will arrive with a small muslin bag.  In this bag place 4-5 soap nuts and tie the bag securely.  Toss this bag into the washer before you add your clothes.  When your washer stops remove the bag before placing the clothes into the dryer.

If you want to use a cold water wash it's recommended to soak 4-5 nuts in the muslin bag in a cup of hot water for 3 -5 minutes.  Pour water and bag into wash.

You do not need to use a fabric softener, your clothes will come out naturally soft.  If you want to add a fragrance with an essential oil, I recommend you add a few drops to a cloth and put it in the dryer with your clothes.  Essential oils can break down the fibers of your fabrics if added to the washer.

You can reuse the nuts 3-7 times. You'll know it's time for new ones when they become soft, mushy, lose their color and become thin.

Other ways you can use soap nuts. You can boil 6-8 soap nuts in water and use the liquid for laundry, all purpose household cleaner, fruit and vegetable cleaner, body soap and shampoo, window glass cleaner, jewelry cleaner, and even as mosquito repellent.

How I put soap nuts to the test. 

Laundry -  When my soap nuts arrived I could hardly wait to give them a go and I always have laundry to do. I was a little skeptical when I opened the bag and smelled them.  I thought hmm what is my laundry going to smell like. I forged on and tossed them in the washer with all my dirty clothes.  When the washer stopped and I opened it up I was met with clean clothes! And they smelled clean! There was no strong perfumed scent left behind it was just clean laundry.  I don't use fabric softener normally, just vinegar in the rinse cycle, but I left that out this time.  As I threw the clothes in the dryer I wondered if I would be getting static shocks while I folded my clothes later.  Once the laundry was dry I was pleasantly surprised to find my clothes were soft and static free.  Amazing!

My toddler has sensitive skin, so I have to be really careful doing his laundry.  I worried that the change in detergent would bother him.  There was no need to worry.  He never broke out in a rash at all when I used it on his clothes.

Dishwasher - I used 3-4 soap nuts and just tossed them in the silverware holder.  I was told that the dishes needed to be rinsed when using the soap nuts in the dishwasher. Well, I had the dishwasher loaded before I realized I was out of my usual detergent so I figured why not test out the soap nuts.  Some of the dishes came out clean, the others not so much. That wasn't the fault of the soap nuts just my lack of following directions.  So I rinsed off the dirty ones and continued filling the dishwasher through that day.  That night I ran it again with the soap nuts (as directed) and surprise they all came out shiny clean!  Using them in the dishwasher has been fantastic.  I really have hated using commercial products in the dishwasher as they are not very eco-friendly and the ones that are cost a lot.  This is a wonderful alternative and the dishes really do come clean.

Liquid Cleaner -  I boiled the soap nuts in water, strained my liquid and then poured into a spray bottle.  I used this cleaner on everything.  I have cleaned my counters, windows, floors,  I even clean my bathroom sink with it daily.  It  does a fantastic job!  I love the fact that I can use it anywhere and it cleans.  I also love the fact that it really doesn't have a smell.  I have a sensitivity to odors and typical cleaning supplies give me migraines.  Never once did I even get a touch of a headache using the soap nuts liquid.  And I felt good knowing that I was cleaning around the house with a product that is non-toxic.  Having a toddler in the house that touches everything, I always worry about what gets transferred from his hands to his mouth.  Using the soap nuts liquid I didn't have to worry that it would make him sick.

I am so pleased with the results that I got using the soap nuts.  I love that the product is very eco-friendly.  I don't think there is anything "greener" out there to use.  I also am pleased with the cost. This is a product that I can afford to use all the time.

Now that you know how soap nuts work and how well they worked for me, don't you just want to try some for yourself?

Buy some - Eco Bebe Boutique is an eco friendly baby boutique in Ottawa Canada carrying a large selection of cloth diapers, baby carriers, organic baby bath and skin care, post-partum belly bands and much more. Visit them here.

Win some - Danielle from Eco Bebe graciously sent me 2 100g bags and 2 trial size bags of soap nuts to try for a review.  Well, I decided as soon as I got them that I wanted to pass on some of that generosity to you!  So I am going to give away 1 of the 100g bags and 1 of the trial bags so you can share with a friend that might want to try them. UPDATE: @ecomomwannabe has graciously offered to send the winner of the contest a 500g bag of soap nuts! That's awesome isn't it!!

How to enter:

First Entry -  This is mandatory. All you have to do is go to Eco Bebe Boutique and tell me one other thing you would like to buy.  Leave a comment here telling me what that is and you are entered to win! That's easy right! :)

Now I know you might want a couple other chances to win so, if you want to here are some additional ways you can enter.

1 extra entry - Follow my blog publicly through Google Friend Connect.

1 extra entry - Follow @Ecomomwannabe on twitter

1 extra entry - Follow @Luvschweetheart on twitter

1 extra entry - Tweet this giveaway and post a link to the tweet here (You can do this once daily)
1 extra entry - Become a fan of Eco Bebe Boutique on Facebook

1 extra entry - Become a fan of Typical Ramblings, Atypical Nonsense on Facebook
2 extra entries -  Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post.
5 extra entries -  Buy something from Eco Bebe Boutique between 10/3 and 10/16.  Leave a comment saying what you bought and when you bought it.


That's a lot of extra ways to win! Make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry so you get credit for each entry.

This contest will end at 11:59pm on October 16th.

The winner is:

    October 13, 2009 2:10 PM
cndflybaby said...

    Tweet!

    http://twitter.com/cdnflybaby/status/4875075889

Eco Bebe Boutique Soap Nuts - Review and Giveaway! ENDED

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