So without further adieu, here is the best of the best in our Beauty and Body Care lineup!

Must-Have Make-Up

EyeCandy Eye Coolers: These little pads you put over your eyes really cool you down, especially when you are experiencing a headache. Shaped like small, blue (I received blue, but they come in a variety of colors), cucumber slices, you just pop these babies in the freezer and when you need them, you get them out. Before you place them over your eyes, you will have to lay down or lean back, otherwise they will fall off. You won’t want to move much either while the Eye Candy Eye Coolers do their magic. Not only do these tiny, blue, round healers help with headaches, they are also great for removing puffiness and swelling around the eyes. Best of all, you can reuse these, by placing them in the freezer, fridge, or even in a glass of ice water. With their compact size and large ability to benefit most people, the Eye Candy Eye Coolers make the perfect stocking stuffer!

To find out more about Eye Candy Eye Coolers, visit the http://www.eyecandycoolers.com/ website.

CND Super Treatments Nail Polish Duo: Super Treatments offers a duo of nail top coats. In the pack you will receive a bottle of Super Shiney and a bottle of Super Matte. The Matte offers your nails a suede finish, while the Shiney offers a patent (like patent leather) finish. You just have to apply a base coat, two coats of the color of your choice and finish with a layer of one of these top coats. These are great because you can get a totally different look, even if you use the same color of polish beneath the top coat. They are also affordable, allowing for longer lasting, stronger nails. Just an FYI, this works great with the Silver and Gold Sparkling Effects nail glitter, by CND. If you want a glossy, shiny, or matted look to your nails, these make the perfect stocking stuffer.

To find out more about all of the great products by CND, including the CND Super Treatments Nail Polish Duo, visit http://www.cnd.com/.

MAC Cosmetics: How do I love MAC? Let me count the ways. The MAC line of cosmetics offers professional quality makeup, for the average woman. I am not going to lie. MAC is more expensive than many other brands, but oh so worth it! Every woman who knows about makeup knows the name MAC. You will be giving that special woman in your life quite the extravagant gift when you get her MAC cosmetics, but the price tag attached is oh so worth it. I would say everything from lipstick to foundation would fit great in a stocking, but if you plan to pamper her with MAC cosmetics, you’ll want to wrap whatever you buy up and put it under the tree. No matter the time of year (but especially during the holidays) MAC cosmetics are worth their weight in wrapping paper.

To find out more on MAC cosmetics and to see all the offerings, from eye shadow, to skincare products and even accessories, visit the MAC website.

Arbonne Lip Polish: Give the gift of luscious lips this holiday. The Lip Polish I received came in a set of three, in a little bag. There were three unique colors; nude, raisin and brown sugar, but the Arbonne Lip Polish product page lists several other colors to choose from, when picking out this silky smooth, lip covering delight. What I love about Arbonne Lip Polish is that it gives you that glossy sheen, which is classic for a lip gloss, but instead of wearing off relatively quickly, Arbonne Lip Polish stays on longer, like lipstick does. It does not have that waxy lipstick feel, it is not heavy on your lips, and it is also not sticky, which is more common with a lip gloss. Overall, Arbonne Lip Polish is the perfect way to provide a little color and shine to your lips without being annoyed by how it feels when you wear it.

To check out the other colors available, visit the Arbonne Lip Polish Product Page.

Sinful Colors Nail Polish: Sinful Colors has quite a selection of colors and styles of polish. I recommend you check out the Sinful Colors Nail Art Wild About Color Set, Dark Red, Neon Green, and White. You will also want to consider the Sinful Colors Professional, which I recommend in Silver, Gold, Red, Blue or Green. What I like about this set is the versatility of colors. I received at least ten different colors, and I still did not have every shade. With neon, sparkly, glossy, and even emo shades like black, there is a Sinful Colors Nail Polish for everyone, regardless of gender. The color when you paint your nails, with two coats, is brilliant. This is not a polish that mutes in color when coming out of the bottle. The shade you buy is the shade you’ll wear. I also like how strong this polish is. I work a lot with my hands and the polish did not chip easily. This year, make sure to get a variety of colors and stick Sinful Colors Nail Polish bottles in her (or his) stocking or gift basket.

To see the massive selection of Sinful Colors Products and Polish Colors, please visit the Sinful Colors Color Guide.

Cosmoholic Lip Gloss: Make a bold statement this holiday with Cosmoholic Lip Gloss. These are super bright colors. I received Cosmoholic Lip Gloss in Pink and Red and we’re not talking light pink or soft red. These shades are Hot Pink and Candy Apple Red. While I prefer a more muted, darker look, I have some friends who love the more vibrant colors. After trying these out myself, I decided to purchase a set for a friend who enjoys showing off her lips! What I noticed about Cosmoholic Lip Gloss is its lack of stickiness. I love lip gloss, but I often find my lips get stuck together when wearing it. Not so with Cosmoholic Lip Gloss. Also a chemist is said to have designed this gloss to nourish the lips, which is always an added bonus. If you know someone who wants to show off her lips this holiday and beyond, get her Cosmoholic Lip Gloss. She’ll thank you for it.

You can find out where to buy Cosmoholic Lip Gloss and more about the product at the Cosmoholic website.

Must-Have Skin Care

CND Scentsations Sparkling Champagne Hand and Body Lotion: More than anything, I loved the smell. They don’t call this product Scentsations for nothing. This Body and Hand Lotion actually smells like champagne and the scent lingers, once you rub it on, for quite some time. CND has a variety of other Scentsations Hand and Body Lotion scents, so even if you are not fond of champagne you can purchase another Lotion. Other scents include Black Cherry & Nutmeg and Cranberry. Many of the Gift Sets offered by CND provide smaller sized bottles, which is great, because I just slip them in my purse and take them everywhere I go. Scentsations Sparkling Champagne Hand and Body Lotion is amazing for those with dry skin as it mosturizes well, leaving skin feeling smooth and silky.

You can check out Scentsations at the CND website.

Body Essence Tea Tree Oil Ultra-Moisturizing Body Wash: I hate the smell of Tea Tree Oil, but there is no doubt the oil has amazing benefits. I have been trying to find both body wash and shampoo that offers the benefits of Tea Tree Oil without the nasty smell. Body Essence offers a few different Body Gels for showering. Besides the Tea Tree Oil, there is Cucumber Melon (with extracts of Cucumber and Papaya fruits) and Sweet Pomegranate. I love the Tea Tree Oil, because it leaves the skin feeling smooth and clean without irritating it. I use it on Dom, who has a lot of skin problems, and it is one of the few body gels he has never complained about when using it. The Body Essence Tea Tree Oil Ultra-Moisturizing Body Wash helps to prevent skin irritation, smooths and sooths dry skin, and it even helped to relieve some of Dom’s itching, which is common when a person has dry or dead skin. The bottle we use is 28 oz. It is well worth the $4 price tag and lasts quite a while. If you know someone with skin sensitivities this is the perfect gift for them, plus it smells absolutely divine.

For more information on the Body Essence Body Gels and other skin products, visit http://www.body-essence.com.

Softsoap Moisturizing Body Wash: While I prefer the Pomegranate and Mango SoftSoap Moisturizing Body Wash, there are a variety of scents to please any consumer. The Pomegranate and Mango contains actual extracts of Pomegranate and Mango. It is also incredibly thick and lathers really well, so you do not have to use a ton of soap. This means Softsoap Moisturizing Body Wash lasts longer, and you get more bang for your buck. I find that after using Softsoap Moisturizing Body Wash, my body feels clean, smooth, and silky. Plus I smell great and the scent lasts longer than it does with most body washes. If you want to brighten that special someone’s day, get them Softsoap Moisturizing Body Wash. It will leave them feeling clean, refreshed, and smelling amazing!

To see all of the SoftSoap products and choose the right scent for you, visit Colgate’s website.

St. Ives Moisturizing Body Wash: If you want to moisturize and hydrate your skin, then you need to check out the Oatmeal and Shea Butter St. Ives Moisturizing Body Wash. I am in love with many of the scents available by St. Ives, from Creamy Vanilla to WhippedSilk, but the Oatmeal and Shea Butter has to be my favorite. St. Ives is a brand I have used and trusted for years, when buying lotion. Now, I trust the brand for my body washing needs, as well. I chose this specific scent because I know how great oatmeal is for your skin. It leaves it looking shiny, smooth and healthy. Adding in shea butter, this gel moisturizes to help dry, cracked and itchy skin. I will alternate this with the Body Essence Tea Tree Oil Body Wash, for Dom, and together, these two Body Washes have made a difference on his dry, cracked, and damaged skin. He itches less and complains less about skin sensitivities. Whether you have sensitive skin or not, Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Wash by St. Ives will leave your skin feeling vibrant and looking brilliant.

You can visit the St. Ives website at http://www.stives.com/.

Eshu Skin Assist: Made in Australia, the Eshu Skin Assist is part of a Skin Care line that is made entirely for men. While most of the aforementioned products are primarily for women, this one is perfect for the man in your life that cares about his complexion. Men battle acne and blemishes, too. They often care as much about keeping their skin healthy, vibrant and clean, as women do. This works really great. It is very light and does not take much to get the job done, making this an economical option to more commercial brands of skin assisting products. Eshu Skin Assist can be used by younger men who still may be facing the dermatological affects of puberty or by older men to prevent the occasional blemishes that every person is prone to getting. If you have a guy who cares about how he looks, make sure to get him Eshu Skin Assist this year.

To learn more about Eshu and its various products for men, please go to http://www.eshu.com.au/.

Smith and Vandiver Aroma Therapy Treatment Packets: You can receive healthy, nutrient-enriched packets through Smith and Vandiver. Their all-natural Treatment Packets are convenient and affordable. These are great if you are going on a business trip or even heading out to stay with the family during the holidays. There are a variety of Treatment packs available, each for under $2. They include Body Gel, Soothing Foot Soak, Green Tea Bath Oil, Conditioning Hair Mask, Salt Body Scrub, Face Mask, Foot Cream, Face Polish, Invigorating Body Scrub and Toning Face Mud. Depending on the packet, what you receive may be enriched with natural healing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Chamomile, Honey, Sea Salt, Clays, Geranium and Rosewood, to name a few. These packets brought my skin back to life. I felt vibrant and energized after using the Shower Gel, Face Mask, the Foot Soak, the Body Scrub and the Hair Mask. With these packets being so affordable, if you are looking for great stocking stuffers and are on a budget, I highly recommend Smith and Vandiver Aroma Therapy Treatment Packets.

To find out about Smith & VanDiver and their Treatment Packets and to purchase them directly from the site, visit the Smith & VanDiver website.

Antica Farmacista Champagne Body Gel:
If you want to pamper yourself (or that someone special) you owe it to yourself to try Antica Farmacista Champagne Body Gel. While I cannot say how realistic the scent of champagne is in this body gel, I can say that the body gel does smell quite scrumptious. More importantly, the pleasing smell is long lasting. A little bit goes a long way. Everything about this body gel screams luxury from the beautiful body to the soft, smooth, lavish bathing experience that it helps to provide. This would make an excellent stocking stuffer for the holiday or a wonderful smaller gift for family or friends that love luxury and want to be pampered right from home.

You can check out all of the Antica Farmacista Bath and Body products by visiting http://www.anticafarmacista.com.

Must-Have Beautiful Hair

Conair You Style Ceramic Straightener: I have very thick, heavy, naturally curly hair. Because my hair is so thick, it only curls in the most inappropriate places, such as my bangs and at random spots in the back of my hair. I also am prone to headaches due to the weight of my hair, but I prefer to keep my hair longer because I look cuter. I was looking for a straightener that would both lighten the weight of my hair and straighten those problem areas. I initially chose the Conair You Style Ceramic Straightener because it cost under $25 and straighteners can be quite expensive. However, I have come to absolutely love this product. It heats up in seconds, so if you are running late you still have a chance to do your hair. The setup of the plates makes it impossible to burn yourself with the Conair You Style Ceramic Straightener. I can also use it to curl my hair if I want more control over the location and style of my curls after straightening it. I have always hated my bangs, but with the Conair You Style Ceramic Straightener they look super cute. Straightening it makes my hair feel lighter, look thinner and it looks more together. I cannot recommend the Conair You Style Ceramic Straightener more highly if I tried.

Check out ConAir’s selection of Straighteners at the ConAir website.

John Frieda Root Awakening Health Infusing Shampoo: I try not to buy John Frieda because let’s face it. His products are expensive. That being said, I LOVE John Frieda products. I use the John Frieda Root Awakening Health Infusing Shampoo once a week. This way, it lasts longer, but I still get the benefits of using a John Frieda Product. When you use it on a schedule as opposed to every day, I find that it takes the residue off that is left from daily use shampoos. With John Frieda Root Awakening Health Infusing Shampoo my hair feels fresh and almost as if it have been awakened. It is alive, energized, bouncy, shiny, and makes me feel like a million bucks after using it. If you are looking to splurge this holiday, a bottle of John Freida shampoo is the way to go!

Check out all of John Frieda’s Root Awakening Products at the John Frieda website.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

CND Snuggle Set: CND products are a great way to create that spa experience right from home. Offering a range of products for the hands, feet, and all over the body, CND has you covered when you want to feel good and look your best. The Snuggle Set includes Almond hydrating lotion, Solar oil, and a pair of toeless pedicure socks. These socks are absolutely soft and wondrous. If you know someone that loves painting their toenails these socks will keep their feet toasty while they do their toes. Of course, the socks are just an added bonus that goes with the hydrating lotion, which smells great and keeps skin hydrated and feeling alive and the solar oil that also offers your skin a number of benefits. All of these items together in one set make for a great gift this holiday season.

You can find out more about this Snuggle Set from CND at the CND website.

AmeriBag I Love My Life Healthy Backbag: The Healthy Backbag was created because of all the problems that people may encounter when using a traditional backpack. The Healthy Backbag is a cross between a backpack and a purse. It might not be big enough to hold things like school books or a laptop, but it will handle all of your smaller items with ease and it is aerodynamically designed to ensure that it does not hurt your back in any way. The Ameribag is black and offers a beautiful, yet subtle design. This is great for women that do not want to use traditional purses or teens that need to carry things with them, but don’t necessarily require a backpack or a purse. When I first saw the Healthy Backbag it reminded me of a trendier version of the fanny pack for your back. Combining comfort and style, the Healthy Backbag is sure to become a mainstay in any woman’s grab and go fashion arsenal.

You can visit the AmeriBag website and find out more about the AmeriBag I Love My Life Healthy Backbag at www.ameribag.com.

Kiwi Leather Care Kit: This leather kit makes the perfect offering for anyone that has a newer pair of leather shoes. Suitable for both black and brown leather, the Kiwi Leather Care Kit includes everything you need to make sure that your new shoes are protected from the elements and the majority of things that can do damage to your leather. The kit comes with two daubers, a shine cloth, and a shine brush. Two tins of polish, one for black leather and the other for brown are also included. While this might seem like an unconventional gift, it’s also an invaluable one. Treating your shoes is so important if you want them to last for longer periods of time and the Kiwi Leather Care Kit can definitely help to make sure that this happens.

You can check out the Kiwi Leather Care Kit and other Kiwi products at the Kiwi website.

Scandle Shimmering Lotion Candle: I have to admit, I was sold at Pumpkin Pie Spice. I was further sold when I learned that is smells even better than I thought it would. This fabulous candle just screams sex appeal. Candles are nice enough on their own, but this one is a special candle. You see, not only does the Scandle candle smell great, it also doubles as a massage candle. Using a low temperature wax, these candles turn into massage oil when melted. Just burn your candle down and the next thing you know you are able to use the wax for a massage. A Scandle Shimmering Lotion Candle massage mixed with the tempting aroma of pumpkin pie spice makes for one relaxing evening. This makes a perfect stocking stuffer or would go great in a homemade spa gift basket. Either way, this is a must have gift for the special, over-worked woman in your life.

You can check out all of the different Scandle Shimmering Lotion Candle scents available besides Pumpkin Pie Spice by visiting www.abodycandle.com.

Schick Ultimate Skin Comfort Gift Set: Good razors can not only be hard to come by, they can also be rather expensive. Knowing this, Schick is offering the Schick Hydro 5 gift set for a reasonable price. The set includes the Schick Hydro 5 razor with extra blades and a can of Moisturizing Shave Gel. Considering the cost of most razors (which usually do not come with additional blades) this is a great deal and one that the man in your life can truly appreciate. Schick offers high quality razors and this gives a person the chance to sample them before buying them on their own. This also makes a great gift for the teenage boy that is just beginning to need to shave. Not only will it serve a purpose, it will likely make him feel good just by receiving it!

To find out more about this Schick Hydro line and all of its assorted products, visit the Schick Hydro website.

Arbonne Pampermint Gift Set: I adore everything about the Arbonne Pampermint Gift Set from the snuggly, fuzzy candy cane socks all the way to the exfoliating cream and the foot lotion. The whole set is divine. Everything smells great and the large jars of cream and scrub help to keep your feet smooth and relaxed. The Pampermint set includes a jar of FootWork Foot Scrub, a jar of SoleMate Foot Cream and Signature candy cane fuzzy socks that are all wrapped up in an adorable holiday gift box. This makes a great gift for mom, but would work for anyone that suffers from dry, cracked feet or other assorted foot problems. Fuzzy sock lovers would like this too, for the socks if nothing else!

To find out more about Arbonne and the Pampermint Gift Set (which may only be available during the holidays) please visit the Arbonne website.

Smith and Vandiver Bath Products: Smith and Vandiver is going to be a savior for anyone having trouble getting their little ones to take a bath. Offering some truly fun products for younger people and some spa essentials for adults, it seems as if Smith and Vandiver offers it all. For kids alone, Smith & Vandiver offers some totally fun stocking stuffers like Dino Fizz Eggs (bath fizzy beads), Ducky or Dino Bubbles (all natural bath suds), Frog Bath Fizzies and other Bath Party essentials. If you have friends in college that have showers but no bath tubs, Aroma Therapy Energize or Destress Spa Shower Tablets offer a spa-like aroma therapy experience without a tub. Just place one of the spa tablets into the shower stall and the aroma envelops you offering you all the benefits right from the shower! I have yet to find a Smith & Vandiver product that I wouldn’t recommend to a friend. I highly suggest checking out Smith & Vandiver for all of your supplemental gift giving needs.

To discover all of the wonderful Bath Products Smith and Vandiver offer (for both kids and adults), please visit the Smith and Vandiver website.

Frownies Face Lift in a Bag: Frownies Face Lift in a Bag was the perfect gift for my mom, who is always on the lookout for a good face product that will make her look and feel younger without costing her a fortune or leading her towards surgery. Face Lift in a Bag is excellent. Even if you’re using it as a facial regime without hopes of taking off years it’s wonderful. The bag includes a number of products that will peel the years off your skin and keep you looking younger and fresher, while offering a beautiful, more youthful appearance. Each kit comes with pH Balancing Complexion Wash, Biologically Active Immune Perfect, Rose Water Hydrator, Forehead & Between the Eyes Facial Patches, Corner of Eyes & Mouth Patches, Gel Eye Patches, and Immune Shield. Each product works to tone your skin and remove those pesky fine lines and wrinkles.

To order a Face Lift in a Bag or find out about more Frownies products, visit www.frownies.com.

Axe Men Gift Sets: All of the men in my life like to smell good. My brother, Dom, EmoTeen and even my nephew, Lil B. All of them enjoy the fresh feeling of using Axe Body Wash, Shampoo and Deodorant. This year, I decided to give Dom and EmoTeen Axe Body Sets (early, of course, otherwise I would ruin it in this guide!). I bought Dom the Dark Temptations and EmoTeen the Axe Twist. Both sets include Body Wash, Spray, Deodorant, and Sample Size Shampoo and Conditioner. These sets both smell great and Axe always leaves them feeling clean and refreshed. The only complaint Dom has is that the scent does not last nearly as long as he would like it to, but that is a minor complaint, in the grand scheme of things. If you have a man in your life that likes to smell great, consider getting them an Axe Men’s Gift Set for the holidays.

Check out Axe at the Axe website, http://www.theaxeeffect.com/.

Yantra Mat: I was nervous when presenting this mat to the family, because it seems sharp and spiky. Dom has excessive amounts of pain in his legs, hip and back. EmoTeen has Asperger’s Syndrome so he is very finicky when it comes to tactile sensations. Both of them absolutely loved the Yantra Mat. EmoTeen would lay his back against it, and he said it helped to sooth him and calm him down. Dom would have me tuck it in the side of his wheelchair so it created constant pressure against his ailing hip and leg or I would lift both legs up and lay them on the mat. It creates pressure that makes the pain tolerable without pricking the skin or being too abrasive. The mat is a source of acupressure that can relieve tension, stress and fatigue, as well as pain, as we found in Dom’s case. If you have a lot of stress in your life, chronic pain or tension in your muscles, the Yantra Mat is a soothing, natural solution to help you feel better.

Check out the Yantra Mat and all its benefits at the Yantra Mat website.

Clothing Must-Haves

Out of Print Clothing: I love, love, love, love LOVE the t-shirts we received from Out of Print Clothing. We received the 1984 and To Kill a Mockingbird shirts. These shirts are soft, comfortable, and feel amazing against your skin. They are also stylish and as a bookworm I am totally down with the fact that they promote literacy. Out of Print Clothing comes in a variety of sizes and is perfect for either genders. Dom has exceptionally large shoulders, which often prove to make t-shirt wearing uncomfortable for him. These shirts are plenty big without being humongous on him and are able to accommodate his shoulder width without feeling tight in the shoulders and arms. The material stretches back because after he wears it, I can wear the shirts, too and my shoulders and body are smaller than his. The material is also durable without being harsh or abrasive. If you want to buy a cool, well-designed, comfortable t-shirt, you owe it to yourself to check out Out of Print Clothing.

This holiday, go buy a tee from Out of Print Clothing at their website. You will love them!

Crazy Dog T-Shirts: I could give you a million reasons why you should buy a Crazy Dog T-shirt. First off, they have some of the best designs if you’re looking for anything nostalgia-oriented. This is especially true if you want something from the 80s or that deals with movies or television pop culture references. While this is definitely a necessity in a good tee, more importantly is the fact that these shirts are crazy comfortable! This has to be some of the softest cotton I’ve ever felt. These shirts are amazing for wearing around the house, but they are fashionable and funny enough to wear whenever you go out, too. We received the Dick in a Box T-Shirt and the Ninja’s Don’t Kill People T-Shirt and we love them both! They are comfortable, funny and illicit responses (usually laughter) from those who see us wearing them. Crazy Dog T-Shirts make great gifts for pop culture junkies, movie lovers, and anyone emo that’s in need of a good black t-shirt with some smart ass saying on it.

To view all the cool T-Shirts Crazy Dog Tees has available, visit www.crazydogtshirts.com.

Future Oxygen Ecowear: The special thing about Future Oxygen Ecowear is that it’s jewelry that you can wear that eventually becomes biodegradable. What’s even neater than that is that inside the jewelry there are seeds for flowers or plants. Essentially, by offering someone Future Oxygen wear for the holidays you’re offering them fashion and beauty that later turns into flowers, plants or something else equally as beautiful. This is such a unique gift people can’t help but smile when they receive it. Teenagers will love them (or at least ours did) because you’re offering them something that will benefit the planet but that also is designed with style in mind for them. Each necklace lasts for over a year, so you get plenty of time with it before it goes into the ground to release the seeds. From there, it begins to grow into something new. The Dragon Necklace we received was one of our all time favorite gift guide submissions this year. Future Oxygen takes eco-responsibility to a fashion-friendly level that we won’t soon forget!

To learn more about Future Oxygen and view all of the Ecowear they have available, visit www.futureoxygencards.com/.

Crocs: Prior to receiving these Crocs for review for this guide I had never owned a pair. Immediately, I was shocked at just how many styles are available. It’s hard to imagine that a shoe lover would not find something they were looking for in the Crocs lineup. I received a pair of Mary Janes and a midlength knee boot that goes by the name of Berryessa. The Mary Janes were the perfect casual shoe and the boots worked with casual outfits or with something a little more fashionable. Crocs are incredibly comfortable and they work in a variety of settings. If you need a pair of shoes that aren’t tennis shoes I highly recommend checking out the amazing selection and finding something for you and the rest of the family. Whether you’re buying shoes for gifts or because you need some new shoes, Crocs is a good place to start your search.

You can check out all of the varieties of Crocs available at the Crocs website.

Technorati Tags: Must-Have, Beauty, Body Care, Products, Clothing, Miscellaneous, Makeup, Skin Care, Hair Care, Gift Set, 2010 Holiday Gift Guide, Presents, Holiday

We received a box of Cottonelle Moist Flushable Wipes with some pretty basic instructions. We just had to use them and explain our thoughts. So, I got the box and hung it in the bathroom (the box comes with a nifty EasyReach hanger) and we set out to using them. We do not have any young kids in the house, so it was just some parents and a teen using these. That being said, I quickly noticed how helpful these could be in a household with smaller children. Not only could they be used for the most obvious reasons, you can also use them to clean up hands, freshen up a face, or to un-dirty a messy child.

I found myself using these for a number of unconventional reasons. I did use them for hand cleansing quite a bit. Even when washing my hands in the sink, the Cottonelle served as a small washcloth of sorts. Once done, I could pop it into the toilet and flush it down the next time someone used the bathroom. They were also nice when cooking, too, because they allowed me to clean my hands without constantly washing them and wasting excess water in the process. When I used the Cottonelle wipes I just had to wash my hands once before cooking and then use the wipes until dinner was prepared.

As far as the bathroom goes, from a female aspect I have grown to appreciate Cottonelle Flushable Wipes more than I ever could toilet paper. If you’ve ever been left feeling less than clean when using toilet paper, you know how uncomfortable it can be. I never had that feeling when using Cottonelle. In fact, fabulously fresh all day long! We used a lot less toilet paper and didn’t have any problems with irritation or dryness the entire time, which makes sense since the wet wipes are incredibly soothing to the skin.

I remember growing up and my mom telling me never to put things like wet naps and other products that were not toilet paper in the toilet because it would back it up. If you were thinking that might happen with Cottonelle Flushable wipes, you can think again. Each Cottonelle wipe breaks down when flushed just like toilet paper would so you don’t have to worry about anything backing up or having any problems when you use these.

Prior to this review I had considered buying Cottonelle wipes. I found them at stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Kmart, though I am sure you can find them just about anywhere that you might buy your toilet paper (especially if they stock Cottonelle). At a couple bucks per box, these are well worth it. The EasyReach hanger makes using these wipes as easy as if it were toilet paper. You will be shocked at the difference that comes from using these wipes. Now that I’ve tried them I cannot imagine going back to just toilet paper!

If you need more convincing about Cottonelle Flushable Wipes you can check out http://www.getfreshwithafriend.com/, where you can find more information about the wipes, watch a pretty funny, Funny or Die video and download Cottonelle’s fresh rewards.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of the Cottonelle brand and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Technorati Tags: Cottonelle, Moist Flushable Wipes, Product Review, Bathroom, Toilet Paper, Review, Home

Still I have remained hopeful that he would be willing to step up his game and make strides in this area. Since he does not like to brush his teeth we often try to find flavored toothpaste or mouth wash that he can enjoy and that makes things more bearable to him. Since he likes Listerine (Total Health) we usually don’t have a problem in that area. In the past, we tried to convince him to use the Listerine Smart Rinse for an added layer to help get his teeth looking good. Unfortunately, he would never agree to go for it. He always had an excuse and in the end he just never wanted to use it.

All of this changed though when he agreed to take part in the Reach/Listerine Oral Health Challenge. The goal was to use the two types of Listerine (Smart Rinse before brushing and regular mouthwash afterward) provided with a new Reach toothbrush (also provided) and finish everything off with some Reach Floss (either the floss sticks or regular floss). I admit I was skeptical and just thought that he agreed in hopes of being part of the experiment, but that he wouldn’t follow through.

Well I was wrong. I was shocked to see how absolutely full the box was that came for the challenge. We received as many as four bottles of Smart Rinse and two or three of the regular Listerine. I knew from experience that the blue Smart Rinse would not go over well (we love it, he doesn’t), but he agreed to try the pink berry kind that was also included. Day one of the challenge went off without a hitch. He really gave his mouth a washing with the Smart Rinse, then he followed it up with a scrubbing using Colgate (we had this in our bathroom, it was not provided for the challenge) and a provided Reach toothbrush. Things ended up with another dose of Listerine (he opted for the new kind, Listerine Zero) and a quick (but more thorough than I expected) use of the floss stick.

We also used everything that was provided. Dominick immediately commented that the combination of all of the provided ingredients and the Colgate from our bathroom made his teeth feel cleaner. I would have to agree. Occasionally I notice that filmy taste even after I brush. Listerine after brushing does take it away usually, but I found with the use of the Smart Rinse, my teeth felt much cleaner before using the second dose of Listerine. I also love how much gunk and food that the Smart Rinse gets off of your teeth. That’s one of the thing that all three of us marveled about as we brushed our teeth together.

About a week into the challenge, our son came to me and announced proudly that he was really enjoying the challenge. In fact, he likes it so much he said that he wants to continue brushing this way even when the challenge is over. This was incredible news, but the best news to me is that he likes doing this so much I no longer have to beg him to brush and I do not have to stand over him. His teeth are looking healthier (as are everyone’s in the home) and they are getting whiter, too.

He really likes the fact that the Listerine Zero does not have the strong intense, Listerine burn that normally comes with the mouthwash. While it does offer a strong feeling, it is nothing compared to the standard burn that the regular Mint flavor offers. So, the combination of products worked fine on the pickiest tooth brusher that I could find. The rest of us were pretty fond of things, too.

Listerine and Reach have teamed up with America’s Toothfairy in order to launch “Trick or Treat for America’s Toothfairy.” The campaign was put into place in order to raise awareness of pediatric dental disease. It also will provide care that will change the lives of underprivileged children. You can learn more at www.AmericasToothfairy.org.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of LISTERINE and REACH and received products to take the Oral Care Challenge. Mom Central Consulting also sent me a Global Giving gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Technorati Tags: Listerine, Reach, Oral Health Challenge, Americas Toothfairy, Dental Health, Floss, Toothbrush, Crest, Smart Rinse, Product Review

When I was a kid we spent all day, everyday outside playing. This was just back in the 80s, but I remember heading out after getting ready for my day and only going in when it was dark, raining, or time for meals. I would spend the occasional day inside, but most of the time I was with the neighborhood kids playing tag, gas station, and other games. However, when I walk around our neighborhood it’s rare to see a kid playing outside. It seems these days that kids are more likely to stay inside, playing on the computer or checking out video games. So, it was nice to hear that Nickelodeon is sponsoring the 7th Worldwide Day of Play on September 25.

Many of the Nickelodeon stars are in on this great event, including Victoria Justice, Keke Palmer and the other cast members from True Jackson, VP and from Big Time Rush. In addition to these stars that will be hosting the celebration, appearances will also be made by Wyclef Jean, Chris Paul, and Miranda Cosgrove at the Race for the Kids in New York City.

NEW YORK–Sept. 14, 2010–For the seventh straight year, Nickelodeon will empower kids to get up and get active when its TV channels and websites go off the air and offline during its Worldwide Day of Play (WWDP) on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 12 to 3 p.m. (all times ET/PT). Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nick.com, NickJr.com, Nicktoons.com and TeenNick.com will participate. Additionally, for the first time in the history of the event, Nick stars will serve as hosts during the hours the network is on the air. They will share health and wellness messages and cover the activities at the flagship WWDP event in New York, the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of New York City RBC Race for the Kids.

“We hope to once again inspire millions of kids around the world to embrace an active and healthy lifestyle during our seventh annual Worldwide Day of Play,” said Marva Smalls, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Nickelodeon Kids and Family Group. “This year, we’re enlisting all of our star power to help spread the message of health and wellness to kids and families across our collective media platforms and at our flagship event in New York.”

From the Nick Press Release:

On Sept. 25, Nickelodeon will kick off its health and wellness messaging at 9 a.m. (all times ET/PT) with interstitials featuring Victoria Justice, star of Victorious, and Keke Palmer, Ashley Argota, Matt Shively and Robbie Amell from True Jackson, VP – all live from Nick’s flagship WWDP event, the BBBS of NYC RBC Race for the Kids in New York City’s Riverside Park. The race festivities will include a 4k fun run/walk, face painting, games and special guests, including Wyclef Jean. Throughout the morning programming, the Nick stars will check in from the event to share tips on staying active. At 12 p.m., Big Time Rush, who currently serve as the spokespersons for Nickelodeon’s The Big Help’s health and wellness efforts, will “turn off” the channel, signaling kids and families to get up and get moving. When the network goes dark, a message encouraging viewers to go play will appear on a loop.

At 3 p.m., the cast of True Jackson, VP will “turn” the network back on. Health and wellness messaging will continue on-air with interviews and a behind-the-scenes look at the WWDP event in New York, culminating with appearances by NBA star Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets) and Nick’s Miranda Cosgrove (iCarly).

Kids in 10 countries and every state across the U.S. are expected to participate in Nickelodeon’s seventh annual WWDP at more than 3,000 local events scheduled worldwide.

Additional partner events scheduled include:

Boys & Girls Clubs of America chapters in all 50 states and several international territories will host play events on and leading up to Sept. 25.
The National Parent Teacher Association will provide schools and PTAs across the country with resources and information to help them host their own Worldwide Day of Play events.
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) has also partnered with Nickelodeon to celebrate Worldwide Day of Play with events planned across the country in conjunction with National Public Lands Day.
National Wildlife Federation will also celebrate WDDP in conjunction with their “Be Out There” campaign that encourages “outdoor family fun.”

WWDP is part of Nickelodeon’s The Big Help health and wellness efforts, which include grants programs, public service announcements, websites, games and more. Through Nick’s health and wellness efforts over the past six years, more than 2 million kids have pledged to get healthy. The Big Help campaign aims to inspire a kid-led movement for positive change and focuses on four key issues: the environment, education, health and wellness and community service. For more information about Nickelodeon’s WWDP or to register an event, visit http://pro-social.nick.com/world-wide-day-of-play/.

Technorati Tags: Nickelodeon, Worldwide Day of Play, September 25, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Family Fun, Play, Outside

The quick answer would be Wisp or in the case of this review, Wisp plus Whitening. Colgate created these handy mini- on the go- toothbrushes for just the occasions mentioned above. Available in both Coolmint and Cinnamon, Wisp allows you to brush on the go to avoid those bad breath moments that only gum used to be able to mask.

So, now the question becomes – how do they work? The answer is mixed. They work fine in the breath freshening department. After using the coolmint flavor my mouth felt fresh. I wasn’t worried that someone would be smelling that chili dog smell from my lunch, which is a big plus. They are also incredibly easy, allowing you to use them completely on the go. You do not need any water or even to spit. Just open the pack, brush your teeth and dispose of the Wisp and you’re done.

Environmental responsibility is the one problem I have with the Colgate Wisp. As these are not labeled as a “green” product, I feel that it is completely irresponsible as a person to use and throw away these toothbrushes on a daily basis. With landfills already filled with products that are not biodegradable can you imagine how much worse the problem becomes if every person uses one Wisp a day, throwing out 365 of them a year? With Colgate being a huge household name you would think they could have come up with a product that was better executed in terms of the environment.

That being said I still believe these are somewhat worthwhile as far as a purchase goes. If you are out and about and are truly having some breath problems or unclean mouth feelings these are going to get rid of those problems. I do not feel they should be used on a daily basis though. Morning and night brushings should curb the majority of problems that most people have. However, the occasional afternoon issue does occur and when it does the Wisp can help out.

All this being said, I recommend you purchase the Colgate Wisp on a limited basis and use them sparingly. You can pick these up at most major retailers and online at stores like Amazon.com.

Technorati Tags: Colgate Wisp, Whitening, Toothbrush, Teeth, On the Go, Encvironmental Responsibility, Product Review

Like most kids, I suffered through them. Even in my 30s I occasionally get stuck with a pimple here or there. They don’t bother me as much as they used to, but then I rarely get them these days. I find it funny though that my son will point out when I have one. He doesn’t like it that he gets them, but if mom does, well that’s another story!

I was thrilled to learn about Oxy’s new Oxy Clinical line though because Oxy and Neutrogena literally got my face through high school. The new Clinical line is meant to provide acne medication with prescription level results without having to see a dermatologist.

It was a good experience to get to try out the new Oxy Clinical Treatment pack, which contains all of the necessary requirements to a clear face. The pack, which can be purchased for around $12 at Amazon (more or less at local retailers), includes Oxy Advanced Face Wash, Cleaning Treatment, and Hydrating Therapy.

It’s worth a mention that if you have incredibly sensitive skin, acne products like this might do you more harm than good. The goal seems to be to dry the areas out to prevent the oily complexion that breeds pimples. This won’t affect most people, especially with the inclusion of the hydration therapy, but those with sensitive skin may notice some blotching and redness. CT does not have skin sensitive enough to cause this issue.

In fact, in a few days we noticed a difference in his face with it beginning to clear up. He is 15, so pimples have been a problem, and he does not like dealing with them. Luckily, within a week he had considerably fewer issues with pimples and he was only using the products once a day, as opposed to two or three times which is recommended.

Both CT and I would be more than willing to recommend Oxy Clinical Treatment to anyone that had trouble with acne. This will not be a good option for people with skin sensitivities, but for those that have acne and otherwise normal skin this could end up providing quite the self-confidence booster.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Oxy Clinical and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Technorati Tags: Oxy Clinical, Pimple, Acne Treatment, Teenagers, Face Care, Skin Care, Oxy

If you’re not familiar with Tween Brands you probably don’t have anything to worry about, but just in case, here is one of the bracelets that they offer:

Name of product: Metal Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings

Units: About 137,000

Importer/Distributor: Tween Brands Inc., of New Albany, Ohio
Hazard: The children’s metal jewelry contains high levels of cadmium. Cadmium is toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: This recall involves 19 different styles of children’s metal necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Styles and shapes of the jewelry include hearts, heart locks, butterflies, cupcakes, peace signs and crowns. Some jewelry contains the words “Best,” “Friends” or “Forever” and/or “BFF.” Only style numbers listed below are included in this recall. The style number is included on the jewelry’s packaging.

Sold at: Justice and Limited Too stores and online at www.shopjustice.com from November 2008 through February 2010 for between $7 and $16.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewelry away from children and return it to any Justice or Limited Too store for a full refund.

Technorati Tags: Limited Too, Justice, Tween Brands Inc, Jewelry, BFF, Product Recall, Necklace, Bracelet, Kids, Tween Girls

Food & Cooking

Grillery – Hand-Built Wood Fire Grills
Words cannot describe how cool these custom built grills really are. They are absolutely beautiful. I hasten to say any grill is magical, but if one could be, it would be a Grillery grill. If you can afford it, you should definitely forgo visiting Home Depot and have a grill built for you here instead. One of the most important spots of the summer is the grill/backyard/patio, so don’t discount this area of your outdoor entertainment arsenal. This is miles above the little charcoal briskets or boring propane that fuel your neighbor’s grill. This is a top of the line, wood burning Temple of Barbecuing Bliss. Grillery grills will cost you a couple thousand at least, but they are a perfect solution for a grill that will last a lifetime for serious grillers.
Learn more about these amazing grills at the Grillery Website.

Smiley Cookies
Smiley Cookies make for an awesome, sweet end to a fun, family picnic. Mail order cookies can be hit or miss, especially if you have a baker in your family. It’s going to be hard to find a cookie better than what you can get in your own kitchen. I won’t go as far as saying that Smiley Cookies are better than any soft cookie that comes fresh out of the oven, but I will say that these all-natural, sugar cookies are buttery, sweet without being too sweet, and they have the first icing top I’ve found in a mail order sense that didn’t taste like dried paste. We received the pirate cookies for review a while back and I had to mention them here because they were a hit with the whole family. In hindsight, I almost wish we had picked the chocolate Smiley Cookies, but the pirate in the family loved these and wouldn’t have had it any other way!
Stop by Smiley Cookies for additional information.

Cabot – Clothbound Cheddar
I love cheese. Scratch that. If there was a food I could worship beyond dark chocolate and all other foods, it would be cheese – more specifically, cheddar cheese. I have been buying Cabot at the local Sam’s in a large brick for quite a while now. It’s a sharp cheddar brick. So, you can imagine my excitement when Cabot contacted me about trying the Clothbound cheddar they have available for inclusion in this guide. Cabot’s Clothbound cheddar is aged for ten months and goes perfect on burgers or in any kind of relish tray, with crackers or on a fruit plate. It doesn’t matter how you serve it. The point is, if you’re a cheese fan this is a must have cheese! Clothbound cheddar comes out of the cave after ten months and is sliced in one pound wedges by hand! You can purchase this on Cabot’s website for $21.99 per wedge and it’s worth every single penny.
Visit Cabot’s website to learn more about their Clothbound Cheddar

Fox Fire Farms Products
I am extremely interested in grass fed meats and organic foods. The problem I have with most brands is a problem that many people have; I can’t always afford them. So, it’s usually a pretty big treat when we’re sent these types of food for review. Fox Fire Farms offers a variety of products including grass fed meats and soy free eggs. We were sent a selection of meats to try out. Included in the bunch were a few cuts of lamb, a Porterhouse steak and some other beef, and a pork chop and some other pork options. The Porterhouse was a huge 2 lb. steak that fed three of us. It was thick, juicy, and tasted phenomenal on the grill. Every flavor burst in my mouth. If you have ever questioned whether eating organic/grass fed was worth it, give Fox Fire Farms a try. So often, food bought in the grocery store lacks real taste. Fox Fire Farms will be a shocking, delicious surprise for you if this is where you normally purchase your meat. Fox Fire offers big servings, fair prices, and delicious meat that is good for the whole family.
Visit Fox Fire Farms for additional information

Traverse Bay Fruit Salsa (Raspberry & Peach)
I will openly confess that fruit salsa kind of scares me a little bit. I don’t know what it is, but I have always avoided the fruit salsa and stuck with tomato. Perhaps I am just traditional that way. In any case, when Traverse Bay offered us some jars of fruit salsa to try, I accepted knowing that Dominick would want to try them. They are long gone now (they were gone within a few days after receiving them), but he is still raving about them. Of the two, the peach was mild and the raspberry was much hotter. So, if you’re mindful of the heat you might want to stick to peach, but if you love the burn, check out the raspberry. Of course, Traverse Bay has several other flavors of salsa. In any case, these salsas are great to spice up your chicken, to eat with chips, and certainly to enchant your guests at any picnic or barbecue.
For more information visit Traverse Bay Farms

Glass Dharma Drinking Straws (glass straws)
If being green is your thing you need to check out Glass Dharma. As you already know, straws are made from plastic. In most cases, the average straw is made from plastic that is not able to be recycled. Glass Dharma offers a selection of glass straws in different sizes, some of which are trendy enough to be designed as you can see above, rather than the simple plain options they also carry. The straws come in four main sizes. They range from small and short to big enough for a smoothie. Glass Dharma even offers a curved straw that has a slight resemblance to a bendy straw, although it’s obviously more eco-friendly. The biggest pain here involves having to clean them after each use. Of course, when you consider all you’re doing for the environment, cleaning these seems like a pretty small thing. When you purchase the straws just remember to pick up some cleaning brushes. These are perfect for home use and great for on the go, as well. They are also fairly reasonably priced considering they should last for years.
Visit the Glass Dharma website for additional information

Health Products

SKN Beverly Hills Skin Products (Milk Cleanser, Pore Vacuum Wash, Beach House)
This one is a no-brainer, but it’s not just for summer! If you have any issues with your skin, SKN is going to be the best choice for you that can be found over the counter. My face never felt cleaner than when I used SKN’s milk cleanser. Within days I was getting that smooth, soft feeling that everyone wants for their skin. The Pore Vacuum Wash is an absolute must have for teenagers or people that experience skin breakouts. This stuff is no nonsense and a little bit goes a long way, so it’s more than worth the money that you will pay for it. I’ve reviewed my fair share of skin care products in my day, and with sensitive skin, I often end up with pink, rashy skin or just feel like the products are too expensive for what they offer. SKN charges on average, about $25 for the cleansers and after washing my face twice a day for a few days, my completion was clear and I hardly ever need to use the Pore Vacuum Wash, which ensures that it just lasts longer. Beach House is another fabulous product. This scrub smells fabulous and it contains sand which has a major purpose beyond the summery feel that it offers. You can use it on your body and face to exfoliate and to make your skin shiny, looking great, and smelling scrumptious. If you’re in need of skin care products do yourself a favor and seek out SKN. You won’t be sorry!
Visit the SKN website to learn about their other great products.

Omnibalm Daily Foot Therapy
Omnibalm foot therapy is a cream, lotion that is used to cure dry, chapped, or cracked skin and to keep your feet healthy and feeling like new. The thing that allows Omnibalm to stand out is the tea tree oil which is used. I decided to use this on Dominick, because he has lots of issues with cracked skin and roughness. I was excited about trying this out on him because I knew that tea tree would probably be the best thing to help his skin issues. Sure enough, Omnibalm managed to smooth his skin to the point where it’s worlds apart from where it once was. At $13.99 I was prepared to not recommend this before I actually tried it, but after using it once I knew that it was worth every penny. All you need is a little dime sized dab and it covers the whole foot and leaves it soft. It also helps to heal any fungus or other foot issue you may have. If you spend a lot of time at the beach, foot cream like this is going to be important because the outdoor activity will eventually wear on your feet (especially if you have sensitive skin) and leave them dry and brittle. Omnibalm will make sure that your feet are taken care of all year long and based on the size of the tube you shouldn’t need more than one or two per year, which makes it a fabulous deal for all that it does.
Visit the Omnibalm Website

Freedom to Travel Audio Series
It’s shocking to think of the number of people that don’t travel because they have health issues or potential health issues and they do not know a foreign language. Granted, I cannot blame them for considering these issues and understanding how the language barrier could have devastating effects for someone that is traveling to a distant land, but still it’s sad to think that potential health problems have to hold people back any more than usual. The Freedom 2 Travel audio series seeks to change all that though. Available as an e-book or through Apple for your iPod, Freedom 2 Travel is available in ten languages and gives you all of the key phrases that you might need concerning food allergies, health problems, or medical concerns. The Freedom 2 Travel series includes French, Japanese, Greek, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish, Swedish, German, and Italian. They also have two series sets that include three languages for people that plan to visit multiple countries. Each language comes to $19.99 and is worth it when you consider the security that it will offer the traveler with disabilities or health concerns.
Visit the Freedom to Travel Website

Colgate Wisp Plus Whitening
Colgate Wisps are disposable, waterless tooth brushes that you use once and toss. They are probably the only thing on this Summer Buying Guide that I have a love/hate relationship with. The best thing about Colgate Wisps is that they offer you a chance to brush your teeth anywhere. So, if you go on that lunch date and end up indulging in pasta with extra garlic or some onion pizza you can just excuse yourself to the bathroom and you’ll be smelling right as rain in no time. If you have kids that don’t like to brush their teeth these are a great way to get them to do it. Wisps are small enough to fit in your purse or in your pocket but they are effective enough to remove bad breath and whiten your teeth on the go. The reason I am not overly fond of them is that they are disposable. For every one that you use it’s one you’re throwing away. If you’re using them frequently that can equal a lot of additional trash. I recommend having some of these on hand, but not using them regularly for this purpose. Use them sparingly when it’s clear that you need them. Otherwise, do the environment a favor and stick to old and reliable plastic brushes instead.

Lady Speed Stick Stainguard
Ask any woman what she hates about deodorant and she’s likely to tell you that she hates the white stains that form on her clothing. I’ve tried my share of deodorant that claims to be invisible or to remove the white powder residue, but in the end, I always notice something still there. Lady Speed Stick with Stain Guard is the only deodorant that I have found to remove this issue. No matter what you wear this summer you won’t have to worry about sweat, odor, or white marks if you’re using Speed Stick. They sent us both the Lady and the Men’s Speed Stick and while I was partial to the smell of the Men’s (I’m a sucker for that manly scent) I was thrilled with how both worked. So, if you’re having deodorant issues you might want to consider Speed Stick. It works like a charm and it smells pretty okay, too.

Joe Grooming (Men’s Skincare Line)
This product is specifically for the men! Most men avoid things like moisturizers for fear of using something too girly for them. Of course, this doesn’t mean they don’t need these things, it just means they don’t use them. Well, if that’s the case in your home…enter Joe Grooming products. Packaged in clear, non-assuming bottles, Joe Grooming offers hair and body wash, moisturizer, scrub, and shaving cream. Each product smells fabulous and I didn’t hear any complaints about their quality. The men in the house ended up soft, smooth, and well groomed and no one was the wiser that they were using moisturizer the whole time. Joe Grooming has a whole line of products for men in need of a style pick me up. If you’re looking for something specific to fix those body or facial woes, you might want to check them out. Depending on the product, they can be pricey, but from all I have seen, they are worth it.
Visit Joe Grooming to learn more.

White Bamboo Exfoliator by Scientific
A good exfoliator should be part of everyone’s skin care regimen no matter what season it is. The product directions state that you should use White Bamboo Exfoliator twice a week in the shower. While I sometimes use it in the shower, it works just fine using warm water when out of the shower. It’s important to use warm water during application because warm water opens your pores. WBE contains bamboo crystals that help to create new, fresh skin. If you’re looking for something to help with deep cleaning that will also get rid of all of your dead skin then White Bamboo Exfoliator is definitely for you. You notice results almost immediately and you continue to see them in soft, smooth skin.
Visit Scientific’s website for more information on this and other products

UnderWAY Appetite Suppressant Drink
I am a skeptic and a snacker, so when anyone offers me any diet, appetite suppressant type of product to review I am compelled to review the products. Anything that stops my innate need to snack (I could skip meals most days and just keep snacking) is a must have product in my book. Unfortunately, most diet products, especially the drinks, taste horrible. Sure, I need to lose some weight but the idea of drinking sludge hardly appeals to me. So, I am delighted to tell you that UnderWAY tastes good enough that you will want to drink it just because it tastes good. It might not be perfect, but for the type of product it is I have not found one that tastes better. As for how well it suppresses appetite, it does a pretty good job. I didn’t stop eating altogether, but my cravings were minimized and I was able to eat more sensible choices. I also avoided snacking if I had one of these drinks in the middle of meals. UnderWAY comes in a small variety of flavors including grape (which was my favorite), green tea, and a pomegranate mix.
Visit the underway website

Smart for Life Cookies
When I received UnderWAY I also received Smart for Life cookies. I like to think of Smart for Life Cookies as Slim Fast’s brother. They are meal replacement cookies. You eat one every few hours and then at dinnertime you have a sensible meal. I am listing them because of the taste only. If you’re looking for a low calorie snack that offers plenty of fiber Smart for Life has numerous cookies to choose from. I cannot recommend them (or not recommend them) based on the weight loss claims because I was sent one package of cookies, which is about a 1-2 day supply. It’s not enough to spark a loss of weight, so I can’t tell you how well they work. Common sense tells me if you eat the cookies and some skinless chicken with a salad for sinner then you will lose some weight. Of course, if you know that then you probably don’t need these cookies, you just need to keep your hand out of the regular cookie jar. These cookies, if taken on the cookie diet plan, can be somewhat expensive. I recommend using them as a healthy snack, if you’re going to buy them, and look to a more surefire method if you’re hoping to lose weight. Still, the taste is decent if you’re in need of a healthy snack so that makes them worth a mention.
Visit Smart for Life for more information.

Anywhere Comfort
Memory foam products have been known to help a sore neck or back improve. However, memory foam and related products are generally found on mattresses, bedding, and pillows. Now there is Anywhere Comfort. Knowing that you can take these cushions anywhere or use them on standard chairs or when driving ensures that if you’re in pain you will not be dealing with as much of it. You can use these anywhere thanks to the convenient straps that hold the cushions in place. The straps are adjustable to make sure that it fits to a variety of chairs or can be removed altogether if necessary. The strength and quality of the memory foam allows the pressure to leave your arms, back, or other problem areas. One of the nicest things about Anywhere Comfort is the feeling against the skin. The outside material is quite soft, so it feels great and doesn’t rub anything the wrong way. You can roll these up for easy carrying or storage in between uses. There is only one part of Anywhere Comfort that I disagree with partially and that is that it is perfect for using on wheelchairs. We did try this on Dominick’s wheelchair (the back product) and it does fit. However, depending on the disability that creates the need for a wheelchair this might not be the best fit. The Anywhere Comfort products can be a little bulky for premium wheelchair positioning. If you are in a wheelchair you will want to tread lightly here because while they will be good for some wheelchair users, they will not be suitable for all users.
Visit the Comfort Ideas website for more information on their products.

Family Goods

Sunnygram
Sunnygram is not so much a product as it is an amazing service. In the digital age, the elderly are often left out. In a world of Facebook and email grandma and grandpa sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Sunnygram seeks to fix all that though. Sunnygram is a newsletter that is sent to family and friends that do not use computers. The family gathers all the letters and information that they want to put in the newsletter and whatever digital photos they would like added to a specific email. This information is compiled into a newsletter and is sent via postal mail to your loved ones. The best news of all is that your first month is free, which gives you a chance to give it a shot with no obligations. After that the subscription is just $12.99 per month. You can continue to send your newsletters on a regular basis and your family will treasure them, especially if you weren’t sending letters before. This is great for vacations, holidays, and other times of the year when you want to show family what you’re up to and that you’re thinking of them.
Learn more about this great service by visiting Sunnygram!

Fashion/Beauty

Belly Armor
While I don’t have any experience personally using the Belly Armor products, the fact that they protect pregnant mothers from undue radiation just plain rocks. I know too many women that hide from the sun due to the thought of too much radiation, but Belly Armor makes sure that expectant moms can have a good time in the sun and not have to worry about things like that. If you’re out in the sun, the best product would be the Belly tee. Of course, Belly Armor protects from all kinds of radiation, not just the kind you’d experience out in the sun. The Belly Blankets are awesomely adorable and they come in two styles; chic and luxe. Assuming I was pregnant I might have to buy both because they both look comfortable. If you have any questions about the ability to remove radiation, Belly Armor recommends you do the cell phone test. Take one of the blankets or tees and wrap your cell in the Belly Armor. Check your signal before putting it in, because within 30 seconds it will either be going down or it will be completely gone! Belly Armor products start at around $59 and go up to $109. If you find that you can’t afford that, throw an early baby shower and hint that you want this. After all, it’s for the baby as much as it is your own health and comfort!
Visit the Belly Armor website for more information

Beautisol BeautiKit: Dark Tanning Summer Glow
I am sure that I am not the only person in the world that shies away from tanning these days. Still, being pasty isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. So your choices end up being risk skin cancer, stay pasty, or use a self-tanner. Unfortunately, most self-tanners end up making you orange and have this weird odor that smells like oily, plastic funk. So yeah, that is not a very attractive option. Even the cheapest self-tanner can run you at least $10 and if those are the results you get, why would anyone want to try something more expensive? I know it is those kinds of results that kept me away from the more expensive brands. Still, deep down there is a girl inside me that wants to be tan. Beautisol gives you the deep summer glow that you want without the hassles and without that plastic smelling funk. Smell Right technology ensures that you don’t have any funny odor from your new tan. The Kit includes Summer Glow, Go Slough Yourself (its exfoliator and its best that you use this before tanning), the instructional DVD and two pairs of gloves. It comes to $55, which is not a bad deal considering if you purchase everything separately, the tanner alone will run you $40. Always wear your gloves when you apply Beautisol and if you need help make sure to enlist a friend to do your back. This is a great deal that gives you a beautiful summery look without any guilt!
Learn more about BeautiKits at the Beautisol website

UV Skinz
UV Skinz is a business that offers clothing and sun protection accessories that block 98% of the UV rays from the sun. If you’re out in the sun a lot, which many people are in the summer, the threat of skin cancer is incredibly real. However, that doesn’t mean anyone should have to hole up inside, all summer long. UV Skinz tends to have the feel of a swimsuit, but the UV blockers in them make them on of the most important clothing options for the summer. You can find clothing for the whole family with prices that are comparable to regular clothes that offer no protection.
Visit the UV Skinz website

Mai Couture Face Papiers
Words cannot describe how much I love Mai Couture. Face papiers sound so pretentious, but they are something that every girl needs to own. Mai Couture takes the average papers to the extreme by adding little touches that make the product just seem so much more necessary than the other brands. For starters, the bronzing papers offer a shimmery shine that looks great any time of year. It reminds me of that sunkissed look. When you add the blush it looks simply magnificent. One of my favorite things about Mai Couture is the little leather case that the makeup comes in. The small case with the gold snap fits your face papiers like a glove and it fits into even the smallest purse. These are perfect for the girl on the go that doesn’t want to look like she’s been gone all day. They also make the whole process of putting on makeup quick and easy, which any girl can appreciate. Mai Couture charges $33 for the bronzing papiers and $28 for the blush papiers. If you do not have a lot of money in your budget to buy makeup, save up for these when you can. At least you will look good while they last!
Visit the Mai Couture website for additional information

Premium Liqour

Dulce Vida Tequila
I am not a big tequila drinker. I occasionally give the blancos a try, but for the most part it has never been my drink of choice. Dulce Vida might just be the exception to this rule. Dulce Vida is 100% tequila. There are no fillers here. Making the tequila includes an aging process in Maker’s Mark or Jim Beam used Oak whiskey barrels. This gives Dulce Vida a slight woodsy edge and it removes a lot of the bite that makes other tequilas hard to swallow. With the high proof (100 proof, since it’s all straight tequila) you can expect the smell of alcohol to surround you as the bottle opens. Dulce Vida is going to set the average margarita apart and it will be sure to spruce up any girl’s night out or adult summer party. Currently, Dulce Vida is not available nationally. You can find it at select bars in Austin, TX and plans are in the works to expand to California and other Texas locations. You can purchase it online at Specs for between $45 and $60 per bottle.
Check out the Dulce Vida website for news and information about their tequilas

Bluecoat American Dry Gin
Bluecoat is special for a number of reasons. The most obvious is the trendy blue bottle causes people to notice it and the taste is anything but traditional gin. When it comes to the bottle, I am happy to say that it will actually have some use when the gin is gone (I can’t bear the thought of tossing the bottle) and that it has a more unique flavor than any other gin that I’ve tasted. Bluecoat is distilled in Philadelphia and offers inviting hints of mint, lemon, and juniper with every drink. Bluecoat is 94 proof and it’s distilled a whopping five times in a custom copper pot. This ensures the strong proof and the equally strong flavors. You can learn more at the Bluecoat Gin website. Bottles sell for around $30 and will be sure to be a hit with gin lovers.
Visit the Bluecoat website for more information!

Vieux Carre Absinthe
If you believe the hype, Absinthe might be a scary, yet intriguing beverage. It’s fun to serve at parties because at least one person will bring up the fact that it has been banned and that it has hallucinatory abilities. This was our first time trying Absinthe of any kind and based on all we have heard I am extremely glad that we started here. Vieux Carre offers a strong aroma and an herbal flavor that makes it particularly cocktail friendly. If you’re a traditionalist you will be mixing it with some water and a sugar cube, but there are many other options. One of my favorites is listed below. Vieux Carre is distilled by the same company that makes Bluecoat, so it’s no surprise that it’s as good as it is. What is surprising is the low price. At $60 a bottle, this New Orleans French Quarter inspired Absinthe belongs in everyone’s liquor cabinet. For those that wish to stray from the norm, consider trying the recipe below or visiting the Cocktail section of the Vieux Carre website.

Bloody Sunday
3 oz. Tomato Juice
1 tsp. Horseradish
¼ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
3-4 Dashes Tobasco Sauce (or to taste)
½ oz. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tsp. Kosher Salt (or to taste)
1 Tsp. Black Pepper (or to taste)
½ oz. Vieux Carré Absinthe
3 Pickled Green Beans, for garnish
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine all ingredients (other than the green beans). Stir, combining everything and making sure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout glass. Strain mixture into a highball glass filled with ice, and garnish with the green beans dropped in the glass.

Visit the Vieux Carre website for more information and recipes.

Visit our Summer Reads Mini-Guide for a few books that need to be read this summer!

Technorati Tags: Buying Guide, Summertime, Summer Season, UV Skinz, Belly Armor, Speed Stick, Vieux Carre, Dulce Vida, Bluecoat, Mai Couture, Beautisol, Dark Tanning System, Sunnygram, Anywhere Comfort, Smart for Life, underWAY, White Bamboo Exfoliator, Joe Grooming, Omnibalm Foot Therapy, Fox Fire Farms, Smiley Cookies, Colgate Wisp, Freedom to Travel, SKN, Traverse Bay Farms, Glass Dharma, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar, Grillery

I’m not one to listen to commercials, but I will say that Dove has impressed me. They recently sent over some of their new line of conditioners. I received some of the daily treatment for everyday wear and tear and some that handles severe damage. I wanted to work with Dove, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to on this particular campaign because I normally do not use conditioner. I find that it makes my hair greasy and unflattering. Even when I use the small amount that most companies suggest, it still makes my hair feel awful. Needless to say, this little fact made me initially hesitate at the thought of working with Dove.

Luckily, I have learned that Dove Conditioners might just be the one conditioner that I can tolerate. I have been using it for a couple of weeks now and my hair feels great when I use it. I have noticed a huge difference when I don’t. I use the everyday conditioner nearly every day and the severe damage about once a week. The only time I noticed a problem using it was when I put too much (I didn’t read the directions like I should have) and it gave me that unflattering feeling. It was completely different when I used the right amount.

My hair offers a noticeable shine when I use Dove and the great thing is that it started really soon after using it. It may sound cliché, but I did notice a difference right away. I also noticed differences when I stopped using it briefly. A couple days without it and my hair just did not feel as lively or as clean.

You can pick up these Dove Daily Treatment Conditioners just about everywhere that hair care products are sold. Depending on where you get them you should find them for under $5 per bottle. Of course, this could last the average family for a month (depending on the size of the family) so it’s not a bad deal. I highly recommend checking out Dove if you have problem hair or are just in need of a change in conditioner.

Technorati Tags: Dove, Daily Conditioner, Glee, Daily Treatment Conditioner, Shampoo, Hair Care, Severe Damage, Everyday Use, Product Review

The sponsorship is not only a great idea, it’s about as simple as they come. All you have to do is visit the Everything You do Without Heartburn website and let people know what you are the most passionate about. Everyone has something that they have always dreamed of doing, but they never had the chance or the money to do it. Well, this campaign courtesy of Prilosec, is your chance to fulfill your deepest dreams.

Prilosec is going to help 100 people by giving them a chance at fulfilling their dreams. The average value of each prize will be around $1000 with a maximum value of $4000. It doesn’t get simpler than a contest like this. Just tell people the thing you long to do and you have the chance to be rewarded for it! How amazing is that?

According to the Everything You Do Without Heartburn website, the judges have the official say concerning the winners, but you can campaign for votes from friends and family to increase your chances of being chosen. So, get over to the Everything You Do Without Heartburn website and make your free account today. Once you share your story and add photos and/or video, you can submit your page for approval. You can be recruiting votes in no time and before you know it, you might just be one of the 100 lucky winners!

I know that I could think of more than one thing that I would love to do, but there is one thing more than any other that I would long to do if I could wake up every morning and do it for the rest of my life. In preparation for your entry, consider leaving us a comment and letting us know what your passion is. Whether Prilosec chooses you or not, we would love to hear what it is

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Prilosec OTC. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Technorati Tags: PrilosecOTC, Prilosec OTC, Heartburn, Sponsorship, Contest, Everything You Do Without Heartburn, Blog, Passion, Dreams, Mom Central