Feeling Campy? (A Review)

Summer! My kids are counting the days until school gets out. Do you have big summer plans? Are your kids going to summer camp? Some of my favorite and least favorite childhood memories are of summer camp. What made camp great for me was the daytime activities, the campfire songs and the cute crafts. On the other hand camp can be lonely and the bugs...the bugs can be miserable!  Bravery in a Bottle has a great solution for both of these camping blues. Their "Feeling Campy" aromatherapy spray with essential oils creates an actual soothing effect and a natural bug repellent. This bug away blend includes the following ingredients:

citronella

eucalyptus

catnip

cedar wood

lemongrass

lavender

litsea cubea

tea tree

patchouli

These essential oils have so many benefits. Antidepressant, fungicidal, insect repellent, heals insect bites & stings, treats headaches, etc. The best part? It's natural! No more spraying harmful chemicals on your kids. Just the thought of my kids spraying Deet on their sensitive skin night after night at camp makes me cringe. (As a side note, I'm so happy to spray this on my toddler because who knows when her little deet covered hands might make it in to her mouth. Yay!) 

My kids use "Feeling Campy" every evening when they venture out to play. An added bonus (besides no bug bites) is that as my children repetitively use this spray they subconsciously associate the spray with home and pleasant feelings. This way I can pack "Feeling Campy" with my kids once they're old enough for over-night school camp-outs and they will have a scented remedy to homesickness that actually has therapeutic benefits to combat fear and anxiety. I was especially curious whether about the smell of this spray and if it would smell too 'woodsy'. The verdict? It does have a fresh outdoorsy smell but it's light and my kids like it.

As Bravery in a Bottle says: "The best way to solve childhood fears is to give children the feeling of control and power over what is frightening to them." I love this idea of a 100% natural essential oil spray that is multi-functional and empowering for my children. I reviewed the Monster Vapor in March but Bravery in a Bottle also sells Courage Concoction (a well-being blend for those days with big fears like tests or competitions) and Storm Squashers (clarity blend for overcoming those nights with thunderous spring showers). Head on over to their site to purchase your own bottle of a perfectly "scent-sational" solution to some of your child's biggest fears.

I was not compensated for this post although I did receive free product to facilitate my review.  Any and all opinions here are mine.

Skintimate Sweeptakes (and a Giveaway!)

 

I wanted to share the exciting news that the voting has begun in the Skintimate Studios design contest. Now through May 18^th  you can vote on your favorite design online and be entered in the Skintimate Ready for Everything Sweepstakes for a chance to win weekly prizes such as $100 gift card, a Mara Hoffman scarf or a once in a lifetime trip for two to Miami, Florida for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Show.  One winner and a guest or chaperone will receive a two night, three day trip to Miami, where they will have a front row into the world of fashion and a meeting with MaraHoffman! 

Some info about the previous stage of the Skintimate Ready for Everything Sweepstakes: A select panel of judges chose the top 10 finalists, Vanessa An Lim Greeson, Kara Fenoglietto, Larissa Meuhleder, Jacqueline Moran, Brittany Morganti, Kelsey Denczek-Kalczynski, Christine Tong, Ericka Howard, Olga Barladym, and Gabrielle Zwick.  These women will now compete online through May 18th for a once in a lifetime opportunity to intern for two weeks with New York based fashion designer Mara Hoffman, both in New York and Miami, as she prepares for her 2012 fashion show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.  While only one Skintimate Studios designer will be part of Hoffman’s team, the other nine finalists will receive a deluxe fashion prize.  “These top 10 women are extremely talented,” says Mara Hoffman. “I encourage America to look closely at each of their designs and select one that they feel embodies the “Ready for Everything” theme.  I hope all of the finalists rest up because the internship will be filled with lots of interesting and exciting opportunities that they will not want to forget.”

In addition to the design search, fans 13 years of age and older can enter to win fun prizes in the Skintimate Ready for Everything Sweepstakes.  Until May 18th, fans can enter to win a $100 gift card, a Mara Hoffman scarf or a once in a lifetime trip for two to Miami, Florida for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Show.  One winner and a guest or chaperone will receive a two night, three day trip to Miami, where they will have a front row into the world of fashion and a meeting with Mara Hoffman!

You can vote once a day for your favorite design at Skintimate Ready for Everything Sweepstakes and Skintimate has also thrown in a Moana Saves giveaway as well! 

WIN: One lucky Moana Saves reader will win 4 Skintimate Mara Hoffman cans in the various Signature Scents. To win the MS giveaway on this blog, go to the Skintimate Ready for Everything Sweepstakes, find the designer/design you like the best out of the ten finalists (oh, and vote while you're there so you can win!) and then come back here and tell us in a comment.  This is the mandatory entry for this giveaway and must be completed before doing all of the additional ones.

To earn an additional entry, do one (or all) of the following and leave a separate comment for each thing you do:

1. Become a Google Friends Connect follower of Moana Saves (in the sidebar).
2. Become a Networked Blogs follower of Moana Saves (in the sidebar).
3. Follow Moana Saves on Twitter.
4. Tweet about this giveaway (limit one tweet per day) using the following: #win a set of 4 Skintimate Mara Hoffman cans in various signature scents ends 5/20 http://bit.ly/la3Cfp

5. Subscribe to the Moana Saves feed via RSS reader and/or email updates (in the sidebar).
6. Like the Moana Saves Facebook page.

Only one person per email/household/IP address can enter this giveaway. He/she must be 18+ years old and reside in the U.S. This giveaway ends on Friday, 5/20 at 11:59 PM HST (Hawaii Standard Time). One winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org. I will notify the winner via email and he/she must respond to claim the prize within 48 hours or I will draw another winner.

I was not compensated for this post.  Any and all opinions here are my own.

A Review of Sibu beauty products

As someone with sensitive skin, I was excited to find something I could try for the Spoiling Mom gift guide for Mother's Day.  When looking at the ingredients list, I felt comfortable with trying the Sibu beauty products made with Sea Buckthorn from Tibet.  These products seemed right up my alley as an essential oils user also.

First I used the Sibu Cleanse & Detox Sea Buckthorn Facial Soap, 3.5-Ounce and my face felt definitely clean and ready for the day.  What interested me is that it is 100% natural, has a natural astringent, promotes tissue recovery and revitalizes skin cells. Some of the ingredients in the soap: Coconut oil, palm oil, safflower oil, purified water, oatmeal, sea buckthorn puree, soybean protein, sea buckthorn leaves.

The Sea Buckthorn Facial Cream Repair & Protect is amazing- after using the soap, I applied the cream and felt everything tightening right up!  My skin felt great!  It also rejuvenates sun-damaged skin and protects it from environmental stress.  This is a daytime cream, meant to put on in the morning before you get your day started.

I definitely want to look into other products by Sibu Beauty like the balancing facial cleanser for the end of the day to with exfoliation particles to help remove excess oil and impurities and also removes make-up. Sibu also offers supplements to treat your skin from the inside out as well!

Sibu beauty products are paraben-free and cruelty-free, and contain NO dairy, yeast, wheat, gluten, sodium or preservatives.

Check out their site http://www.sibubeauty.com/ for more products: eye cream, soft gels supplement, oil and even a supplement drink.  These products are also sold at Amazon.  Sibu skincare would be a great way to pamper the mom in your life--naturally!

I was not compensated for this post although I did receive free products in exchange for my review.  Any and all opinions here are my own.

Pink Dandy Vegan Whipped Satin Luxury Cream: A Review and Giveaway

As I sit here typing this review, I feel pampered with my most recent application of Pink Dandy Whipped Satin Luxury Cream for Hands & Body (4 ounces  - Vegan Friendly).  This cream is color-free, vegan and phthalate-free.  The product ingredients include:

• Grapeseed Oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, linoleic acid and other essential fatty acids; which, help to strengthen tissue cells and preserve the natural moisture of the skin.
• Coconut Oil is perfect for dry, itchy, sensitive skin. It will not clog pores and it absorbs readily into the skin.
• Cocoa Butter is well known for healing sun burnt skin and softening the appearance of stretch marks and wrinkles. This butter also has a high reputation for providing a barrier on the skin, which helps retain moisture and to help restore hydration to the skin. 

Pink Dandy Whipped Satin Luxury Cream for Hands & Body does the following: 

• Thick formula that deeply penetrates the skin

• Does not leave an oily or greasy residue

• Does not clog pores

• Gentle formula which is great for sensitive skin types

• Aids with the appearance of stretch marks and wrinkles

• Great formula for extremely dry skin and every day use

• Extremely hydrates skin

How do I like Pink Dandy Whipped Satin Luxury Cream for Hands & Body?  Thumbs up, peeps! The thickness of the cream feels a bit scandalous, like I'm spoiling myself, when I put it on.  I chose the Relaxing Blend (Lavender, Bergamot & Sweet Orange) from the Scents page (you can seriously customize the scent of the cream or any other product Pink Dandy offers!)--the scent is wonderful and has serious staying power.  I can apply the cream and smell good for hours!  Even though the cream is thick, it is not greasy and really moisturizes my skin.  I have some other habits I indulge in to relax and reward myself after a long day but  Pink Dandy Whipped Satin Luxury Cream for Hands & Body is an affordable luxury for my mind and body.  Plus, it's calorie-free!  For Mother's Day, any of the products Pink Dandy offers would provide affordable luxury for the mom in your life.

 

SHOP: Go to Pink Dandy and take 15% off your next online purchase when you use this code: Summer22 (exp 6/30/11).

WIN: One lucky Moana Saves reader will win Pink Dandy Whipped Satin Luxury Cream for Hands & Body (4 ounces  - Vegan Friendly) in the scent of her choice.  To enter this giveaway, go to the Scents page and then come back to leave a comment saying which Pink Dandy scent you'd love to try.

To earn an additional entry, do one (or all) of the following and leave a separate comment for each thing you do:

1. Become a Google Friends Connect follower of Moana Saves (in the sidebar).

2. Become a  Google Friends Connect follower of Pink Dandy Chatter.
3. Become a Networked Blogs follower of Moana Saves (in the sidebar).
4. Follow Moana Saves on Twitter.

5. Follow Pink Dandy on Twitter.

6. Tweet about this giveaway (limit one tweet per day) using the following: #win the hand and body cream from @pinkdandy and @moanasaves ends 5/14 http://bit.ly/lhRkKN

7. Subscribe to the Moana Saves feed via RSS reader and/or email updates (in the sidebar).
8. Like the Moana Saves Facebook page.

9. Like the Pink Dandy Facebook page.

 

Only one person per email/household/IPaddress can enter this giveaway. He/she must be 18+ years old and reside in the U.S.  This giveaway ends on 5/14/11 at 11:59 PM HST (Hawaii Standard Time). One winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org. I will notify the winner via email and he/she must respond to claim the prize within 48 hours or I will draw another winner.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Swell Skin: A Review (for Mother's Day)

Swell Skin Care is... well, pretty doggone SWELL! I was intrigued with the claims of this miraculous healing berry that is used in the facial soap and oil - Seabuckthorn - and wanted to see if it really did what it said it could. While I don't have really bad acne, I am no stranger to minor breakouts or the occasional, uh maybe frequent, ginormous pimple... especially when it's that time of the month. Lucky for me, I started using the Swell Face treatment a few days before that lovely time of the month, which was almost two weeks ago. My face is happy. No, really, it is. It feels good, but more importantly it looks good... thanks to the soap bar and amazing Oil of Seabuckthorn. Okay, so I usually get at least one honker around that time of the month in the most conspicuous place possible (think tip of my nose or smack dab in the middle of my forehead). This month, the pimplesaur was on my left cheek and was one of those under-the-skin-painful-bump-pimples... anyone feeling me here? Anyway, I was a little dubious that the seabuckthorn oil could make my blemishes magically disappear, but alas, it did. You won't believe it until you try it yourself. I am surprised that I hadn't heard of this extreme goodness before...
The REALLY cool thing about SWELL Skin Care is that it's just a two-step skin care regimen. Just two steps for awesome looking and feeling skin? That, in itself, makes this stuff worth a try... and then when you see the results you'll see it was more than worth it. And, it's not just for pimples, it's for all-around wonderful-looking skin, so use it for rashes, fine lines, and whatever other blemishes you might have. And let's face it, as crazy busy moms, we're prone

to a blemish or two every other hour, er, day. This will make a fabulous Mother's Day gift... if not for your own mother, for yourself, because you need to be spoiled, too!

You can buy the facial bar for $32 and the Swell Oil of Seabuckthorn for $22, if you buy them separately, OR you can save some money and purchase both - the Swell Union - for just $49. Okay, you might be thinking, "JUST $49?" but when you see what these products can do, you'll be saying the same thing. I will definitely be purchasing the Swell Union once I run out of my supply. Check out the SWELL website to find out more about (and buy) these Swellicious products!

 I was not compensated to write this post although I did receive some products to facilitate my review here.  Any and all opinions are mine.

Review and Giveaway of Skin MD Natural

Have you heard of Skin MD Natural skin care? Their shielding lotion is a worldwide bestseller.  Because of First Born's eczema, I was excited to try Skin MD Natural's shielding lotion which helps chronic skin conditions.  However.  As teenagers do, First Born got bored with our shielding lotion test after the first application.  So I was left with trying out Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion as consumer interested in keeping my skin supple and who is wary about the kinds of ingredients I expose to my family.  Here's more info about Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion from the website: 

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion does the real work to prevent dry skin in two ways:

• First, it assists the inner layers of skin to absorb moisture. The humectant (an ingredient that attracts moisture) used in Skin MD Natural is unique to it and has been laboratory tested to be 6 times more effective than any other you will find in common creams.
• Second, a shielding lotion enhances the power of the top layer of the skin to resist environmental irritants while protecting the inner natural moisture.

This can be a big benefit for those who cook, wash dishes and garden because Skin MD Natural helps skin retain its natural moisture and oils in the face of all those irritating soaps and chemicals. Skin MD Natural is hypoallergenic, free of fragrances, parabens and colorants. It is made with more than 90% natural ingredients and 100% food-grade ingredients that are on the FDA's "most safe" list. (Woot!)

How did I like Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion?  I've been using it as my lotion-in-my-bag, applying it whenever I'm on the go with a few minutes to spare.  The lotion itself is light, non-greasy and fragrance-free.  I love how hydrated my skin feels after I use the shielding lotion.  Besides how it works, the BEST thing about Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion is that the bottle lists each ingredient, natural (90% of Shielding Lotion ingredients) and not-so-natural, with its "real world" name next to it in parentheses.  Also on their website, Skin MD Natural offers additional information and explanation HERE.  I love a product that works well and a company that believes transparency is the best policy!

SHOP: You can find out where to buy Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion HERE or order it online HERE.  

WIN: One lucky Moana Saves reader will receive her own full-sized Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion. For your mandatory entry in this giveaway become a Google Friends Connect follower of Moana Saves (in the sidebar).

To earn an additional entry, do one (or all) of the following and leave a separate comment for each thing you do:

1. Become a Networked Blogs follower of Moana Saves (in the sidebar).
2. Like Skin MD Natural on Facebook.
3. Like Moana Saves on Facebook.
4. Follow Moana Saves on Twitter.

5. Follow Skin MD Natural on Twitter.
6. Tweet about this giveaway with the following (once a day max): #Win Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion from @skinmdnatural and @moanasaves ends 5/4 http://bit.ly/f7Et9m

7. Subscribe to Moana Saves in your favorite reader or via RSS (in the sidebar).

8.  Subscribe to the Skin MD Natural YouTube channel.

Only one person per email/household/IPaddress can enter this giveaway.  He/she must be 18+ years old and reside in the U.S.  This giveaway ends Wednesday, May 4nd HST (Hawaii Standard Time).  One winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org.  I will notify the winners via email and they must respond to claim the prize within 48 hours or I will draw another winner.

I was not compensated for this post although I did receive a product sample to facilitate my review.  Any and all opinions here are mine.

Schick Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care: A Review

I love Springtime because that means it's green time, but with the new Schick® Intuition® Naturals Sensitive Care® razor, you can be green all year round... well, at least your razor packaging can be...

A natural element to your life, the Schick Intuition Naturals Sensitive Care packaging eliminates the former plastic package and is now made with 55% post-consumer recycled paperboard, 25% post-consumer recycled window, and VOC-free inks. And the entire package is 100% recyclable so it's just as gentle on Mother Nature as it is on you.

And the great recyclable packaging is just the beginning. Inside, you'll find two refill cartridges in Natural Aloe with Vitamin E, razor handle, shower hanger (which I use and love) and convenient travel cap. So, how does this Naturals Sensitive Care razor fare? Very well. My favorite feature is definitely the Skin Conditioning Solid that surrounds the four-bladed razor. This moisturizing solid, enriched with Vitamin E and 100% natural Aloe, provides a foamy lather without the fuss of shave gel, soap, or body wash. Just this razor, that's it... the conditioning/moisturizing/lathering is built in! While this may not be a huge deal for some, as a mom who never has enough hours in the day, this is big! Eliminating the extra step of applying shave gel probably only saves me a minute or two, but that's one more minute I get to spend with my kids before they go to bed at night... or one more minute of Hulu I can watch... or one more minute of blogging! Hey, those minutes add up, and I'm always glad when I can save myself one or two. The four-blade razor (with pivoting head) is very nice, too, preventing unwanted nicks and cuts, even when I'm in a super-rushed frenzy in the shower. Probably not a great idea to be in a super-rushed frenzy while dripping wet, skin-bared and a razor in hand, but it happens and Naturals Sensitive Care makes it faster and more convenient!

So get your hands on the razor that makes all other razors GREEN with envy NOW!

Schick Intuition is also offering a $3 coupon for a limited time only on their Schick Intuition facebook page.  Check it out!

Yu-Be Skincare Products Review

Two memories that stand out among those of my Aunts' visits from Japan while growing up, was the expensive purses and special creams they seemed to have an obsession with.  I remember on one trip, my Aunt forgot to pack one of her facial cleansers she had left in our bathroom and I was secretly SO excited when I made the discovery that she had accidentally left it.  I had first dibs on the cleanser and I remember what a difference the non-abrasive concoction made to my skin compared to the strong astringents and scrubs I usually tortured my skin with to prevent acne. I have always believed that Japanese women are experts on skin care products.

Recently,  I was excited to try out a Japanese skin care product that promised to hydrate, heal and soothe without greasiness, artificial colors, or fragrances.

                                            

Invented by Japanese pharmacist Yoshikiyo Nowatari, Yu-Be (pronounced "YOO-BEE") is a Glycerin-based moisturizing cream enriched with Vitamin E, Vitamin B2 and Camphor.

"Generations of families have used the concentrated formula on all types of dry skin - from split cuticles and cracked heels to diaper rash - even frostbite - and to this day refuse to use anything else."

I was very fortunate to receive a sample of the Yu-Be Travel Set: $21 which has a 1.25oz tube of Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream ($16 retail value), a Yu-Be Lip Therapy ($5 retail value),
a Custom Yu-Be travel pouch, and samples of the moisturizing body lotion, and foaming skin polish. 

The moisturizing skin cream made my skin feel rose petal soft! What I loved is that I could use the same cream for feet as I could for a moisturizing face cream! It is very rich but not greasy and is definitely something I would recommend to any of my family and friends who struggle with skin problems due to dry weather. It definitely beats vaseline which is what I know some of my friends have treated their children with when their skin gets really dry!  I loved how the Lip Therapy really helped moisturize my lips.  I am a very light make up wearer and for one week I just used the lip balm for my lip gloss and my lips never felt so healthy.  Though I only had a small sample of the skin polish, it felt so much better, cleaner, fresher, than the rough exfoliants that my skin usually is treated with.   I look forward to treating my children with the moisturizing skin creams the next time their eczema flares up and I have read that many people have used Yu-Be for rashes and Eczema.

SHOP: To learn more about their line and to purchase products go to http://www.yu-be.com/products.html.  Yu-be products are now also available at your local Sephora or Sephora.com.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Dove Visible Care Softening Creme with NutriumMoisture: A Review

Let me just start off by saying that I am a biased Dove lover, so I knew I'd love this stuff before I even tried it. I've been using Dove products for my whole married life (almost 9 years, holler!). I wish it was my whole life period, but better late than never. For bathing, my family uses the classic Dove bars, but a couple of us have pretty dry skin, even here in humid Hawaii, so I was very excited to review Dove Visible Care Softening Creme with NutriumMoisture.

"Designed to soften skin and dry spots, this unique formula -- with our highest concentration of NutriumMoisture -- contains skin-natural building blocks to help improve skin's look over time. Use daily for visibly more beautiful skin in just one week."

It hasn't even been one week (5 days) and I can tell, no FEEL the difference in my skin, most especially my legs. It's the end of our "winter" so it's not very humid, which means my legs are dry... noticeably dry so that my skin looks ashy without even scratching it. I just scratched my legs (for unscientific review purposes) and no dry scratch marks. While that may not be a big deal to you reading this, it's a big, lovely, moisturized deal for me. Being able to cut out an extra step post-shower because I don't have to put lotion on is also a huge plus. Not only does Dove Visible Care Softening Creme with NutriumMoisture really work with visible results, it smells delightful, too. I've already banned the hubby and my not-so-dry-skin-children from using the stuff until I can get my hands on a new bottle so that us dry folks can reap the moisturized benefits for as long as possible. It's not like I'm making them suffer, they're still using Dove, they just don't need the extra NutriumMoisture like we do! I will most definitely be using this on my trip to California this coming winter, where my skin dries out so fast.

I know it's a little late but the VisibleCare Close-Up Challenge wraps up this Saturday the 26th at noon, so this is a last call for you to submit your own video sharing why you're ready for the ultimate close-up experience, a weeklong all-expense-paid trip to Los Angeles! While there, the winner will get an authentic Dancing With the Stars experience, including training with a performer from the show, confidence coaching from Jennie Garth and the ultimate opportunity: a "finale" of her own dancing in front of America in a Dove-sponsored TV spot during the season finale of Dancing With the Stars.

I was not compensated for this blog post although I did receive a free product sample to facilitate my review.  Any and all opinions here are my own.

All Terrain Kids Lip Armor w/SPF 25: A Review and Giveaway

Sponsored by Tomoson.comLiving on an island can shape our perspective about how our lives impact the planet and either positively or negatively affect sustainability. We're not suggesting that we are green experts. Rather, we are interested in highlighting how we think, shop and spend can evolve so that can sustain the earth's future for our kids. Plus we're looking at some really cool stuff! Stay tuned!Living on an island can shape our perspective about how our lives impact the planet and either positively or negatively affect sustainability. We're not suggesting that we are green experts. Rather, we are interested in highlighting how we think, shop and spend can evolve so that can sustain the earth's future for our kids. Plus we're looking at some really cool stuff! Stay tuned!

I love to be in the sun (good thing I live in Hawaii), no matter what I'm doing: playing, working, relaxing, whatever. I'm pretty sure the rest of my body agrees with me... except for my lips. Ever since I can remember, I've gotten sun blisters on my lips when in the sun for long periods of time. I never wore sunscreen growing up (gasp!), but when I was old enough to understand what was going on with my lips, I'd always put sunscreen on them. To this day, I still do that, and force my kids to as well. I say "force" because sunscreen doesn't exactly taste great if you get a hint of it in your mouth. AND, I have to sit there rubbing it in for a while, until I know there is a good amount on my kids' lips and it's thoroughly absorbed. Well, not anymore. All Terrain Kids Lip Armor with SPF 25 is a protection and healing balm that protects lips from the sun's UVA and UVB rays AND it tastes great in Bubblegum or Cherry flavors!

Needless to say, my kids all fight over who gets to put the Lip Armor on first, instead of me having to chase after them with a bottle of sunscreen! And yes, I use and love the Lip Armor, too!

In addition to making my life easier, All Terrain Kids Lip Armor also gives me peace of mind with its natural ingredients like almond oil, shea butter, beeswax and vitamin E.

All Terrain is made with all natural products and is cruelty free with no testing done on animals.

The new Kids Lip Armor joins a long list of other child-specific all natural products made by All Terrain that includes:

• Kids All Weather Cream
• Kids Eczema Cream
• Kids Skin Soother Gel
• Kids Itch and Rash Cream
• Kids Soothing Soap
• Kids Wonder Wash

SHOP: You can purchase the yummy Bubblegum and Cherry two-pack on the All Terrain website here.

WIN: One lucky Moana Saves reader will win his/her own twin pack of Kid's Lip Armor.  For your mandatory entry, like the All Terrain Facebook page and leave a nice comment about All Terrain.  Then come back and leave a comment saying you've done so.

To earn an additional entry, do one (or all) of the following and leave a separate comment for each thing you do:

1. Become a Networked Blogs follower of Moana Saves (in the sidebar).
2. Follow Moana Saves on Twitter.
3. Follow All Terrain on Twitter.
4. Tweet about this giveaway (limit one tweet per day) using the following:
#Win a Lip Armor Twin Pack from @allterrainco and @moanasaves #giveaway ends 4/6 http://bit.ly/hOzTiX
5. Subscribe to the Moana Saves feed via RSS reader and/or email updates (in the sidebar).
6. Like the Moana Saves Facebook page.
7. Become a Google Friend Connect follower of Moana Saves (in the sidebar).

Only one person per email/household/IPaddress can enter this giveaway. He/she must be 18+ years old and reside in the U.S. This giveaway ends on Wednesday, 4/6/11 at 11:59 PM HST (Hawaii Standard Time). One winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org. I will notify the winner via email and he/she must respond to claim the prize within 48 hours or I will draw another winner.
 
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Purely Pleasures Sugar Wax: A Review (Moana Saves is Going Green Guide)

Living on an island can shape our perspective about how our lives impact the planet and either positively or negatively affect sustainability. We're not suggesting that we are green experts. Rather, we are interested in highlighting how we think, shop and spend can evolve so that can sustain the earth's future for our kids. Plus we're looking at some really cool stuff! Stay tuned!

Who wears short shorts? Okay, not the same product, but I would dare wear short shorts after using Purely Pleasures Sugar Wax, that's for sure. I've used me a hair wax or two before, but have been disappointed with the lack of removal strength. Let's just say that my strongest Samoan trait may be in the form of leg hair. 

Well, not only is Purely Pleasures Sugar Wax strong enough to pull out these crazy Samoan hairs, it's also gentle on my skin. I know, whaaaat? Because the sugaring sticks to the hair, not the skin, and is pulled in the direction of hair growth, it minimizes skin irritation and reddening. I was a little skeptical about pulling it in the direction of hair growth, probably just because every other wax I've used says to do the opposite. I was pleasantly surprised to see lots of little hair roots and follicles sticking to the wax after I yanked it off. And, my skin was not irritated at all. It was red for a while, but nothing alarming or unusual. 

Okay, besides the efficiency of this Sugar Wax, a huge bonus is that it's CHEMICAL FREE -- yay for being GREEN!!! There are no harmful toxins to seep into your skin, no heating, no strips, just the wax and the warmth of your hands. It does take a little getting used to and can get messy if the wax gets too heated from your own body heat. However, once you get the hang of it, you'll love the results. Just make sure you double-check the area you've waxed to ensure you've gotten everything, unlike me, who was walking around with a patch of fur on the backside of my ankle. Charming, I know. I really love that this wax is water soluble. You can wipe off with a washcloth or just jump in the shower, which I would recommend. Results last anywhere from 2-8 weeks, yay for no shaving! 

Visit Purely Pleasures to find sugar wax and other great products! You can also view a sugar wax tutorial on their website.

I was not compensated for this post although I did receive a product sample to facilitate the original review. Any and all opinions here are mine.

Vaseline Intensive Rescue, the Dry Skin Patrol, and a Giveaway

The brand, Vaseline, has nostalgia clout behind it.  I remember growing up and always having Vaseline Petroleum Jelly in the bathroom cupboard.  It had so many purposes!  So, as a mom, I’m happy to see Vaseline developing new skin products and helping busy moms who struggle to keep their skin supple like me!

I was able to try Vaseline Intensive Rescue which is a non-greasy,  hypoallergenic lotion especially formulated to rescue the dry, itchy skin folks get in the winter.   I’m lucky; I can get that kind of dry skin during any season these days.  I’ve noticed as I get older, I need to be kinder to my skin to feel and look better overall.  I’m happy to report that Intensive Rescue gets the job done.  During application, it feels like a light moisturizer but once its on your skin it really penetrates, effectively banishing dry skin.  I especially like the fragrance-free formula which means I can share with my hub who is also experiencing the same age-related skin dryness.  The efficacy and versatility of Vaseline Intensive Rescue makes me a fan!

As part of their mission, Vaseline is hitting the road with the Dry Skin Patrol, a five-woman team who suffer from dry skin.  The Dry Skin Patrol ventured across the country to 4 destinations, like snowy Aspen and Duluth, MN, where they put their skin to the test.  You can follow the Dry Skin Patrol, along with entering for a chance to win an experience similar to the stops on the Mission Tour, on the Vaseline Facebook page.  I’ve been following the Dry Skin Patrol via Kailani’s blog since she has become a bloggy friend of mine and its been exciting to follow her travels with the Dry Skin Patrol.

Wanna try Vaseline Intensive Rescue for yourself?  You can sign up for a free sample of Vaseline Intensive Rescue HERE.

Wanna win your own full-sized Vaseline Intensive Rescue?  You’re in luck! We’ve got one to give away--

To earn a mandatory entry, like Vaseline’s Facebook page, like it and return here to leave a comment saying you’ve done so.  Mandatory means that if you don't do this first, all of your other entries will be disqualified.

To earn an additional entry, do one (or all) of the following and leave a separate comment for each thing you do:

1. Become a Google Friends Connect follower of Moana Saves (in the sidebar).
2. Become a Networked Blogs follower of Moana Saves (in the sidebar).
3. Follow Moana Saves on Twitter.
4.  Tweet about this giveaway (limit one tweet per day) using the following:
#Win a Vaseline Intensive Rescue from Vaseline and @moanasaves #giveaway ends 3/27 http://bit.ly/i9ntLq
5. Subscribe to the Moana Saves feed via RSS reader and/or email updates (in the sidebar).
6. Like the Moana Saves Facebook page.

Only one person per email/household/IP address can enter this giveaway. He/she must be 18+ years old and reside in the U.S. This giveaway ends on Sunday, 3/27/11 at 11:59 PM HST (Hawaii Standard Time). One winner will be chosen randomly via Random.org. I will notify the winner via email and he/she must respond to claim the prize within 48 hours or I will draw another winner.

I was not compensated for this blog post although I did receive a product sample to facilatate my review.  Any and all opinions are mine.

Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque: A Review

 Even though I still think of myself as in my early twenties, my early thirties are here to stay, so I'd better get used to it and embrace the changes because I'll be embracing my early forties before I know it... yikes! I don't think I look THAT much older until I look at pictures from ten years ago and notice that my face now has additional crow's feet, lines and wrinkles in places that didn't before. *SIGH* Well, I'm hoping to reduce or even prevent too many more wrinkles from appearing... okay, maybe just slow them down. How? 
 
In addition to taking better care of my skin in general, I have found Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque (an InStyle Magazine Best Beauty Buy Winner). I have really fallen in love with this stuff because of the way it makes my skin feel, and hopefully over time, look.

Perks of Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque from Neostrata.com:

• Revitalizes stressed skin while fighting the signs of aging.
• Combines a clinically proven blend of concentrated Alpha and Polyhydroxy acids (AHA/PHA) that offer full-strength anti-aging benefits without irritation.
• Gluconolactone, a potent Polyhydroxy Acid decreases lines and wrinkles by strengthening the skin and building the dermal matrix so skin appears fuller and plumper.
• This gentle exfoliant and natural antioxidant also improves the skin's clarity, luminosity and refines pore size, leaving skin truly refreshed and rejuvenated.
• The addition of Mandelic Acid (AHA) helps to visibly reduce wrinkled areas, while Vitamins A, C, E and a Pro Vitamin B Complex provide superior moisturization.

I haven't been using this stuff long enough to fully attest to the anti-aging benefits, but it definitely makes my skin feel refreshed, luminous and rejuvenated... I dare say YOUNGER! After 15-20 minutes, you can either peel or rinse off the masque -- I love peeling it off! My skin feels healthier and stronger after each weekly application, so I can see how this will help with the decrease of lines and wrinkles. I have definitely noticed an improvement in my skin's clarity as well as the exfoliation of blemishes.

You can purchase your own Exuviance Rejuvenating Treatment Masque here.

InstantPeel Review

I used to be very aware of how my face felt & I took extra care of it each morning & night. But with each child I had, my morning & night routine got shorter and sometime didn't happen at all.  I haven't had the chance to really search out a good face exfoliator, so when given this opportunity to try INSTANT PEEL, I was more than willing.

Some info from the InstantPeel website about the product:

Peel and Reveal with the Natural Exfoliator

InstantPeel^TM naturally and gently peels away dead skin cells, debris and impurities to reveal skin's true vibrancy. InstantPeel isn't a facial scrub. The gentle action comes from InstantPeel's unique combination of proteins and enzymes, and is proven safe for even the most sensitive skin. InstantPeel is a natural exfoliator and an effective alternative to facial scrubs, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, which can cause irritation. You can't overuse InstantPeel. Once the dead skin and debris are peeled away, InstantPeel stops working, revealing a youthful glow.
Using the InstantPeel the first time I saw IMMEDIATE results. The product worked just as described; I rubbed the dead skin off & my skin felt softer. I have family members who have had chemical peels--through the pain they got a younger looking skin. I was hoping that as I got older I would find an alternative to the abrasive route.  InstantPeel can give you that result without the irritation. What a Find!

 You can buy InstaPeel here.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.