Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions Review

I'm pretty darn loyal when it comes to products that I love.

When I buy cosmetics, the place I turn to most often is Clinique. Why? That's where my mom and my bff's (or bfts anyway - best friend that summer) mom took us to welcome us to the world of makeup before we started sixth grade.

Other favorite companies include Aveda, Origins, and Burt's Bees.

I was invited to be part of the BzzAgent Burt's Bees Natural Skin Solutions for Sensitive Skin BzzCampaign. Obviously, I was super excited.  If you're not familiar with Burt's Bees, please go to your local grocery store and pick something to test out - in different stores across the country, I've noticed they're ordinarily placed at an endcap by the pharmacy. Some of the reasons that I'm such a fan are because Burt's Bees takes social responsibility, the environment, and as they put it, the Greater Good seriously. Admirable.  Plus, they make things for me and the kids that I vastly prefer over the competition.  Their Beeswax Lip Balm Tube beats Chapstick and the Baby Bee Diaper Ointment is one of the best smelling (as in, I would totally wear a lotion that smelled like it - hint, hint Burt's Bees!) and fast healing "heinie creams" (what we call it in our house) I've tried on the kiddos.

The haul from BzzAgent was pretty impressive - I received a full size Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream, a full size  Sensitive Facial Cleanser, product samples of the moisturizer with a coupon, and regular coupons. 

After using these almost exclusively for more than a month, I can say that I mostly love them, but would totally love them with some minor tweaks.  The moisturizer lives up to its name!  I used it before sitting down to write and just now, as I was typing, I rubbed my cheeks.  I want to say they feel silky and smooth, but then my brain automatically starts reciting the Adam Sandler bit where he fights with himself about shampoo and conditioner.  So, instead I'll use a cliche - they feel as soft as a baby's bottom.  I wish there was SPF included though.  I'm also not gung ho over pump dispensers because I feel that there's always stuff left at the bottom that won't pump up.  However, their Web site states their "packages are designed to hold just enough product for you to use up before it expires, so you don't end up throwing out half used tubes and jars."  I haven't finished the container yet, so I can't verify that claim.  The cleanser is a soap-free creamy cleanser and makes a complements the cream well.  I've attempted to eliminate Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which is a lather producer that is never on Burt's Bees ingredient list.  Even without lather or soap, it removed my makeup and any dirt accrued through my day, but I don't know that it cleansed away oil, as I had some pimples that required enlisting other products.  Perhaps I'm spoiled by the Burt's Bees mirace worker Natural Acne Solutions Targeted Spot Treatment and expected the same results.

Each product deserves a trial, particularly if you have sensitive skin.  The Sensitive Facial Cleanser retails for $10.00 and the Sensitive Daily Moisturizing Cream lists for $15.00.  They can be purchased online or check the locator for nearby stores.

Bil-Jac Review and Coupon Giveaway

First, the standard disclaimer - I'm a BzzAgent, which means that I test products for free and give companies my honest feedback, all while spreading buzz because word of mouth marketing is super effective!  Proof that my input is honest and not just false hype is right here in this review, which is rather negative.

I am a part of the Bil-Jac Dry Dog Food BzzCampaign.

Price is my first concern when it comes to food, then quality, then whether it will be eaten by our ten year old mutt (any guesses on her breed(s)?  the best guess I've heard yet is Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or Toller) Hannah.

Let's address the first and third of those.

For me, and those that I talked to about this BzzCampaign, the price is unappealing.  Bil-Jac does claim that because the food is higher quality, dogs get fuller on less, which means a bag of food would stretch out for longer and hopefully stretch dollars further.  However, with prices ranging from $16.99 for a six pound bag to $46.99 for a thirty pound bag at your local PetSmart, that's a fair amount of money to spend out of my pet food budget on faith alone.

As to whether Hannah will eat Bil-Jac? The Two Bowl Challenge video below answers that question!  She has never been picky about her food.  However, ordinarily we put food in her bowl and she grazes throughout the day.  With Bil-Jac, she gobbles her bowls right up!  The Bil-Jac Dry Dog Food she is eating is the Reduced Fat version because since she's become a senior dog, she has a tendency to gain weight.

But here's the rub - upon research, I've found the ingredient list has potential health hazards for your pet.  When Bzzing about this dog food, friends of mine who raw feed their animals had nothing but bad things to say about Bil-Jac and expressed concerns about me exposing Hannah to the carcinogen BHA.  I'll admit that despite making it a priority to feed my family healthy foods with an emphasis on those that are not processed, are organic, and/or local as much as possible, I don't extend that courtesy to our four pets.  As mentioned above, the first factor in the pet food I buy is price.  I don't usually peruse the ingredient lists on bags of dog or cat food.  When I say that quality is a concern, mostly it means that I'd like to avoid foods on the recall list.  So, what's in Bil-Jac, aside from the ""4 lbs. of fresh chicken used to make a 6 lb bag"?  Chicken by-products are first on the list, with the advisement that those by-products are organs only.  It does contain BHA like my friends warned.  BHA is a chemical preservative that is potentially carcinogenic.

Bil-Jac is also not rated highly by the independent canine nutrition review site Dog Food Advisor.

Between the cost and the concerns about the ingredient list, I don't see us buying Bil-Jac again.  I also don't know that I'll follow the rule for the fur members of our family that I've instituted for the humans: "eat from pronounceable ingredients with the most frequency."  I can see adopting another rule of mixing a high quality food with a low quality food so that they still get the necessary nutrients.  After all, I don't always make healthy food choices!  Hannah does like it, so I'll let her finish the bag we got with the free coupon in the meantime.

Perhaps you feel differently than I do and have more of an affinity for Bil-Jac.  If so, I still have coupons to save $10 on any size Bil-Jac Puppy, Select, Reduced Fat, Senior, Large Breed, Small Breed or Sensitive Solutions Dry Dog Food that I'd be happy to send your way.  Just comment if you're interested.

Children's Claritin Chewables Review and Coupon Giveaway

I have more bzz to spread!  As I stated yesterday, I presently have four BzzCampaigns with BzzAgent - the awesome word of mouth marketing program!  And again, I encourage you to check them out because as a BzzAgent, you are given the opportunity to try out different products and then share the feedback, coupons, and sometimes even product samples with friends and family. 

I am part of the Children's Claritin Chewables BzzCampaign.  The freebies I received this time were several coupons and two product samples - a 2 oz bottle of liquid Children's Claritin  and a pack of the chewable version containing 10 tablets, both grape flavored.

I have many friends whose children have allergies, ranging from relatively mild (runny nose, watery eyes) reactions to pollen to severe (anaphylaxis) reactions to peanuts and tree nuts.  Children's Claritin is not intended for food allergies, but rather indoor and outdoor allergies.

Slim has recently exhibited signs of seasonal allergies to pollen (just like me :( )  Allergies can be absolutely miserable.  The symptoms come and go with the pollination seasons of certain trees, grasses or weeds. Pollen levels from these plants can vary day to day, depending upon several factors, including the weather. High pollen levels can, in turn, affect the severity of symptoms.

I am generally rather anxious about using medicine for myself and the kids.  I think it's great that their website lists alternative methods to manage allergy symptoms that don't require medication.  That said, sometimes the symptoms are so life disrupting, that medicine is a necessity.  Children's Claritin combats the allergy fog with powerful, 24 hour non-drowsy relief and is the #1 Pediatrician recommended non-drowsy allergy brand.  And Children's Claritin, in the Chewable and Syrup form, can be taken by children ages two and older.

I have never given the kids something without at least tasting it myself.  Grape taste isn't my choice when it comes to a medicine flavor, but it sure is kid friendly!

Before Slim tried Children's Claritin Chewables, he was suffering from:

- itchy nose
- runny nose
- itchy eyes

During and after getting a dose:

- no fighting over getting him to take it because it was easily chewable and
- he liked the flavor
- felt better
- recognized claritin on a commercial while watching Sesame Streeton PBS at 7:55 on 4/23 and stated, "I had that last night!"

I gave away the syrup sample to a friend and handed out most of the coupons.  My friend said her daughter experienced immense relief from her indoor allergies and was even able to go over to a house that had a cat for a little bit without her throat automatically getting scratchy.  Another feature she likes is one that I always try to look for with liquid medicines - it's dye-free, sugar-free, and alcohol-free. 

I have coupons that I'd love to share with you!  I have two $3.00 off Children's Claritin allergy products (either 4 oz syrup or 10 count or larger chewables) left.  Just be the first two to comment and they're yours!

If you've ever used Children's Claritin to alleviate your kid's allergy symptoms, I'm curious as to your opinion.  Did you like it?  Why or why not?

COVERGIRL Review and Coupon Giveaway

I have been a BzzAgent for about two months now and I think it's great! If you aren't a BzzAgent yet, what are you waiting for?  Go (as soon as you're finished reading my blog, of course!) and sign up right on their website.  I think you'll enjoy it too and here's why:

How does BzzAgent work? Simple: we send products from top brands to everyday consumers, just like you. Then they talk about them.

• Try popular products and services, totally free
• Help friends discover cool new stuff by sharing opinions
• Influence brands eager for feedback

A simple concept that's also quite cool. I currently have four active BzzCampaigns.  One of those campaigns is for the new COVERGIRL NatureLuxe line.  The freebies I received for this campaign were a sample of NatureLuxe Silk Foundation in Flax and NatureLuxe Gloss Balm in Sandstone as well as several coupons to share!  My responsibility in return is to share honest feedback on the product (meaning you're not going to hear me gush just because I got it for free!)

So, what did I think?  The short version is yay foundation, nay gloss balm. 

According to COVERGIRL, 3 out of 4 professional make-up artists would recommend the NatureLuxe Collection to their clients and they are so sure you'll love NatureLuxe Silk Foundation, that if you're not satisfied with the results, they'll refund your money!

I may live in Florida, but my Dad has had skin cancer enough times to make me want to rock paler skin, so I selected one of their lighter shades Flax 310.  For the months of April and May, the shade was a fantastic match for my skin tone, but I imagine that I might want to choose a slightly darker shade for the summer months.  I found my ColorMatch and it looks like I will want to try Bamboo 315 as my face gets a little more color.  Although I use a daily moisturizer with SPF and sunscreen if I anticipate I'll be outside a while, I am thankful that NatureLuxe Silk Foundation also comes equipped with SPF - 10 isn't much, but it's extra protection and that's something!

The foundation is creamy without being greasy.  That's an advantage now that it's getting to be the delightful time of year in Florida when you sweat immediately upon leaving the house.  NatureLuxe Silk Foundation is certainly lightweight and it didn't sweat off terribly (it did come off a little on days I spent a great deal of time outside.)  And I really like the smell!  It has cucumber water and a hint of jojoba for a nice, fresh scent.  The look achieved with this product is very even and natural. The best part?  It totally helped with my undereye circles!  Seriously, my kids still don't always sleep through the night at two and four, so any help I can get with the heavy baggage I sport is greatly appreciated!  I'm 31 now and ever since Curly was born, I look in the mirror sometimes and don't recognize myself; I'm definitely starting to age.  You know how they say that makeup should enhance your natural beauty?  Or was that just my Mom and Becky on Full House when DJ started Junior High?  Anyway, this foundation brings out the Megali I used to be and it's nice to see her in the mirror again!

I don't have the same rave reviews for the NatureLuxe Gloss Balm.  First off, I don't think Sandstone 265 is the right shade for me.  It's too pink and on my lips it's a weird pink, not a pretty one.  Some of my ColorMatches that I'd rather try and are much more the norm for my makeup palette include Pinot 245 and Clove 280.  But I'm going to have to see if they have the same effects as the Sandstone; apparently some of the shades are much glittery than others.

When I think of lip balm, I think of ChapStick - waxy and moisturizing for chapped or dry lips. When I think of lip gloss, I think of a shiny, sometimes glittery finish.  The only thing the Gloss Balm got out of those things is the glitter part.  It was not the "sheer color with a hint of shine" promised.  Unfortunately, it was the glitter that kept the product from being "decadent" (again, COVERGIRL's description) thick, and moisturizing and it was much bolder than the shimmery glossiness I prefer.  I kinda felt like a tween trying their first lipstick, it was that infused with glitter!  Worse still, I could feel every piece of glitter and it felt coarse. 

I hate to waste things though, so I decided to resort to the old practice of using lipstick as blush.  Now, if COVERGIRL would get behind marketing the NatureLuxe Gloss Balm as a cream blush, I'd be cheering them on!   It worked beautifully and really brightened up my face.  The color was much more flattering on my cheeks than my lips and the glitter was a positive this time as it provided a dewy look.

Are you a BzzAgent too?  What products have you reviewed Please let me know what you think or ask any questions in the comments!

And as for the coupon giveaway?  Be one of the first five to comment and a coupon for $2.00 off one (1) NatureLuxe silk foundation is yours!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things (Blog Edition)

I'll label these fitness blogs, but it's mostly running
in no particular order

Someday, I'll have an attractive picture of me running!

52 Beginnings - running 52 marathons in one year for charity

Running Diva Mom - a runner mommy who loves Bondi Bands just like me!

Journey to the Middle - running and weight loss

Endurance Isn't Only Physical - running and weight loss also. She used to live in FL, now lives in TX

Tall Mom on the Run - inspiring runner and running coach

Skinny Runner - funny writer, celebrity pictures, guest posts, great stuff

Another Mother Runner - the blog for Run Like a Mother, the book

Racing with Babes - awesome runner mommy getting her three girls to love running too!

The Shredheads - it all started with Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred ...

Gabby Reece Honeyline - fantastic circuit workouts

Mommies are people too and their blogs can be political, cute, both or neither

My babywearing days are behind me :(

The Artful Parent - creative and beautiful craft ideas for kids and the kid in you

The Crazy Baby Mama - found her on Kveller, which leads me to:

Kveller - a Jewish twist on parenting

Code Name: Mama - a non-judgemental natural parenting resource

The Feminist Breeder - being a mom doesn't mean you can't also be a feminist

Sustainable Mothering - a Philadelphia area lawyer looks at laws and policies that affect women

Cooking With My Kid - get the kids involved in cooking and they'll be more likely to eat their creations

Science at Home - science for the littles

Fiscally sensible blogs



What?  It's not like I have pictures of me spending money!



Southern Savers - savings ideas and deals for stores found in the South

I Heart Publix - matchups to where I do most of my shopping, saves me time and money!

Couponing to Disney - my favorite part is the 5 a Day, check it out!

If you have a blog you'd like to share or think there's one I ought to be following, please link it in the comments!