Episencial Skin Care for Babies Review & Giveaway 6/30

 Great Skincare for Babies,  It is Organic, Natural, and you perfect for the delicate skin!
Do not miss out on this great giveaway!  

At Last Naturals For Women Review & Giveaway 7/05

  Whether it is PMS, Meno Pause, or Perimenopause--At Last Naturals has some great natural and herbal ways to help you get your hormones and body back to a good balance.
Low Entries   And the ARV $120!

Beco Baby Carrier Review & Abby's Lane Gift Certificate Giveaway 7/10

Enter to win a $15.00 Gift Certificate from one of the best Cloth Diaper Shops I know!

Shutterfly Photo Album!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Giveaway Round up-- Have you Entered to Win?

Uprinting Giveaway 6/26

Get 50 Bruchures printed professionally!
Only 2 people have entered, 2 days left to enter!!

Episencial Skin Care for Babies Review & Giveaway 6/30

 Great Skincare for Babies,  It is Organic, Natural, and you perfect for the delicate skin!
Do not miss out on this great giveaway!  

At Last Naturals For Women Review & Giveaway 7/05

  Whether it is PMS, Meno Pause, or Perimenopause--At Last Naturals has some great natural and herbal ways to help you get your hormones and body back to a good balance.
Low Entries only 3 people have entered!  And the ARV $120!

Beco Baby Carrier Review & Abby's Lane Gift Certificate Giveaway 7/10

Enter to win a $15.00 Gift Certificate from one of the best Cloth Diaper Shops I know!

Summer PartyLite Party is Tomorrow! :)

Tomorrow is my PartyLite Party! I am so excited, we have been waiting all month to invite friends over to our house!  I  just wanted to see if I can tempt you all to check out the Party Guest Rewards and if you feel compelled to.....get a little sweet something for yourself and your home. It would be easier to email you a direct Invitation for you to shop online.  Just fill out the form below and I will send you an invite so that you can receive all the Exclusive Guest Rewards and Discounts that my in person guests shall get!

Beco Baby Carrier: Review & GC to Abby’s Lane!

About Abby’s Lane: 

I love the online selection at Abby’s Lane, and am so thankful for all at Abby’s Lane for choosing to stock Beco Baby Carriers! Abby’s Lane has great choices when it comes to taking care of baby. I love browsing the store (quite often actually), and the staff there are very fun and engaging. Their blog is constantly chalk full of helpful advice on cloth diapering and children—not to mention fun! They are a very personable crew, I love working with them, tweeting with them, and visiting Abby’s Lane on facebook. Can I just say, Heap on the praise for their dedication to us? Thank you so much!

 

 My Thoughts on Beco Baby Carriers:

I really enjoy using our Butterfly 2, Beco Baby Carrier. Before I had ever owned a Beco Baby Carrier, I was turned off to baby carrying. My husband and I bought a really cheap baby carrier, and I was so uncomfortable in it and did not trust it for when we took walks around the neighborhood—I felt the carrier slowly inch its way loose. Beco Baby Carrier really turned my thoughts to the positive about baby carrying. I started to love baby carrying again, and I thank Gabby for creating Beco Baby Carriers and for giving me a chance to earn one.

Here are some Reasons Why We Enjoy Our Beco Carrier:

• First off, I love the ease of adjusting the straps while having the confidence that it would not loosen up on us. I did not have to fight to get it to be the right length or tension. After the adjustments were made, I felt the Beco to be safe and secure. The straps did not loosen up or feel like it was sinking as we walked or used it--even after a good length of time. It was a good feeling to stroll with our daughter without any frustration due to the carrier!

• This Butterfly 2 Beco Carrier can hold a newborn at 7 pounds and a toddler up to 45 pounds.  The broad range this carrier can hold makes it versatile and friendly on the budget.  The Infant insert comes with it, no need to make another purchase.  It makes this carrier accomodating to any family.  I know If I could stretch out the baby wearing days and use of the carrier, why not?  Loving the great range it can hold!

• This carrier has proven to be very comfortable for our daughter while giving her great back and body support. She often falls asleep in it so many times! I felt that Beco gives great back support because I can see the difference in the way she sits in the carrier. The comfort level is true to me the main baby carrier as well! I do not feel like anything is digging into me. The straps have a lot of cushion, and the way it fits me like a back pack is one of my favorite features. When she is strapped in, I feel comfortable enough to move about the house as well as take little hikes.  I also can indeed wear it as a backpack on my back.  So I love the alternate way of wearing it!

• This carrier offers another range of support.  The back of the Beco comes up high to support her upper back and neck, and it comes with a removable head rest. The foldable head rest comes in handy when I want her to lay her head down flat on my chest.  The only thing I would change is adding more snaps so that it could be better adjusted.  As of right now it gives room for a child to grow into and has some what of a "scrunch" to it.  But it is just too loose for our daughter at 9 months.  It does allow her to move her head about, which is great, but at time I feel it's just too loose.   

• Unique and Artful Prints! The style we got is a Beco Butterfly2 called "Tyler"-- Medley of leaves in white, turquoise and dark grey on black background. Comes with black brushed canvas straps.This print is just fun and something that both my husband and I would wear.  

 

Overall Opinion:

I love baby wearing, and I am glad that I had a Beco Baby Carrier come my way to change my negative initial thoughts on baby wearing. We love the ease of this carrier and give it two thumbs up for being Secure, User Friendly, and Comfortable. With unique and artful designs, I do believe you will find one you will love! It feels natural having her in the position the Beco creates! Ultimately, I feel a great deal comfortable using it.  I believe that this is a Carrier that will hold up well after our first child. We have had two other baby carriers before coming across a Beco, and we Love our Beco and do recommend it. 

Interested in learning more about Beco Baby Carriers or getting one for yourself? 

Check out Abby's Lane Stock of Beco Carrier--Click Picture below! :)

• Shop their online store: Abby’s Lane
• Tweet with them: www.twitter.com/abbyslane
• Fan Abbys Lane Diapers on facebook for sale notifications and news!
• Abby's Lane Blog It's the Cloth That Counts
• Check out their Scheduled Weekly Madness! Starts 6/27/11

Giveaway:
One of S&M’s readers will Win a $15.00 Gift Certificate from Abby’s Lane! Giveaway will end July 10, 2011 at midnight PST. Winner will be drawn via Random.org and will be sent a confirmation email. Winner must respond within 48 hours of receiving the confirmation email. If no response, a second winner will be drawn for the prize.  Must fill out form to Enter and complete Mandatory Entry! 

**Enter Giveaway Here**

Disclosure: Carrier was my own, and earned through Beco Friends thanks Abby's Lane for naming me as their referral!  I was not compensated to write this review. Views expressed are my own, 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.

Time

Time is so valuable.  As a mom, one thing that I have learned is that one thing we can offer our family and friends is our time.  Sophie needs time with me!  The man of my life needs time with me.  Friends and family need time with me.  A lot of distractions demand our attention daily.

Here a few things that I have learned:

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:22-23

• Take the beginning of the day to refresh, refocus, and restart! 
• Do not let what bogged you down in "yesterday" put a damper on your new day.
• It is a new day.

 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.  Proverbs 16:3

• Our thoughts, set your thoughts right, do not be overwhelmed with the tasks at hand.  When your mind becomes clouded and busied, running 80MPH--you really are a chicken running around with its head cut off.  For me, I get peace in mind as well as a clear mind when I give everything to God and just praying. 

A Man's Heart deviseth his way but the Lord directs his steps.  Proverbs 16:9

• Be Flexible.  Time is short, do not get angry when you cannot get everything done that you have planned.  Don't get upset either!  :)  Be flexible with your time.  Sometimes your toddler just needs an extra loving and playing with you!  Cherish these moments.  Be Flexible!  Things happen.

Okay...these are just a few....of many that I wish to post! :) Enjoy!

Word-Filled Wednesdays

Your 2 Winners are....

Winners have been confirmed!  Yay, and Congrats you two for winning a giveaway prize on Sophie and Momma's Blog!

Alrighty my friends and followers, if you have never won a giveaway from my blog, please take advantage of this opportunity to snag extra entries! :)

Just comment below for an extra 2 entries to any of my giveaways.  Just let me know which giveaway you'd like the entries to go towards!  Please leave a username/or email that you've used to enter into my giveaways!  :) 

Giveaways going on right now:
Episencial Summer Skin Care Giveaway
Uprinting Brochures Giveaway
At Last Naturals for Women

At Last Naturals Review and Giveaway

How I got into At Last Naturals

The Words:  “You are just not the same….”  caught my attention after giving birth to our first daughter Sophie.  “I am not the same?  What do you mean?”  I felt humbled and felt myself just drop inside.   “I love you, honey, but your attitude and just something about you is not the same.  I don’t know….”  He said these words with all the tenderness and love that he could muster.  Looking into my eyes, I could see that he meant no harm in it plus the tone in his voice mirrored the concern he had.   I felt the anger swelling in me leave, and inside I just felt deflated.  I knew he was right.  I did not feel right.  These last few months have been awful, we had been fighting almost endlessly about who knows what.  The littlest things did set me off.  I constantly felt overwhelmed.  I knew I was struggling with taking care of Sophie, but I did not think I needed help.   “I know, I haven’t been the same, Andy, sorry.”  

This conversation we had made me realize I did need help.  I did a bit of research and was able to contact At Last Naturals to see if their herbal blends of Wild Yam, Red Clovers, and other herbals mixes would be something that would aid my body in getting into balance.  

You're hot and cold, up and down and you can’t find your libido. Sounds like the lyrics to a really bad country song but unfortunately these feelings are very real to the millions of women who are experiencing symptoms of PMS, perimenopause and/or menopause.

Finally, there is a product that offers you a natural solution to help you get back to feeling like yourself. Introducing At Last Naturals, a line of all, natural products for women – developed by a woman (!) – who are experiencing the bothersome symptoms of menopause, perimenopause or PMS. At Last Naturals, available in topical creams, gels and herbal supplements, was primarily developed to help women embrace all the changes in their life, and restore their body to optimum balance. So, whether you’re 20 or 40 or 50 or any where in between, At Last Naturals can help you keep your body and spirit in balance through each of life’s transitions.  --At Last Naturals

 Now, I know I was not taking this for Menopause or PMS, but the idea behind the product lends itself to restoration of balance within a woman.  I badly needed restoration and balance!  Looking up the ingredients, I thought I would give it a shot.  Breastfeeding at the time, I was not able to immediately use it because of the herbal contents.  There has not been a lot of research done about the effects of taking herbal supplements, and it is just strongly suggested to wait till one is done breastfeeding.   

After Sophie was off of breastfeeding and moved to forumula, I began using the products.  I have to say, that at first I did not really notice anything.   After continuing to use it, I have to say I felt a lot better and I have say physically I felt that using these products have taken edge off.  “edge” was taken off.  The one I liked the most was the Meno Herbs with Red Clover and their Paraben Free Wild Yam Cream with Vitamin E.  

My Experience At Last Naturals

Meno-Herbs with Red Clover & Meno- Herbs 2. 

My body physically had more energy, and I felt more relaxed to do things that I needed to do.  When I told my husband how I felt, he reminded me that I needed to make sure that it was the Herbs doing its thing and not my mind playing tricks on me!  So after a month of using this, I have to say I have not had any adverse effects using it.  I did miss a couple of days here and there.  But I did notice a difference when I did take it and when I did not use it.  I felt more “life” come back to me and felt a bit more balanced.    The one that I felt put my body at rest more was the Meno- Herbs.  I liked this one better I think, in comparison to the Meno Herbs 2.    

At Last Naturals Vaginal Gel with Vitamin E.  

Okay, so I was not at sure at first.  But yes, it is hard to get back into ‘life’ after giving birth.  Things are not the same down there!  I know that things did not work the same in terms of lubrication.  So this was something that was great to have for anyone in their post partum part of healing.  I had found this was a great product to have that is water based, and had some moisturizing elements to it that I very much appreciated.  

Now, I am still a young mom, and do not know much about life as an older woman, but this At Last Naturals Vaginal Gel, has some herbs that can help restore natural lubrication, as well as Vitamin E for “soothing relief” from vaginal dryness.  

Paraben Free Creams for Menopause, Perimenopause & PMS Support:

I really actually liked using these creams.  The one I used the most was the Wild Yam Cream with Vitamin E.  I did not think I needed the Extra Strength.  I think the regular was perfect for where I am at as a post partum mom.  Yet the runner up to ones  I really liked was the Equigest Natural Progesterone Balancing Cream.  I liked that this one, included Vitamin A, E and pure aloe vera.  I used this one frequently on my belly.  This one helps out during the times when progesterone levels are really low.  Causing the mood swings.  So this is the one I also used a lot.  So to sum it all up:  They offer Regular Wild Yam Cream with Vitamin E, Extra Strength Yam Gel, and Natural Progesterone Balancing Cream with Vitamin E. 

Instead of taking 2 tablets it was nice to just apply a little bit of these creams to a soft part of my body.  I generally did this when I was in a rush or in a hurry.  I did at times use these Creams simultaneously (which is okay to do) when I took the tablets.  I know that I did feel that the tablets were more effective much more quickly than the creams.   But that is just the way I perceive it.  Others might think differently or have different rates at which their bodies absorb the creams.  I am just recording my personal experiences!  

My periods have gone easier though.  I do not know if I can attribute it to using these creams totally or to using it in accordance with the tablets, but my menstrual cycles have balanced out while I was in use of this product for the month.  I know my husband does on occasion say "Are you going to have your period soon?"  So I cannot say it gets rid of everything!  But I do believe that this is something that has helped.  You might want to look into what At Last Naturals can offer you.  Give it a try if you have hard cases of hot flashes or PMS problems.

My Conclusion:

I have to say that my husband and I have been talking more and there is less fighting.  I know that through the months of using At Last Naturals Products, I have experienced a better transition in life after birth and dealing with life now as a mother with menstrual cycle!  I am very much thankful for a way to balance out my hormones herbally and naturally.  I have felt that this has helped me get my balance back.  :) 

I know that these products can aid, but it is always good to have a healthy I lifestyle.  Use these products to help get you into a good place, but do not neglect the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle!  Excercise, eating healthy, and getting out and about with friends and family with At Last Naturals helping me along the way is a good way to feel balanced again! 

Giveaway: One reader will receive one set of At Last Naturals Products $120 value!  This is very very generous, and am excited about this opportunity!

Open to US Residents only, Must fill out form to enter.  Giveaway ends July 5th, 2011.  Winner will be drawn via Random.org.  Winner will be contacted via email, but respond to notification email in 48 hours or another winner will be drawn.  Prize will be awarded and shipped from sponsor.  

Their product line includes the following (for more detailed descriptions  click here):

·        At Last Naturals Wild Yam Cream

·        At Last Naturals Wild Yam Extra Strength Gel 

·        At Last Naturals Vaginal Gel

·        At Last Naturals Wild Yam Meno-Herbs^®

·        At Last Naturals Meno-Herbs2^® (with Protykin^®)

·        At Last Naturals Equigest^® Progesterone Cream

 At Last Naturals products are available online at www.atlastnaturals.com, as well as at fine natural food stores nationwide.

Research Links:

Wild Yam:

http://www.raysahelian.com/wildyam.html

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/wild-yam-000280.htm

Red Clover:

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/red-clover-000270.htm
Black Cohosh:
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/blackcohosh/a/blackcohosh.htm
Menopause:
http://www.swedish.org/Services/Womens-Health/Womens-Health-Services/Menopause?gclid=CI2nxrH3x6kCFR02gwodmi_Yng

Some of At Last Naturals Testimonials:
http://www.atlastnaturals.com/pages/Testimonials.html
Check out their Blog Post "Advice on the Change is still the Same--Conflicting"
http://www.atlastnaturals.com/blog/?p=95

Disclaimer:  Now, I am no doctor or have any medical training so please do not take what I say as  any kind of professional recommendation or anything.  I am writing from my own experience.  I wrote this review from my experience, and are my own opinions.  The product was provided to me in order to facilitate this review and giveaway.  I was not paid to write this review. Please research herbal medicines some are more prone to being allergic to certain herbs.  I do not have allergies at all (or any that I know of) so please consult your doctor/physician before taking anything.  Thanks!

Father's Day Coming up

Uprinting June Giveaway!

Thank you so much Uprinting for sponsoring this giveaway! 

Uprinting is an online printing company that works with you to get just about any kind of project that can be put to paper printed! They are not limited to Brochures and Business Cards either. Just to name a few things they also do-- Catalogs, Yard Signs, Wall Art, Banners, Invitations...etc.  They have quite a variety of printing services that can be utilized by companies, business owners, as well as your everyday person. 

If you are in a business or have some project coming up--please, do not pass up this opportunity to win a 50 piece brochure. 

I am truly envious for those who get this opportunity!  Look at the quality! I could think about many different ways to use this Brochure Printing prize! To name a few: Birthday Invitation cards, or some Business Brochures for my husband, or even a Brochure for some upcoming projects and events for school and church! I do not know, but it would be awesome to see where your creativity will take you.

The Prize Details:
The Winner will get 50 pieces of 8.5" x 11" Brochures printed on 100lb Paper Gloss with *FREE SHIPPING*. They also have the choices of Folding:Half Fold, Trifold/Letterfold, Z-Fold, Roll Fold, Accordion Fold. And Printing options: Outside and Inside printing, 2 Business Days Turnaround.

Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only who have not won a Uprinting Giveaway in the past six months.

To Enter the Giveaway simply fill out the form below!  Giveaway Ends June 26, 2011.





Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, an online printing company. Visit UPrinting.com for more information about brochures and available brochure templates.

Green Momma Blog Hop: Wednesdays

For all Mommas coming from the Green Mama Blog Hop I just want to welcome you!
We cloth diaper our baby girl, and are starting to be mindful of Healthy, Green, and Money saving options.

If you are interested I just posted up a Review and Giveaway of wonderful Episencial Green, Organic, and Natural Baby Skin Care! I wrote an article about staying safe in the sun with sunscreen. Check out Environmental Working Group's List of healthy Sunscreens!  Episencial Sunny Sunscreen is on their top list for the best and most safest of sunscreen!  Enjoy!

Enjoy the Information and Links:

Episencial Skincare Review and Giveaway

Article of staying safe with sunscreen!

EWG's 2011 List of Best and Safest Sunscreens

Word-Filled Wednesdays: Carnal vs. Spirit

So lately, I have been going through an Audible book, Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer.
She has been sharing a lot of verses concerning what our mind dwells on.  Our minds dictate what our actions will be.  If I spend all day thinking about the wrong negative things....and believing lies about who I am, then I will be negative and act in the way I believe myself to be.  I find that the more I think a certain negative way, the more I ACT a certain way.  So, today, I just wanted to share with you that you if you are dwelling in the Spirit by meditating on the Word of God, and thinking positively--you will be positive in your actions.  If I spend all day thinking about how I am always at home, how I am tired, we do not have this or that, my husband always is at work---what do you think my day will be like?  Very depressing and negative!  Not to mention I do not get anything done if I spend my day thinking these depressing and very very negative thoughts.



I guess "What is my mind feeding on?"
I need to do a health check on what I am "feeding" my mind!
Love you all and I hope that you guys are provoked and encouraged to have the mind of Christ and to seek after the things of the Spirit.  It is life and peace!


I did want to say if you guys wanted the same Audible Book, Battlefield of the Mind.  Audible.com offers a free month trial of their books.  You get to choose 2 books for free from the start off.  I did that, and got Battlefield of the Mind and an Audio Bible.  Audible.com works with Amazon.com so it is safe, and I have tried it for about 3 months now.

Totally Tuesday Blog Hop!

Welcome to my blog site! Leave a comment and follow me and I will follow you back!

While you are here enter into my giveaways! :)

Thanks for following!

Staying Safe with Sunscreen and Skin Care: Part 2 Episencial Review and Giveaway

Episencial Skin Care: Review and Giveaway

 With the sun beginning to come out more often, we are definitely enjoying Sophie’s first summer with lots of walks by the beach, picnics and other various activities.  For all the days we have been out in the sunshine, she did not get any sunburns.  Episencial Sunny Sunscreen had her covered!  Also as a testimony, On one of our longest time frames in the hot sun, Episencial Sunny Sunscreen provided all the protection she needed.  We came home after that 3 hour party and the verdict?  No Sunburns!  And the cool fact is that  Episencial Sunny Sunscreen is listed in the Environmental Working Group's List of Best, Safest and Top-rated Sunscreens of 2011!  That is 3 thumbs up!

About Episencial:

Our products are designed to support the skin’s role in the body’s immune system to promote health and wellness as well as beauty. –Episencial

I came across Episencial Skin Care.  What first drew me to their products was the fact that these products were specifically made and formulated with a young delicate baby skin in mind. This always catches my eyes and ears if it is formulated for babies, and I wanted to know “why”. Well, I learned that Episencial products incorporate natural, organic ingredients that work with the body in developing the immunity properties of the skin. While nuturing and protecting the baby’s skin it supports the skin’s growth processes and allows it to do what it needs to do naturally without any chemical hazards or hindrances. Another way to think of it is that it protects and nourishes the baby’s skin without the smothering! Secondly, Episencial is gentle and great for use from birth. Thirdly, I like these aspects of theirs “free from the bad stuff like additives, parabens, and petroleum…phthalate and BpA free manufactured with solar power, proudly made in the USA.”

The difference between Episencial among other natural and organic lines is their unique approach to skin care.  If there was anything I learned from Episencial, it is the fact that Skin and Immunity goes hand in hand.  With Healthy Skin one can be sure that that person will have a pretty healthy immune system.  Episencial products provide the platform with which a baby can have the best skin care through bathing, nourishing, and protecting. 

Fun in the Sun with Episencial Skin Care:

We have taken our Episencial Sunny Sunscreen everywhere we go these past few weeks to protect Sophia's skin from UVA and UVB rays. The texture of the sunscreen felt very much like lotion and not oily.  I loved that it did not make a mess when I squeezed it out because of its lotion-like consistency.  This quality of Sunny Sunscreen made it easy to apply to Sophia.  I felt safe lathering it on her without the fear of it dribbling down onto her eyes or anything.  

I felt good knowing that I was truly making the right choice for my baby. I have to say that I really am pleased at the way the sunscreen is infused with antioxidants to "prevent sun induced free radical damage" as well as nourishing organic oils such as avocado and safflower to hydrate the skin.  While protecting baby's skin from the sun, I am so grateful to know that it is also actively promoting the overall immunity of my child's skin. 

Also, for added protection for her face, I put some Episencial Protective Face Balm on her face, cheeks, and lips. The heat and the wind I thought would blister her face a bit, so I added this for extra protection. Her cheeks were not dried out either from all my experiences.

 We live right next to the harbor where we the breeze still has a bite to it. So, this Protective Face Balm gave her cheeks and face a bit more protection. I love it, because it keeps her cheeks protected and it does not become all rosy with the appearance of crackled and shiny. And it also has an SPF of 6 which I find perfect since the face is the most part of her body exposed to the sun! 

 
 During winter time I had wished someone would have introduced me to this Protective Face Balm from Episencial! When we did have walks outside in the cold, her cheeks would get dry and a bit red. This would have come in handy! So now that I know, we are ready for winter as well!

Lastly, I would like to introduce you to Episencial Soothing Cream.  This Soothing Cream could not have come at a better time-- warmer weather, bug bites and diaper rashes.  Just to name a few of the ingredients here: Jojoba Oil, Organic Safflower, natural lipids, calendula, green tea--all of which work together to restore, heal, protect, and hydrate your baby's skin.  


She has two little dots that I suspect are bug bites on her legs that are just red and itchy looking. I dabbed a tiny bit of Soothing Cream to calm her bites. The next morning, I checked out the bug bites, and the redness went away, and all I could see were the two bumps. I tried taking a picture, but she just would not keep still enough, sorry.

Now for Rashes. At 8 months now, she has been “scratching” at her diaper. This Soothing cream definitely has helped out with the redness, and I have seen the difference in her rashes getting better. Also...I have used it myself just to try it out on my psoriasis! It did calm down my itchy flares that is associated with psoriasis.The natural oils and extracts incorporated in the Soothing Cream I think works wonders with my easily irritated psoriasis.  Love it.

I want to give my daughter the best chance at developing healthy immunity through healthy skin. I felt that Episencial Skin Care is a great way to go. For her to have skin is important to me because both my husband and I suffer from eczema.  The fact that these products can be used right from birth is a testimony to how above par this skin care line really is.  

Ways to connect with Episencial:

www.facebook.com/Episencial

www.twitter.com/Episencial

Shop and find a store near you who carries Episencial products!

http://episencial.com/customer-service/store-locator/

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Only 36 Entries Counted 
as of 6/15, Noon

To Enter the Giveaway Please Fill out the form by clicking the link below:  

Episencial Skin Care Giveaway Form

Tweet
If you are coming back to repost for a "daily tweet or post" comment below saying what task you are doing and leave your email and permalink! :) Thanks and enjoy the sunshine! 

Giveaway Rules:  Please use the form to enter, Giveaway Ends June 30th, 2011. Open to US only. Winner will be drawn through Random.org and will be sent a notification email.  Winner has 48 hours to respond otherwise a new winner will be drawn.  Winner will receive all the products that I have reviewed in this review-Sunny Sunscreen, Protective Face Balm, and Soothing Cream.  Disclaimer: Products were sent to me for review, and I was not compensated in any other way to write this review. Prize is fulfilled by Sponsor. Views expressed here are mine.

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Staying Safe with Sunscreen and Skin Care: Part 1

Out at the beach!

Summertime Fun in the Sun! 

 Playing in the Sun is great now that the weather is warmer and days are brighter.  We all need to get vital Vitamin D by getting the nice sunshine rays on our skin (UVB)!  With a good average 15-20 minutes out playing in the sun three times a week, our body is able to create Vitamin D biologically!   We need to have sunshine in our life. (Check out this article about how people have too little sunshine!  Sunscreens Exposed: 9 Surprising Truths.)

Up here in the Northwest we do not get a lot of the sun, and we get out in it every chance we can.  Yet, now that I have a daughter, I am a bit more mindful of how Ultraviolet rays from the sun can also do big damage to her delicate skin.  Overexposure to the sun can cause skin cancer and not to  mention, Sunburns!  Not fun nor heatlhy. Keeping Safe this Summer with Sunblock is one of my priorities as a mother.

Not all Sunblocks are created equal:

As moms we do research in finding the best and most safest products for our children--especially since not every product is as safe as we think it is.  I have come to find that a majority of sunblocks that I have grabbed in the past as a single college girl have some pretty complex chemicals that have ill effects on the human body.  As a Chemistry student, I hardly ever knew that the chemicals I would study and ways certain chemicals reacted with other chemicals could be so close to me as the sunscreen I would lather on.  

The sun can break down the chemicals that are found in most sunscreens.  The breaking down of these chemicals can be 

Here are some Sunscreen Ingredients that should be red flags to you when shopping for commercial sunscreens.  PABA, Benzophenone, Parabens, Padimate-O and Parasol 1789

Here are some links that you can check out for further research and reading! :)

 

A Baby's Skin is No Match for the Sun

Environmental Group Finds Dangerous Chemicals in Sunscreen

The Environmental Working Group recently released their 2011 Sunscreen Guide 

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So what Sunscreen are we using this summer for Sophie?

We have been using Episencial Sunny Sunscreen SPF 35

 Episencial Sunny Sunscreen has a rating of 2 on the EWG's 2011 Sunscreen Guide--Low Hazard!

Check out Part 2 for more information and a review of Episencial Products and an **Episencial Giveaway!**

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Lessons Learned from Fasting

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.  

And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward hungry.

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.  

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights.  Meaning, he did not "break" fast.  One day was really hard.  Especially since I kept slipping up by accidentally popping little snacks in my mouth as I made food for Sophia.  I would spit it out and be like, "Wow, it was so easy to just forget!"  This one day of just denying my flesh from its pleasures was super hard.  I ended up eating for dinner at 9pm. I felt sick at times, and remembered that Jesus and the Word of God ought to be my Staple and my fulfillment! 

I feel so put back in my place when I compare to how Jesus fasted! Jesus communed with God in the wilderness.  He depended upon the Word of God being his source for strength.  I am amazed and feel sorely lacking in faith and ability to focus on praying continually.  This was the reason why we are created!  To be in fellowship with God continually!  

I just wanted to share this with you all.  Praise be to God our Father and His Son Jesus Christ!

Handbags for Spring (Just a WishList!)

"Polly in Lime"

 I like this color splash of Green! 

The dazzling bright lime just catches the eye...

and says "Hello!"

"Harmony"

I like  her artistic touch!

Red and Black in "Harmony"

Just a nice blend mesh of fabric

"Refreshed"

By Far "Refreshed" is my favorite! 

Can't you just hear it saying,

"Where  have you been? 

I've been waiting all day for you!"

Thank you Amy from cayennepeppybags for allowing the pleasure of using your pictures from your Etsy Shop!!

These handbags are gorgeous and have a lot of personality, I would love to carry

one of these around! 

http://www.etsy.com/people/cayennepeppy

See what is Coming up in June!

Cloth Wipes Event coming up in June!

--Join me as I take the next step in Cloth diapering!

Upcoming Blog Posts:

At Last Natural Products Review and Giveaway of their Wonderful Herbal products (ARV $120)

Episencial Skin Care products Review and Giveaway

Simple Green Pet Stain Remover Review!

Beco Baby Carrier Review!   $10 GC to Abbey Lane LLC.

 Be sure to subscribe via Email to make sure you do not miss my Reviews and some Giveaways coming up this month!

Fasting- Word Filled Wenesdays

Fasting.   
A period of such abstention or self-denial.

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.  

For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that I do.  

Romans 7:15-16

Have you ever felt this in your walk with God?  

Last night in the middle of the night was when I finally opened my Bible to have my devotions to God.  I shake my head as I type out "devotion" because inwardly I know that it is just irony.  I put off spending time in the word all day until midnight! 

Midnight is the time when everything in the world seems to stop pulling for my time and attention.  Throughout the day I get pulled to watch tv, surf the internet, read other books, do other things.  I find myself pushing God out of my life.  I find it tiresome to read the Word.  So lastnight God just brought into my heart this verse. 

It is Written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Mathew 4:4

I need to depend on God all day, and have His Word become what I need on a daily basis.  Not the carnal activities I do...that I have become dependent upon and feel that I 'need' to do.  (I hope that this makes sense to you!)  

In order to be victorious I have decided to fast.  I decided to turn my attention to that which is Spiritual instead of Carnal.  I want to starve my fleshly nature and say no to my fleshly sin nature.   I am going to leave the Television off, and immerse myself in the Word, and to force myself to meditate on the Word of God.  As well as to just remind myself that, that old me that sinful nature inside of me was put to death...and I need to stop trying to feed a dead body!!!  :)

So when I do physically fast today, I will be mindful of the hunger pains I have---but I will not give in to them.  Just as I will not give into the hunger pains I will have, I will not give into my fleshly urges!  Instead I will feed my Spirit by meditating on the Word of God, praying, and just really focusing on my relationship with God.

And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh to live after the flesh.

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  (Romans 8:10-13)

The Sin Nature Still Remains (Romans 7)

No Condemnation Now (Romans 8)

More about Fasting