Friday, June 19, 2015

Comfort, Design, and Accuracy: A First Response Review


I participated in a Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for First Response. I received product samples as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. 




If you have a child or have ever tried to conceive a child, than you know what it is like to have to wait for the answer to the biggest question of your life.  It is absolutely maddening, waiting for a simple little line to appear, or not.  This little line could change your entire life!

I remember the first time I went shopping for a pregnancy test.  I was very nervous and was trying to be discreet, when I found this wall of pregnancy tests. There were tests in a range from super-expensive to scarily cheap, and I had no idea which to choose. How accurate should a test be, when should you take it, how many tests do I need?  There are lots of options out there, too many options for a first time tester.  I chose one pretty much at random. The insert explained that I was to pee on the little stick for a certain amount of time, first thing in the morning because that is when your hCG levels are the highest. It was easy, I just had to wait until morning.

Wait, I had to wait! Well, I couldn't wait I was too excited.  I ended up with a negative result. I eventually got a positive when I took the test a few days later and in the morning. Needless to say I was super excited and also more scared than I have ever been in my life.  All this emotion and stress over a little stick that I peed on.  In the spring of 2013, we were blessed with a beautiful baby girl!


With so many brands and options it can be difficult to know which to pick, especially if you are testing for the first time.  Luckily, there is First Response designed for accuracy and ease. In a sleek pink box, you get two ergonomically shaped tests that detect pregnancy up to six days before your missed period. Six days! That is awesome especially if you are like me the first time, and aren't sure exactly when Aunt Flo is supposed to show up. These tests have a wider tip and longer handle than any other tests I've seen making it very easy to maneuver. The results show up in about three minutes and is simple to read, one line for negative and two for pregnant. The best part, you can take it anytime during the day! First Response seems to really understand what women need in a pregnancy test! Less waiting, and very easy to use and read. Pregnancy test have evolved a lot over the years and are even more accurate than when I first took a test which was only three years ago.  First Response is a brand that is on top of the newest technology, giving their consumers the best, most accurate, FDA approved product available. 


Parenthood is an amazing journey, it is nice to know that we moms have First Response on our side.
I know exactly which test I will be reaching for when my husband and I begin trying for baby number two!

You can pick up a First Response test at any major drugstore, grocery store or mass retailer near you for $8.99 - $15.99.

For more information about this test and for some great pregnancy resources, please visit FirstResponse.com


Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Welcome to Oz: A Sunscreen Review

Oz Naturals is a skin care company that focuses on natural, organic, and environmentally responsible products.  They have a range of beauty products from lotions and cleansers, to sunscreen and anti-aging serums.  Their products are made in the USA and are centered on keeping your skin healthy and beautiful.

Click Here to learn more about the Oz Naturals Company.



I was given the opportunity to try a few of their products for free in exchange for my honest reviews. The first product I received was their anti-aging sunscreen.  I used this several times while on a girls trip to the coast.  The first time I used it I made the mistake of not re-applying after a few hours and I got very sun-burned.  It was not good, but totally my fault.  The label states that you should re-apply every 2 hours or after getting wet.  I apparently was having too much fun drinking fruity drinks at the beach bar to reapply.  After that experience, I have been sure to re-apply in a timely fashion and have had a lot more luck with this product.



The bottle is 4oz. and seems a little small for the price until you take into account what your really buying.  You get a socially responsible, natural product that does what it claims, all while supporting the U.S. Economy.  I'd say it is a good deal.  The lotion is smooth and rubs into the skin quickly without leaving you feeling oily. It has a very light scent which is refreshing.  It has an SPF of 30 which I usually prefer to use higher, but it worked well.  I would not hesitate to buy this product again.

After trying this product I wanted to see more of their products.  I decided to try the Ocean Mineral Facial Cleanser next.  This is my new favorite skin product!  A combination of organic rose hip oil, vitamin E, and Borage oil brings new life to rough, dry, aging skin.  My skin feels absolutely amazing after using this cleanser.   My skin is so smooth and feels clean and fresh I feel like I've been to the spa.  The natural ingredients are gentle on the skin and the clear color is reassuring of the quality of ingredients used.



It is sad to say that I have just recently started taking better if my skin.  I realize I won't be young forever. My body is my responsibility and I want to keep it healthy.  Oz Naturals is helping me achieve just that.  It is a win/win.  I get beautiful, healthy skin while staying Eco-conscious for a healthy body, mind and soul.  

You can purchase your Oz Naturals on Amazon today!


Images from http://www.oznaturals.com

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Good Clean Fun: A Soapy Review

We moms work so hard, 24/7, 7 days a week that we all deserve to treat ourselves with a little pampering now and again.  I love taking an hour to myself, leaving the husband in charge, while i go for a nice, hot bubble bath.  Sometimes I throw in a glass of wine, a book, or a face mask. I don't know any women who do not enjoy be pampered.  I also love using aromatherapy lotions, soaps, and bath salts to give that extra 'spa' feeling.

Last week, I got something in the mail that I can us anytime of day that makes me feel relaxed and pampered.  I got the opportunity to try a product from a homemade soap company in exchange for an honest review.  This soap is 100% Natural, is made in the USA, and smells amazing.  I got to choose which scent I wanted, so I chose Black Cherry Vanilla and it is fantastic.  The scent is clean and relaxing. I received two bars, the first I kept for myself, because every mom needs a little self-pampering, and the second bar went into a gift for a bachelorette party. This soap is a perfect gift, and you could even cut one bar up to make several small gifts.  I considered doing this for all the girls at the bachelorette party.  The 5oz bar is quite big and could easily be split into four decently sized pieces. Might be a great idea for stocking stuffers too!




This old fashioned style soap is free from harsh chemicals, contains no detergents, preservatives, or artificial colors.  This natural product is great for all skin types!  It is made with premium olive oil to prevent wrinkles and help reduce brown spots. Did I mention that is smells delicious! This Spa quality soap deserves a try! Go, get one now!



You can get yours on Amazon with this link! Soap.club