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Ottilie & Lulu Tween Skin and Hair Care: Review and Giveaway

July 12, 2011 By

There are many reasons why I love my Mom.  She is kind, generous, and a great listener.  Another reason?  She has amazing skin!  I am hoping that I inherited those genes, because her skin is still flawless and beautiful.  Fortunately, I didn’t have many inherited skin issues as a teenager but my Mom instilled good hygiene and taught me to protect my skin.  Now that I have two daughters, I want to do the same for them.

Apparently, I am not alone!  Deborah Hernan, a mother of a tween girl and former executive with Revlon, noticed the lack of products to promote skin care and personal hygiene for girls ages 7-14.  So, like any SuperMom would do, she created a natural skin and hair care line, Ottilie & Lulu, in 2009.  Her product line took off quickly and grabbed the attention of Seventeen Magazine’s Style Blog and Discovery Girls and the rest is history!

I was very excited to receive two items, the Ottilie and Lulu detangler/conditioner as well as face wipes, to try with my (almost) 7 year old daughter.  All of the products in the Ottilie and Lulu line are created without parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfates, mineral oil or petroleum by-products and instead offer the following which are more nurturing to a young girl’s skin:

  • Anti-oxidants for protection against environmental stress
  • Vitamins, Wheat Protein and Jojoba Protein to keep young skin nourished and healthy
  • Chamomile Flower, Lemon Extract and other Botanicals that soothe

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We first tried the Detangler/Conditioner and loved the way it smelled…very minty and refreshing!  It was thick and creamy and worked the knots out of my daughter’s hair well leaving it silky smooth.  After a long day at dance camp, she wanted to try the face wipes when she returned home to clean her face.  I didn’t notice a scent on the wipes and my daughter loved the way they felt on her skin.  There is no need to rinse after wiping clean with the face wipe, so she could do this all by herself.  The experience was a great opportunity for me to talk to her about skin care and why it is important to take care of herself!

Would you like to try Ottilie and Lulu?  Through July 31st, you can use code OLFREESHIP when ordering Ottilie & Lulu Everyday Facial Moisturizer & Sunscreen SPF 20!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive the following:

Ottilie & Lulu Shiny Silky Detangler & Conditioner: This creamy Detangler & Conditioner is great for everyday use on all types of tween hair. Leaves hair looking beautifully shiny with the fresh, clean scent of wild mint. Perfect to add to the beach bag. Apply a small drop before swimming in the ocean or pool to protect hair and then rub through hair after swimming to make it easier to comb through knots. Price: $14.00 Size: 8 fl oz/236.5 ml

Ottilie & Lulu Clean Skin Face Wipes: Clean Skin Face wipes are specially formulated for tween skin (no salicylic acid) and are the ideal way to help her keep her beautiful, clear skin. The very light scent of rosewater will leave her feeling refreshed. Everyday, twice-a-day, both in the morning and at bedtime, girls can gently wipe skin with a face wipe. These wipes are also ideal for girls who want to freshen their face with after sports or any exercise. Price: $10.00 Size: 30 Wipes

How to Enter:

1. Tell me another Ottilie and Lulu product you would love to get for your daughter!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Ottilie and Lulu (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @OttilieandLulu on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Ottilie and Lulu Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 29th.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion The Experimental Mommy. Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

Wordless Wednesday: Reviewer’s Retreat 2012!

July 12, 2011 By 5 Comments

Reviewer’s Retreat 2012, the first and only blog conference specifically geared towards the interests of the product review blogger, will be held on June 3-5th at the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, North Carolina!  Tickets go on sale today (Wednesday) at Noon EST.  Check out the website for more details!

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, North Carolina

Filed Under: Wordless Wednesday Tagged With:

Nestle Family Summer Fun Giveaway!

July 11, 2011 By

Can you believe it’s almost halfway through July already?  My family and I have been making the most of our Summer by taking time to just slow down and be together!  A week long trip to Callaway Gardens to connect with each other, ourselves and nature was just what we needed.  Are you having the Best Summer Ever?

Last month, I let you know that six fab bloggers and I came up with some great activities alongside Nestle Family to help you create memorable moments this Summer.  Have you been checking them out?  My challenge for the week:

“Water fun is a must during the hot summer months! While not everyone owns a pool, all it takes is a little creativity to cool off in the summer heat. After putting the kids in their bathing suits, connect the garden hose and fill two buckets of water. Add a little soap and some towels and put the kids to work washing the family car! The kids will have a blast playing in the water and Mom gets a clean car to boot?”

To accompany the Summer Challenges, Nestle Family is having some fun giveaways including a water slide, swing set, barbeque pit and of course a host of wonderful Nestle products.  And right here on Experimental Mommy,  you can win great prizes, too!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a $25 VISA gift card, ice cream (NESTLÉ DRUMSTICK, EDY’S/DREYER’S) coupons, NESTLÉ Pure Life coupons and summer activities (jump rope, chalk, beach ball, hard and soft flyers, a ball and a Lambada catch ball and mitt set)!

How to Enter:

1. Suggest an activity for families to beat the Summer Heat together!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Nestle Family (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Nestle Family on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 31st.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

I am a Nestle Family Blogger.  While this post has been compensated, all opinions remain 100% mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

Fire Back at Summer Boredom with Zing Toys!

July 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Right around the middle of the summer, I hear the dreaded phrase….wait for it….”I’M BORED!”  This brief statement is enough to make me want to pull my hair out.  But, I guess I sympathize a little that once life slows down, kids tend to not know what to do with themselves.  I don’t want them turning into couch potatoes, so as much as possible I want them outside and moving.  The perfect accompaniment?  Zing Toys!

Ready....Aim....FIRE!

Zing toys provide excitement and fun but with the safety and security of soft-foam ammunition! Kids can pretend they’re sharp-shooters using the Z-Curve Bow, the ultimate foam bow & arrow combo for indoor and outdoor entertainment. Hook the arrow into the loading zone through the patented loops system, pull back, then it’s Ready…Aim …Fire!  Zing kindly sent one for Nicolas to test out and he loved it!  Within minutes he had it out of the box, loaded up, and ready for action.  One misfire hit our chocolate lab and she

never made a yelp, so I felt good knowing the soft foam makes the Z-Curve bow good, safe fun.  Arrows can soar over 125 feet and Nicolas loved to practice target shooting with his Z-Curve Bow.

For even more fun, check out the Zing Shot Launcher!  At only $9.99, this toy packs a lot of fun into a small package.  With no batteries required, kids can enjoy target practice or bounce-back action with the soft foam balls that can fly up to 45 feet!

Both Zing toys are well made, reasonably priced, and lots of fun.  Check them out on Facebook and Twitter for more information!  Zing toys are widely available at Academy Sports and Outdoors, Amazon,  Target, Toys R Us, and Many more retailers!

This post is the opinion of Jennifer of The Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample product was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.
Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: , ,

Creativity for Kids: Fashion Headbands Review and Giveaway

July 10, 2011 By

With two girls in my home, we just can’t get enough of hair accessories!  Bows, barrettes, ponytails and ribbons are precious possessions, but above all is the headband….especially if it’s pink and sparkly.  My girls can spend hours in our local accessory store at the mall, so I knew they would love the opportunity to make their own headbands.

Creativity for Kids Fashion Headbands provides everything necessary for my daughters’ to have an afternoon of fun creating the hair accessory of their dreams!  About the product:

“Create 10 awesome accessories with this ultimate headband set. The Fashion Headbands craft kit includes a rainbow array of satin headbands, rhinestone, flowers, feathers a butterfly, yards of ribbon and more! This is a great craft for play days and small group activities.”

When the kit arrived, my daughters were ready to play!  Inside the box, we found everything needed to let your imagination run wild including: 10 colorful satin headbands, sparkling butterfly, elastic felt pieces, 2 fabric flowers, assorted ribbons, craft glue, craft thread, colorful feathers, and assorted colorful rhinestones.  I should preface this review by saying that I have done many crafting kits with my daughters and I usually end up doing most of the work.  While this kit says it is intended for ages 5 and up, I was ready to roll up my sleeves and be the workhorse.  However, I was pleasantly surprised that my 6 year old daughter was able to complete the project almost entirely unassisted (I needed to tie a few knots).  Because she created and completed the design herself, the project left her feeling proud!

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Both of my girls had a great time making all ten headbands! The materials were of a good quality and the instructions were easy to follow.  At just $19.95, this crafting kit would make a great birthday gift.

GIVEAWAY

Two winners will each receive the Creativity for Kids Fashion Headband Craft Kit!

How to Enter:

1. Tell me another Creativity for Kids kit that your child would love!

Additional entries:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and Creativity for Kids (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @Creativity4Kids on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Creativity for Kids on Facebook.

5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 29th.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion The Experimental Mommy. Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,

Just Ducky Fall Line: Review

July 10, 2011 By 1 Comment

It’s been awhile since I have discussed my addiction to beautiful clothes for my children, and it’s something I feel there is no cure for….nor do I want to be cured!  One of my favorite lines, Just Ducky Originals, has some incredible opportunities I wanted to share with all of you and also tell you about an exciting giveaway to follow in the coming weeks!

If you’re like me, you want to dress your children in classic, well-made clothing, but without having to go to the poorhouse in order to do it.  That’s why there has NEVER been a better time to become a consultant with Just Ducky!  Want to know some of the benefits?

  • Earn cash commission and a 40% discount on your clothing purchase.
  • Just Ducky Collections include affordable cotton knit Essentials lines from sizes 6 months to 7/8 so every child in your house can look fabulous!
  • Easy-to-use training materials will help you make your Just Ducky Home Shows successful!
  • Consultants have access to an online design page where you can show your customers what specific garments will look like in different fabrics.
  • Last but not least, if you become an Area Consultant and manage other consultants you can earn both cash commission on all parties and a 40% discount on your clothing purchase.
  • Too busy to be a consultant but want a little “bonus?”  You can simply host a home show and earn 10% clothing credit based on your sales!

    • So effortless to get dressed when you will look this cute!

    Just Ducky kindly sent me one of their new outfits for Fall in comfy knit for Emily.  I loved the combo of greens and browns and Em loves how cozy but cute the outfit is.  The ruffle trim on the tunic top makes it extra sweet and this outfit would be perfect for a play date or other casual outing.  Need something a little fancier?  Just Ducky has countless customizable options for your kids to keep them looking fabulous all season long.  One of my favorites is the Peasant Dress which is available in a wide range of sizes and eye-catching fabrics.  For boys, nothing is more handsome than the Striped Crewneck Sweater with monogram.  ADORABLE!

    To find a show in your area, click here!  No show near you?  That makes you a perfect candidate to apply to host a show or be a consultant and earn benefits!  I’d love for all of our readers to request a catalog! Once you get your catalog in the mail, give it a good, long look and decide what you like!  We’ll have a giveaway here in a few weeks that will have you quacking!  Stay tuned! In the meantime, be sure to “like” Just Ducky on Facebook for all the latest news!   Thanks, Just Ducky!

    This post is the opinion of Jennifer of The Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample product was received to facilitate this review, all opinions are 100% honest.
    Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: , ,

    KRAFT Macaroni and Cheese Veggie Pasta: Review and Giveaway

    July 9, 2011 By

    I would love to tell you that both of my children are fabulous, healthy eaters.  Unfortunately, dinnertime can be a battle.  As any good Mom, I want to make sure that my children are offered whole grains, vegetables and fruits several times throughout the day.  While they love most fruits, I have been unsuccessful in getting them to eat most vegetables.  Spinach, celery and corn is about the extent of their repetoire so I am constantly trying to find ways to introduce more vitamins into their diets.

    One thing they love?  KRAFT macaroni and cheese.  Every time.  So, when I learned that KRAFT produced a Macaroni and Cheese Veggie Pasta, I couldn’t wait to make the switch!  About the product:

    “New KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Veggie Pasta has the great taste of KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese that kids and adults love, now with a half serving of vegetables* per one cup of product. KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Veggie Pasta can be enjoyed in two flavors – Original and Three Cheese. Prepare creamy cheese sauce mix and pour over steaming noodles to experience the classic taste of original KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese the whole family will love.

    *The equivalent of a 1/2 serving (1/4 cup) of cauliflower per cup of product. USDA MyPyramid.gov recommends 2 1/2 cups (5 servings) per day for a 2,000-calorie diet.”

    Preparing the veggie pasta was no different and the finished product looked and smelled just like original version as well.  But would the kids be able to tell the difference?  Would they sniff out the hidden vegetables and reject the pasta?

    No!

    In fact, they loved it and requested seconds as per the usual reaction to KRAFT macaroni and cheese dinners.  I am so pleased that I can rest assured that my girls will get a 1/2 serving of veggies with no complaints and little effort on my part.  We will definitely be purchasing KRAFT Macaroni and Cheese Veggie Pasta again!

    Want to try it?  Print a coupon!

    GIVEAWAY

    KRAFT would like to give FOUR boxes of KRAFT Macaroni and Cheese Veggie Pasta to one lucky winner!

    How to Enter:

    1. Tell me how you get your kids to eat their veggies!

    Additional entries:

    1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

    2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

    3. Subscribe to my blog.

    4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and KRAFT Macaroni and Cheese on Facebook.

    5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 25th.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

    This review is the opinion The Experimental Mommy. Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.
    Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , ,

    Are you headed to BlogHer 2011?

    July 9, 2011 By 1 Comment
    In just a few weeks, I will be headed to one of the biggest blogging conferences, BlogHer 2011!  This will actually be my third visit to BlogHer and I couldn’t be happier.  With my friends Cecelia and Renee in tow, we plan to get our learn on.  As we have recently started our own business and blog conference, we are hoping to learn website tracking, marketing analytics and search engine marketing tools in order to help us grow and understand our business.  I am also thrilled to see a panel on review blogging at the conference hosted by Amy Bellgardt from MomSpark, Niri Jaganath from Mommy Niri, and Stacie Haight Connerty from The Divine Miss Mommy.
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    Renee and I at BlogHer 2010 in NYC!

    But, BlogHer isn’t all about the sessions….it’s also time to connect with blog friends in real life an paarrttyy.  It is amazing how fast our social calendar has filled up, but I wouldn’t miss any of it.  I am so excited about meeting with brands such as Tide and Downy, Lovable Labels, Clever Girls Collective and P&G.

    Are you going to be there?  I would love to meet up with as many friends as possible!


    Filed Under: Promotions Tagged With:

    WINNERS!

    July 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

    Are We There Yet by Aurora: Lisa C.

    KRAFT Mac and Cheese:  Donna B.

    Go Anywhere Booster Seat:  Jen H.

    Aromatic Escape: Melissa N.

    Channellock:  Wanda B.

    Australian Gold Sunscreen: Kristy H.

    Red Envelope: Tawnda M.

    Congrats to all the winners!  You will all be emailed shortly.  Please see my Winner Policy Page.

    Filed Under: Giveaway Winners Tagged With: , , , , ,

    HALO Bars: Review and Giveaway

    July 7, 2011 By

    Does anyone else here feel like they live out of their car?  We are go-go-go and I try very, very hard not to let our diets suffer because of it.  My kids often need to refuel before scooting off to the next activity and I don’t want them filling up on junk.  The perfect solution?  HALO Bars from ProBar!

    My favorite! YUM!

    Why choose HALO Bars?  From the website:  “Satisfying your sweet tooth with zero grams of guilt. Introducing Halo, the delicious between meals treat that’s designed to do your body good. With natural whole food ingredients and heavenly taste, these bars have such big flavors they take on a personality all their own.”

    Available in great flavors like Rocky Road, Nutty Marshmallow, S’Mores, and Honey Graham, HALO Bars will make you (or your kids) feel like they are getting a sinful snack when they are really getting good for them fuel that will fill them up when hunger strikes!  I offered both children a Halo Bar on the way to soccer practice last week because it was a few hours past lunch but too early for dinner.

    My son loved the Nutty Marshmallow and my daughter loved the S’Mores and both kids gobbled them up.  I felt good knowing the snack would tide them over through practice and until dinner and wouldn’t give them a sugar crash.  This is because the primary sugar HALO uses is organic brown rice syrup. In contrast to typical sugars like corn syrup, brown rice syrup has a low glycemic value and does not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar after consuming it.  HALO bars have zero trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils. At just about 150 calories each, you can feel good knowing this healthy snack alternative won’t do damage to your waistline!

    GIVEAWAY

    One lucky reader one box of HALO bars!

    How to Enter:

    1. Visit HALO and tell me which bar you want to try first!

    Additional entries:

    1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog and HALO (10 extra entries).

    2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Limited to 10 a day, please. (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

    3. Subscribe to my blog.

    4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and HALO on Facebook.

    5. Place my blog button on your sidebar.

    Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on July 20th.  Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

    This review is the opinion of Jennifer of The Experimental Mommy. Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% honest.
    Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , ,
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