Archive for Girl Stuff

U by Kotex Kick Off #KotexMom



As a mom of four daughters there is a lot to talk about concerning the passage of womanhood. It’s funny because my mom never really had “the talk” with me about the “birds and the bees” she gave me a book that our community health nurse provided parents and teens. Yet at the same time she has asked me why I didn’t ask her certain things when she finds out there were things I really didn’t know. I think there was a gap between the book she gave me, health education and the bits I picked up from friends. This has helped me as a mother because I never wanted my girls to learn stuff from other people. I wanted them to hear the truth from me so I answered any questions with as little or as much information they needed for their age at the time they asked the questions and provided them with more as they got older. It has really helped my two older girls. I think my third daughter asks her older sisters questions more than she does me, but they always try to defer her to me as they know and understand the information should come from me. So far we haven’t talked too much to my 6 year old about a girl’s monthly cycle nor has she asked many questions. I am assuming she will pick up some things just by living with me and her three older sisters, but other things I will probably have to talk to her about.

I desire to have open and direct conversations with all of my children about the facts of life. I want them to be able to come to me with anything. For those of you desiring the same thing, U by Kotex is a great resource that I will be talking about in the coming months.

U by Kotex Ambassador Program Kick Off

I was recently chosen to participate in the U by Kotex Ambassador Campaign, which I consider a great privilege. One resource is Aimee Teegarden Gets Real Video by Kotex & Nickelodeon ParentsConnect that launched this month. After watching it I can say that I have really tried to be like Aimee’s mom. My girls feel like they can talk to me about anything (just asked them to confirm! ;))

When the girls were little I found myself nervous about talking about the subject of menstruation, which is a gateway to the sex talk too. But I found it easier to answer questions as they naturally occurred or to simply talk about topics as they found their way into our conversations rather than staging the whole thing.

I have already had numerous talks with my two older girls and we continue to talk as issues come up. One issue that seems to be lacking right now is them keeping track of their cycle, which I think is an important habit to get into. U by Kotex has a period tracker/planner that might help:

With my two younger daughters it hasn’t been as nerve wracking because I have done it before, but they are different and receive information differently so the key is to explain things in a way that they will retain and understand it for when their periods do start. That’s why I am interested in finding new resources.

I like the Kotex brand and have used their pads, but was not even aware of U by Kotex until I received the opportunity to apply for an Ambassadorship. I am hoping to learn some new ways to discuss menstruation with my younger girls as well as find new resources for my older girls. The U by Kotex website has videos, articles, Q&As (including a place to post questions), resources, coupons, period planners and of course, products just for our young girls – they can even design their own pad!

Teaching our daughters about menstruation shouldn’t be stressful but as natural as the sun rising and setting.

To learn more about U by Kotex:

Vist their website: www.ubykotex.com
Connect on Twitter
Fan them on Facebook

“I wrote this review while participating in a Brand Ambassador Campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of U by Kotex Tween and received products to facilitate my post and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”


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Snoopy Nightie – Wordless Wednesday

I bought this Snoopy nightie at a garage sale for 25 cents when my oldest was just a wee thing. All four of my girls have worn it and my youngest may or may not be able to wear it again in the fall, just depends on how much she grows between now and then. I’m just amazed that it has held up as well as it has – for 25 cents this nightie is definitely a keeper!

I know it’s a weird Wordless Wednesday post, but I was spring cleaning and organizing clothes and whenever I see this nightie I think of how long it has lasted and how much I paid for it!


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The Beginner’s Bible: Book of Prayers Review

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

Click to see a larger image of The Beginner's Bible Book of Prayers

Arriving in stores just in time for Christmas, preschoolers and parents are certain to love this new addition to the beloved The Beginner’s Bible collection, The Beginner’s Bible Book of Prayers.

 

This new book presents 20 short prayers as well as Scripture passages that are brought to life with bright and enchanting illustrations. On every page, children will feel the power of God’s will and love. They’ll learn the meaning behind important concepts they encounter every day, like gratitude, forgiveness, patience, and wisdom.

 

Whether though a lesson in hard work and faith taught through the story of Noah’s ark, an example of courage portrayed by the story of David and the giant, or the Good Samaritan’s shining example of kindness, the simple and colorful nature of this edition will encourage children to make connections between familiar Bible stories and their own lives.

 

The padded board book fits comfortably in the hands of youngsters, and parents will treasure time spent in prayer with their child.

 

 

OUR REVIEW:

I was very excited to receive this prayer book to review! I love the Beginner’s Bible series! This book of prayers is a wonderful edition to any bookshelf! Flipping through the pages was a delight…the stories are wonderful and the illustrations are beautiful.

 

All of my children were excited to peruse this book of prayers! My 7 year old was delighted to read the stories to the younger ones…the wording was not difficult and she was able to relay the stories with ease! My 5 year old and 3 year old loved the illustrations and listening to the stories! Ultimately it was my 3 year old who claimed this book as her own… she now takes it along with her wherever her day may take her… it is always at her side while she plays! It has even made more than a few car trips with us…and she has enjoyed flipping through the pages and looking at pictures while riding in the car (makes for a peaceful car ride for mom!)

 

All in all I must say that this is a delightful book! It teaches the stories we all know and love at a level that children can understand and connect with… read the stories over and over and the children will find something different each time! I have also found that while I read the prayers I can open up a conversation afterward about the stories and have a discussion with the children…since the stories are so relatable!

 

Thank you Zonderkidz for another wonderful book!

To find out more about the Beginner’s Bible Collection or other Zonderkids products please visit:

 

www.zonderkids.com

 

 

 



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Colortime Crafts & Markers Review

Colortime Crafts and Markers sell, shirts, pillowcases, tote bags, backpacks, bandanas, bibs, headwraps, & of course fabric markers.

Since 1990 over 2 million children and adults throughout the country have enjoyed Colortime Crafts And Markers and proudly display their keepsakes. So make your next event one that will be seen and talked about for a long time. Explore our website or give us a call to find out more about our programs.”

You can find all of these on their website at www.colortime.com

My Review:

I received a tote bag, with 3 markers (blue, yellow, & pink).

Here’s the before picture.

And here’s the after.

This is a great rainy or snow day project.  Even terrific for birthday parties.

They tell you in the instruction how to prep & care for your project.  The markers are non toxic and permanent.  BUT,  will wash off your hand (I tried and it worked). I’d make sure you are in a well ventilated room, as the markers give off a smell.  If you have smaller kids, I’d recommend a smock or old play shirt.  As the markers are permanent on fabric.  All in all, love it!

 

Check out their website at colortime.com and they are also on Facebook.

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.


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***Closed***Hello Kitty Lamp Review and Giveaway

And the winner is………comment #39…..Brande!

!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

We where recently sent a adorable Hello Kitty lamp to review. This Hello Kitty lamp is simply adorable! You should have seen my youngest daughter’s face when she first saw it! She gave a HUGE smile and said “A Hello Kitty lamp?!” She was very pleased!

I on the other hand, am very pleased with this lamp. It is adorable and goes great with my daughter’s room decor. It would make a great gift for your little girl.

To sum this review up, my daughter and I are both very pleased with this lamp. As the picture shows you it is simply adorable and I love that it is very well made!

Giveaway!!
Enter to win a Hello Kitty lamp!

Mandatory Entry: Tell me why you want to win.

Extra Entries;(Please be sure and leave a comment and link for extra entries):

1 Entry: Tweet about this giveaway. Include a separate comment for each and your tweet url with your comment:

Enter to win a Hello Kitty lamp! @faithandfamilyrewv http://bit.ly/olsGzC #giveaway


1 Entry: Follow Faith and Family Reviews on Twitter

1 Entry: Like/Friend Faith and Family Reviews on Facebook.

10 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and link back this post. Be sure to leave me a link.

1 Entry:For every comment you leave anywhere else on this blog, but please leave a link with your comment!

2 Entries: Follow Faith and Family Reviews on Google Friend Connect (on the our right side bar).

Details:

This giveaway will run from July 29th, to August 12th, 2011 at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. Hello Kitty will send one winner their prize. Winner will be contacted via email on or before August 12th, 2011 and will be asked for their contact and other pertinent info. Winners will have 48 hours to send me their e-mail at [ffr] [giveaways] [at] [gmail] [dot] [com] (without spaces and parenthesis). Please note: This giveaway is offered to USA only.

Thanks and have fun!

A big thank you to Hello Kitty for providing me with the featured product to review and for providing the winners gift card.


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CapSac Review

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

 

The Cap Sac is essentially a fanny pack for your head! What an innovative idea! We received a cap sac for kids. The hat is 100% nylon with a zipper pocket on the forehead section. My daughter (2 years old) LOVED the product! The color caught her attention as soon as she took it out of the package (bright yellow)! But, the draw was the pocket on the top of the cap where she could stash all kinds of goodies! My daughter is a pack rat and loves to carry around a purse with toys and crayons inside, so this was perfect. There really were no downsides to the product in my daughter’s eyes. As a mother I would have personally picked a different color, as the yellow is very bright. I do like that the cap has a brim to shield delicate eyes from the sun. However, I would have liked the product to provide some UV protection, as this is normally the type of headgear I buy for my children…but if UV protection on headgear does not matter then this is great sun protection for your family! You can view all the cool caps available for kids at http://www.capsackids.com/.

There is also a line of hats and t-shirts for adults. Check them out here: http://www.cap-sac.com.

 


 

 


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NEW Carefree Liners

Carefree Acti-Fresh

We females have the joys of not only experiencing a monthly menstrual cycle, but also the added pleasure of figuring out what products work best when for that “special” time of month. No matter what your normal brand or product is you will want to know about the new product Carefree has recently introduced to the market of feminine hygiene products.

True to its name, Carefree has developed an innovative new product to add to your routine and help keep you feeling refreshed. Now 40% thinner and up to twice as absorbent (compared to the previous Carefree Body Shape liners), Carefree Acti-Fresh liners were designed with everyday wear in mind. Plus, the odor control system keeps you feeling fresh for up to eight hours, covering you throughout the day, especially while exercising, traveling, or whenever you’re on-the-go.

Our Review (or should I say my teenage daughter’s review):

I hate bulky pantyliners. They are SO uncomfortable….. I’ve always wished that someone would come up with a product that would allow you to wear a pantyliner without it actually feeling like you are wearing one. So when the opportunity came up to review a the new Carefree Acti-fresh pantyliners I was excited.

When the pantyliners arrived in the mail I was a little surprised at the size. The packaging was an itty bitty little box size package of 20 body shape regular to go pantyliners that are about six inches long. They don’t really look like your average pantyliner and are actually quite small as you can see by the photos below.

The Packaging

The Pad

Please take note of how truly thin this pad is!

Then when I tried them I was even more surprised that they worked! Not only did they work, but it didn’t even feel like I was wearing a liner! So I was very impressed with that aspect of it and the fact that the slogan, “So thin and absorbent, you’ll forget you’re wearing a liner!” really rang true. At least for me.

Another thing that was a positive is that they did not bunch up in any way and remained in place very well.

All in all I really liked these pads and would highly recommend them.

Mom’s Note

As a nursing mom, I am not experiencing my monthly cycle yet, nope not even 8 months postpartum and with baby eating solids – I think this is a new record for me! However, I did want to say that due to the size of this pad that mothers who have given birth multiple times may need more than one. Just sayin’.

You can buy the new Carefree liners at major retailers nationwide.

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product as a part of a MomCentral.com blog campaign in exchange for writing a review and is being compensated an Amazon.com gift card. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review and compensation, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.


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bareMinerals Review

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

About the Product and Leslie Blodgett (Creator)

“We’re on a mission to change the way woman feel about their skin.”

“In developing a skincare line, we championed our expertise in minerals and their ability to energize skin cells in an entirely different way than conventionally done before.  We  use only the finest quality ingredients in our products – the purest, most beneficial minerals from the earth – to give you the results you desire without the use of harsh chemicals, preservatives or irritants.”

“It all began when Leslie Blodgett, Creator of bareMinerals, sought out a visionary in the field of organic agriculture with over four decades of experience.  This farmer had unearthed a complex blend of essentials through a unique process, these minerals yield a densely rich concentrate capable of extraordinary skin-renewing benefits.”

“Clinical studies further validated the transformative efficacy of this soil: Faster cell renewal, reduced pore size, increased luminosity, softer, smoother, younger-looking skin.  Today, this rare soil is our proprietary, 100% pure RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex and the miracle ingredient in our groundbreaking bareMinerals skincare line.  For the past decade, we’ve perfected the bareMinerals skincare formulas to combine the very best nature with science and modern technology so you can experience extraordinary results.  Help prevent, treat, and protect with bareMinerals skincare – the all-in-one solutions to your skin’s needs.”

The product I received was the Skin Renewing Trio, 30 day Try Me Kit.  The kit included a purifying facial cleanser, firming eye treatment, and purely nourishig facial moisturizer (combination skin).

Purifying Facial Cleanser:  “This deep cleansing, hydrating formula removes makeup, dissolves impurities, and re-balances skin for a softer more luminous complexion.”    The ingredients include pineapple, lychee & guava fruit enzymes, avacado oil, and pomegranate extract.

Firming Eye Treatment:  “Restore firmness and reduce puffiness around the eye area with this breakthrough treatment to reveal younger looking eyes.  The ingredients include vitamin E, soybean & sunflower seed oil and roman chamomile flower.

Purely Nourishig Moisturizer (combination skin):  “Hydrate skin with this lightweight, yet remarkably effective moisturizer for iproved firmness, elasticity, radiance and skin texture”.  Ingrediants include honeysuckle, rooibos (red tea), green tea, chamomile, coffee, licorice, vitamins A, B5, and E.

My Review

Just a background on my face.  My chin, forehead and nose are more oily than my cheeks.

I’m always leary about trying new facial products.  I had a bad experience with a very abrasive product.  I’m old fashion when it comes to facial products.  I normally use the blue tub of paste that starts with an “N” to deep clean my face.

I’ve been activity using the bareMineral products instead of my own now for about a week.  I followed the directions on each bottle saying to cleanse or apply morning and at night. I found the bareMinerals purifying facial cleanser worked well on making my pore smaller and cleaned my face well.   The firming eye treatment also worked well, my skin felt a little tighter in that area.  And the purely nourishing moisturizer, I love it on my cheeks.  However, I did notice that since my nose, chin, and forehead are normally oily.  It seemed to make them look more oily than usual.  But, still a great product.

The product box showed the ingredients, however the product bottles did not.  Maybe it is because they are a trial sizes.

bareMineral products are available at QVC.  I went on the QVC site to see what other products bareMinerals have and my search returned 155 products!  And people seem to love all their products!  Lots of 4 & 5 star ratings!  To purchase these or any other bareMineral products you can call QVC at 1-888-345-5788 or visit www.qvc.com/bareescentuals


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***Closed*** FFR Crocs Tone Review and Giveaway

Congratulations to Erica! You won this giveaway! Winner chosen by Random.org. Thanks to all who entered and to Crocs for sponsoring this great giveaway!!!

Crocs has a new line of women’s shoes out called Crocs Tone. This new line of shoes has 4 different shoes in many colors and styles. Check them out below:

The Skylar Sandal:

The Skylar Flip-Flop:

The Skylar Clog:

The Skylar Flat:

The new line of Crocs Tone shoes, a new women’s collection that comes in 4 stylish models that still uses the same lightweight and odor-resisting, patented Croslite material as the original Crocs. The new Crocs Tone shoe offers the benefits of toning for your upper and lower legs without sacrificing any comfort or style. How wonderful is that?

My Review:

I was sent a pair of the Skylar Clogs to review in watermelon color because I am a girly girl. Love the color by the way! I also like the fact that you can wear them with the strap around your heel or you can push them forward and wear them like a slip on with no strap around your heel.

When I first tried them on I felt rather teetering because of the design on the bottom of the Skylar Clogs, it’s like you can rock in them when you stand. Weird I know, but after a walking in them that goes away the more you walk. Just took some getting use to compared to my other footwear.

I have to say that I really like Crocs. I have never had a pair before and I might have to fight with my daughter for them (not really but you’ll see why I say that). My 10 year old daughter took a shine to my new Crocs and tried them out even before I did since I was at the organic farming conference when they arrived. When I talked to home base over the phone they told me that my CROCS had arrived and asked if Giggles could open them, I said yes. Little did I know she would wear them ALL weekend long! And yes they fit her because we think she is going to be tall since her feet are nearly the size of mine and I wear size 9! Although I am short…..so I could be wrong, but she is tall for her age.

Editor’s Note 3/12/11: I wore them all day yesterday while working in the greenhouse and a walk around the neighborhood and I did start to get a blister on the top of my feet and the pads of my foot are sore a little. They are not quite broken in but my knees do not hurt and usually a shoe will let me know in my knees that they do not have enough support!

Two thumbs up for Skylar Clogs from Crocs!

Enter to win a pair of Crocs! (winner gets to pick the style and color!) Estimated value $50.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what style of the new Tone Crocs you want and what color!

Extra Entries (Please be sure and leave a comment and link for extra entries):

1 Entry:Follow Faith and Family Reviews On Twitter

1 Entry: Follow Crocs on Twitter

1 Entry:Like/Friend Faith and Family Reviews on Facebook.

1 Entry: Like Crocs on Facebook. And leave a comment saying- Faith and Family Reviews sent me.

2 Entries: Follow Faith and Family Reviews on Google Friend Connect (on the our right side bar).

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway, but only one tweet per day please. Include your tweet url with your comment. You may write your own tweet or use this one:

Giveaway: Enter to win a pair of Crocs! http://bit.ly/fHh04U @faithfamilyrevw! Please share! Thx!

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and link back this post and Crocs

1 Entry: for every comment you leave anywhere else on this blog, but please leave a link with your comment!

Details:
This giveaway will run from March 11th, 2011 to March 25th , 2011 at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. Crocs will send one winner their prize. Winner will be contacted via email on or before March 30th and will be asked for their contact and other pertinent info. Winners will have 48 hours to send me their e-mail at [ffr] [giveaways] [at] [gmail] [dot] [com] (without spaces and parenthesis). Please note: This giveaway is offered to USA only.

Thanks and have fun!


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***Closed***12 Days of Christmas Giveaways – Day 10- Afaze Necklace

Congratulations to Eve! You won this giveaway! Thanks to all who entered and to the wonderful sponsors! Winner chosen by random.org

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to YOU! A 4 Row Hemi/Silver Chains w/Tassel Necklace from Afaze!

This beautiful necklace from Afaze would compliment any outfit. Plus, it would make a great Christmas gift.

Enter to win this necklace from Afaze!

Mandatory Entry:Tell me what else you like from Afaze.

Extra Entries (Please be sure and leave a comment and link for extra entries):

1 Entry:Follow Faith and Family Reviews On Twitter(http://twitter.com/faithfamilyrevw)

1 Entry: Follow Afaze on Twitter

1 Entry:Like/Friend Faith and Family Reviews on Facebook

1 Entry: Like Afaze on Facebook

2 Entries: Follow Faith and Family Reviews on Google Friend Connect (on the our right side bar).

2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway, but only one tweet per day please. Include your tweet url with your comment. You may write your own tweet or use this one:

Giveaway: Enter to win a neckalce from Afaze @faithfamilyrevw! http://faithandfamilyreviews.com/?p=5944 Please share! Thx!

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and link back this post and Afaze.

1 Entry: for every comment you leave anywhere else on this blog, but please leave a link with your comment!

5 Entries: Tell me your favorite thing about Christmas.

Details:

This giveaway will run from December 1st, to Thursday, December, 15th 2010 at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. Afaze will ship one winner their prize. Winner will be contacted via email on or before December 20th and will be asked for their contact and other pertinent info. Winners will have 48 hours to send me their info at [ffr] [giveaways] [at] [gmail] [dot] [com] (without spaces and parenthesis). Please note: This giveaway is offered to US only.

Thanks and have fun!


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