Review: Posh by Liz

© Igor Mojzes - Fotolia.com

Despite knowing the importance of skin care, I've never been very good at making sure it gets done. Sure, I take showers, and occasionally use one of those pre-moistened facial cleansing cloths – especially if I'm sweaty. But a multi-step face-washing routine? Nope. I know I need to do better, but actually doing it hasn't ever been a high priority. And then the times I've attempted to start a routine, my skin would not respond very well. I've had new washing regimens cause breakouts. Or rashes. Things that never happened – or at least rarely happened – without washing. So, any new habits I've tried to create haven't lasted very long.

Somewhat recently, a few of my friends have started selling Posh products. I'll admit to being skeptical. This isn't the only product line to boast of its quality, pampering power, and general awesomeness. Although, when I heard about their Solid Hand Lotion Bar, or Handle, I was definitely intrigued. Still, honestly, not quite enough to shell out the cash for it, though.

Then my friends started selling, and my friend Liz reached out to bloggers she knew to send samples and write a review. I jumped on that immediately. In all honesty, I was more just wanting to help a friend than anything. (Remember, I'm a skeptic about this type of product!) But, I was excited to finally get to try it out.

Some key points about Posh Products:

• Paraben- and paraffin-free
• No soy, lanolin, or gluten ingredients
• No sulfates (including SLS) or phthalates
• Cruelty-free, meaning no testing on animals

Liz sent me samples of various products, including the aforementioned Handle. A few of the other samples I received:

• Facial in a Bag (includes several products; more details coming below)
• The Bombinator (bath bomb)
• Chunk (bath bar)
• The Saint (moisture mask)
• Big Fat Yummy Hand Creme
• Slather (body butter)

I started with the Facial in a Bag. This included Gender Bender, a detoxifying charcoal soap; The Stripper, a detoxifying body mud; The SugarFix, a non-greasy body scrub; and Sister, I'm a Poet, a non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog your pores) body butter. There also was a bonus Make-Out Magic lip scrub, to finish off the facial nicely.

The first thing to impress me is that all of the products smell fantastic! They're light and pleasant, and just made me smile. When I was done washing my face, I loved how my face smelled. When I woke in the morning, my face still smelled wonderful, and my skin was so very soft. And best of all, no breakouts or rashes! The routine is quick and easy, and I found myself really liking it. I might actually have found a cleansing regimen I can stick with! 

The other products are great, too. I used the Handle on the backs of my daughter's hands, which get painfully dry during the colder months. Her skin is extremely sensitive, so finding stuff that works for her is not always easy. We tried it, and she really, really likes it! And it helped her hands tremendously. I definitely will be purchasing more of this as needed.

If you're looking to try a new pampering product, I highly recommend Posh! 

To order: Go to Posh by Liz and click the SHOP link toward the top right of the page. 

Special for Readers of Ramblings & More: Make sure to contact Liz (use the CONTACT ME link at the top right of her page) before you place your order and mention this blog post to get a special discount. You also can ask her for samples, if you're like me and prefer to try before you buy. Don't need to try first? Let her know, and she'll give you a free product or free shipping with your order!

***Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for this post. Any products reviewed were either sent to me free of charge in exchange for my honest opinions, or they were purchased by me and I just wanna share.***

What's the Bzz: Bil-Jac Dry Dog Food #imabzzagent

Before I get started with this post, I just wanted to make it clear that I am a BzzAgent. BzzAgent is a company that helps businesses get the word out about their products. They hook their agents up with products to preview, and then let us loose to share our experiences. BzzAgents are open, honest, and having fun.

We have a 5-year-old beagle named Sawyer. He's generally a very good dog, and your typical chow-hound. He'll eat just about anything. Oddly, though, for the past several months, he'd been ignoring his bowl full of food for an entire day before eating his breakfast. It would get eaten right before it was dinner time. As I mentioned, he's a beagle. Beagles generally are not picky dogs. We're not sure what was up with that, but it seems to have passed now. You see, thanks to BzzAgent, we were able to sample Bil-Jac Dry Dog food. (Well, when I say we, I really mean Sawyer was able to sample it. No humans in this house ate any, at least so far as I am aware!)

We decided to try the 2-bowl challenge. All you do for that is put a small amount of his regular food in a bowl and a small amount of Bil-Jac in a bowl and let the dog pick.

Sawyer barely even considered his previous food. He inhaled Bil-Jac, and suddenly was very much looking forward to meals every day. He still looks forward to meals every day now!

With the exception of his eating habits, I'm not sure I could say he's changed much otherwise. He's in need of knee surgery, and still has regular problems with his bum knee(s). I never expected the food to fix that, of course. I'm sharing that because I think it's entirely possible that the lack of change in his behavior is because of his knees. His coat does appear to be a bit shinier, but that could be simply because I expect that to happen.

For more information on the Bil-Jac food, check out their Web site: Bil-Jac.com.
For more information on Bil-Jac nutrition, check out THIS PAGE.

My husband and I are both quite impressed with this food. Sawyer hasn't been this enthusiastic about his everyday food since he was a puppy!

We'd like to continue feeding this to our dog, but I'm not sure if we will. While it's clearly an excellent product, it is expensive. More expensive than the brand we'd previously fed Sawyer. I'm not sure if Bil-Jac fits into our budget. We'll try to make it work, though – I can say that with confidence.

So, yes, I would highly recommend Bil-Jac dry dog food. (And Sawyer would, too!)

Mompact Review & GIVEAWAY: Twooth Timer

Motherhood leaves women with all sorts of new worries, jobs, and roles. In addition to caring for your children, taking care of the big things (like feeding, nurturing, etc.), and being their biggest cheerleader, moms also have to worry about the little, day-to-day things. Many of these things are much bigger, because they can help our children develop lifelong habits. Fortunately, other moms have got your back! Mom inventors have created many wonderful things to help moms with all sorts of tasks, problems, etc. that come as part of the job.

Today I am thrilled to share the Twooth Timer with you!

The what?

The Twooth Timer! In short, it's a 2-minute timer that helps ensure your kids brush their teeth long enough for maximum health! It's cute and fun to use, and can help your children develop a healthy habit that will last a lifetime!

From the company's Web site:

Experts recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes. A recent study found young adults spent less than 35 seconds brushing their teeth.
New research is that finding heart disease and strokes, as well as diabetes and respiratory disease, may be linked to gum disease. Consider your mouth as a doorway to your body. Plaque is a colorless film of bacteria that sticks to teeth and if not properly removed, can lead to gum disease. The bacteria associated with gum disease can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body. Good oral hygiene is the best prevention.
Healthy habits begin early and our award-winning, mom-invented products are designed to help children achieve good dental health and have fun doing it! Recommended by dentists and dental hygienists for a lifetime of healthy smiles!

Look at that timer! Isn't it cute? Here are some more facts:

• Convenient size - 3¼" H x 2¾" W x 2½" D
• No batteries needed
• Helps reduce dental bills by improving dental hygiene
• Works with all types of toothbrushes - manual and electric
• Easy to use! Simply turn the top to the 2 and begin brushing. Stop when the bell rings.

My Thoughts: I gotta tell ya, I love this little device! I first heard about it in a survey with QuestionMoms, and was thrilled when this was one of the products available as part of the Mompact Blog Hop event!

My kids have been using this for a few weeks now, and it does its job. My oldest, who is 8, will not brush without it now! She loves it. I don't have to be there – she goes up to brush her teeth, starts the timer on her own, and brushes until it rings! We haven't been to the dentist yet since it arrived, but I look forward to her telling him about it. I think he'll be proud of her!

Now, did I mention how cute it is? It's bigger than I thought it'd be, but I like it. It stands out on our (regularly cluttered) bathroom counter, which means it doesn't get forgotten. Plus, it's sturdy. I know for a fact, because it's been dropped at least a couple of times ...

I only have one teeny tiny complaint, and it really is small. The timer, when it rings, is loud. It sounds like a kitchen timer (which is how I know for sure my daughter's using it, because I can hear it from downstairs), and is probably just as loud as one. Because of that, my younger two (5 and 3 years old) aren't big fans of it. The ringing apparently is a bit loud for their sensitive hearing – or something. BUT, I like it loud because – as I just mentioned – I can hear it ring when I'm downstairs, so I know it's getting used. I suspect that as the other two get older, they will come around and start using it, too.

The Final Word: Wonderful product that is sure to help your kids develop healthy habits, and hopefully keep those habits for life!

More Information: You can find out more about the Twooth Timer and the company at the following links.

• Company Site: TwoothTimer.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TwoothTimer
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/TwoothTimer
• Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinettedejanasz

WIN IT!

One lucky winner will receive a Twooth Timer prize pack, which includes 1 TwoothTimer and some Toothy T Temporary Tattoos (great to use as part of a reward system)!

How to enter: Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Detailed instructions and links (where needed) are provided with each step. ***Comments on this post do NOT count as entries!***

MANDATORY entry: 

• Enter your name and valid e-mail address

Extra entries:

• Follow Ramblings & More via Google Friend Connect (+1)
• Like me on Facebook (+1)
• Follow me on Twitter (+1)
• Like TwoothTimer on Facebook (+2)
• Follow TwoothTimer on Twitter (+2)
• Join QuestionMoms (+3)
• Visit Mompact Web site (+3)
• Follow Proud Book Nerd (+3)
• Like Proud Book Nerd on Facebook (+3)
• Follow ProudBookNerd on Twitter (+3)
• Subscribe for Ramblings & More e-mail updates (+5)
• Sign up for TwoothTimer newsletter (+5)
• Vote for TwoothTimer on Spokesmoms Facebook Promotion (+1 DAILY)
• Visit and leave a relevant comment on Proud Book Nerd (+1 DAILY)

Terms & Conditions: Giveaway ends at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, September 18, 2011.
Entry is open to those in the U.S. and Canada.
Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter once the giveaway has ended.
 
Disclosure: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Facebook, Twitter, or any other outside Web sites, nor is this promotion affiliated with these companies in any way. This is a Mompact sponsored event and the opinions and ideas on the product presented are entirely my own.





This post is part of the Mompact Blog Hop GIVEAWAY event, which includes a total of 122 blogs – and prizes to win on each! After you enter my giveaway, make sure to visit the next blog on the list:

Reviewed by Mom

***Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for this post. Any products reviewed were either sent to me free of charge in exchange for my honest opinions, or they were purchased by me and I just wanna share.***

Review: Dearfoams Slippers

I have always been a shoe girl. You know, the one who has several pairs of shoes, many of which only match one outfit.

Well, until I had kids, but that's another story.

Now that I'm a homeowner, I generally prefer no one wear shoes in the house. When I hear protests (often from Mr. Ham), my response is to wear slippers.

I love slippers! I especially love fuzzy, soft, fluffy ones. But I have a hard time finding ones I like. Some aren't as fluffy as they seem, others just don't suit my style.

Then I was introduced to Dearfoams slippers. Oh. My. Gosh! Any type of slippers you could possibly want are likely available there! You like ballet slippers? Clogs? Boots? Moccasins? No problem! They're there. The man in your life need slippers? They've got him covered!

But, Heather, you say, summer's almost here! Won't slippers be too warm? Don't you worry, my friend! They have open-toe and thong slippers, too!

And this brings me to my review. I was offered a few styles and colors, and chose a thong style. I figured that with summer fast approaching, I would get more use out of them in the coming months. I chose the Blue Print Floral Thongs. I thought they were so cute with the little flowers, and I just loved the colors.

Aren't they adorable? And don't they look supper fuzzy and soft? I couldn't wait to give them a try!

Here's the info on these particular slippers (from the company's Web site):

Go girly with soft and ladylike floral thong slippers—perfect for showing off your just-painted peeping toes.

• Upper: Terry
• Lining: Terry
• Decorative floral embellishments
• Indulgent foam cushioning
• Skid-resistant rubber outsoles
• Machine washable

Priced at $20, they are a great deal. They offer free shipping every day on orders $45 or more, and standard $6 flat-rate ground shipping for less. Not a bad deal!

My own feet donned in my
new Dearfoams slippers.

My Thoughts: They arrived today, and I've already been wearing them around the house. Yes. They are as soft and fuzzy as they look. Yes, they are very comfortable! I just love the rubber outsoles, as I do tend to wear my slippers onto the front porch (and occasionally out back) when I run out for a minute. I like the idea that they aren't going to wear abnormally (for slippers) because the bottom is sturdy. Plus, no concerns over slipping on our tile bathroom or kitchen floors!

These slippers make my feet very happy, and I think I'll be looking to get a winter-weather pair in the fall. (Maybe I'll ask Mr. Ham for some for Christmas.) I like the idea that they'll likely last a lot longer than my standard slippers, which tend to wear away on the bottom (because of my outside wear, no doubt) well before the fluffiness is gone. Bonus: They are machine-washable. I a house full of kids, cats, and a dog (not to mention the man), that is a HUGE bonus!

WIN THEM! 

That's right! I currently have a giveaway (with THREE winners) of Dearfoams slippers. Hurry, though, as the giveaway ends May 15, 2011.

Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for this review, although I was sent a free pair for evaluation purposes. The opinions expressed in this post as solely based on my experience with the product and/or company.

What's the Bzz: L'Oreal Paris

Before I get started with this post, I just wanted to make it clear that I am a BzzAgent. BzzAgent is a company that helps businesses get the word out about their products. They hook their agents up with products to preview, and then let us loose to share our experiences. BzzAgents are open, honest, and having fun.

I was sent two L'Oreal products for sampling. Before I go into it, let me just tell you that I've never been a big fan of L'Oreal. Not that I was negative about the company. I just wasn't all that into them.

Now, I am sold.

I was sent L'Oreal Paris The One Sweep Eye Shadow and Double Extend Eye Illuminator (mascara). I've always been told that I my eyes are my best feature, and I was excited to have a product that could help me bring them out. And these products do so nicely. Quite nicely – and they are so easy to use. The quickest eye-makeup application ever, at least for me! Prior to this, I wasn't much of a makeup wearer, but I think I'm going to start wearing this eye makeup regularly.

About the eye shadow:

• One-of-a-kind applicator makes it very easy to apply three complimentary shades to your eyes in one easy step. And it really is super easy. Before this, I never was one to wear more than one shade of eye shadow, simply because I could never get it to look right. Now, I can no problem. It looks great!
• Shadow colors are coordinated to help enhance your eye color, and come in: Blue, Green/Hazel, and Brown.
• Suggested retail: $9.95 – and worth every penny!

About the mascara:

• This is a two-step mascara, and is very easy to use. There is the Black Mascara Basecoat, which has a hint of color, and an Illuminating Topcoat, which is infused with light-reflecting pearls.
• For an everyday look, apply Topcoat to the tips of eyelashes. For a dramatic look, apply Topcoat from root to tip.
• Four shades are available: Black Copper for Blue Eyes, Black Bronze for Green/Hazel Eyes, Black Quartz for Brown Eyes, and Black Crystal for All Eyes
• Ophthalmologist- and allergist-tested, this mascara is safe for both contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes.
• Suggest retail: $10.95

Again, both products are so easy to use, and look awesome. I got compliments from my husband, my son, and even my 13-year-old niece! (I was especially impressed when my niece complimented me!)

The eye shadow is amazing. And there's a small mirror inside the case that is the perfect size for use when applying the eye shadow. And it stays put. I wore it several days in a row (washing it off every night, of course), and it never gathered in the creases of my eyelids or faded during the day. I was quite happy about that. And washing it off is easy-peasy.

The mascara was awesome. I was able to get the curled effect without using an eyelash curler! Let me tell you, that makes me happy! I hate those things! ;-) I also was able to apply it without getting clumps. I had no trouble washing this off, either. And this, too stayed put throughout the day – even after I got caught outside in a rainstorm!

These are fabulous, fabulous products. I have finally found the perfect eye shadow and mascara combination for me! :-)

Review: DiamondEarrings.org

I love this heart-shaped box.
So cool!

The 411: I was recently contacted to review earrings from DiamondEarrings.org. I thought, sure, why not? Who doesn't love diamond earrings, right? Now, to make sure it's clear: these are not real diamonds, but simulated diamonds. This is part of a promotion for DiamondEarrings.org, to help spread the word about this site. The eventual plan is to sell real diamond jewelry.

My Thoughts: First, I was quite impressed by how quickly these earrings arrived. I expected to wait weeks, but that was not the case. We're talking days! And this was free – no money out of my pocket! I'm guessing paying customers will be able to expect the same, if not faster, shipping! When I opened the package, I was delighted. The box the earrings is a black velvet box that is heart-shaped! LOVE the heart shape!

Sorry the quality of the picture
isn't very good. The earrings
are gorgeous and fun to wear!

The earrings themselves are beautiful! They look as real as my real diamond earrings, and that is pretty cool. I'm always nervous about wearing my real diamonds to things like the pool or something that could result in my losing one. These are great to use as my replacement pair. My husband and my friends were unable to tell that they are simulated diamonds.

Get Them: For a limited time, you, too, can get your hands on a free pair! All you have to pay is $3.77 for shipping and handling! Simulated diamond earrings for less than $4! All they ask is that you spread the word about their site in exchange for the earrings. For more information or to place your order, visit their site, DiamondEarrings.org.

Thank You: These earrings were sent to me free of charge by Chris at DiamondEarrings.org.