Review: Dragonfyre Apothecary - Natural & Organic Skin Care

I recently received Dragonfyre Apothecary's entire line of DragonBaby and DragonMama products for review. I was not compensated for this review, but I did receive the products free of charge. The opinions expressed are my own.

When I received Dragonfyre Apothecary's DragonBaby and DragonMama line of skin care for review, I was pretty excited to see what they were all about. Their products are made with 100% natural and organic ingredients and I felt comfortable using them on my kids. Overall, I was genuinely impressed with each product and would highly recommend them to moms everywhere.

Here is a detailed breakdown of each product and why they get two enthusiastic thumbs up (or at least as enthusiastic as the thumbs of a mom with two kids under 3 can be).

Blazin' Bottoms Fanny Creme

As the mom of a toddler who loves fruit, I have a lot of experience with diaper rash creams. (If you haven't experienced the fiery red butt that accompanies eating a lot of acidic fruit, you've been warned.) I really like the Blazin' Bottoms Fanny Creme because you only need to use a little bit. It comes in a pump bottle which is great for one-handed use - especially since you're probably using your other hand to wrangle a screaming, struggling tot. What I really like about this creme is that it pumps like a lotion, but goes on more like an oil. It absorbs quickly so it's not still glopped on at the next diaper change. It's fast-acting, too. The rash usually clears up after a few applications (rather than days with some other creams).

Head-to-Tail Baby Wash

This wash also comes in a pump bottle which is always a plus in my book. It has a light scent and works well for cleaning your little one's hair and body. Since you don't need to use a lot, you'll find it really goes a long way toward lasting. I use this baby wash on both my toddler and my newborn and I still have plenty left.

DragonBaby Body Creme

Baby lotions are really hit or miss. I've found some that have made me sorely regret slathering my child in what turned out to be a stinky second layer. This body creme is great because it has a pleasant scent that won't overwhelm you or your baby. It's also light and non-greasy and absorbs into the skin quickly.

DragonScales Tea Tree Salve

This salve is recommended to help baby's dry, itchy skin. I actually just used it for the first time on my two month old son and it's really helping. It rubs on smoothly and while there is a scent (I couldn't quite place it, but I imagine it was a combination of the shea butter, chamomile, and other natural ingredients contained in it), it wasn't unpleasant. Since he's so young, I'm hesitant to put creams or lotions on his face. However, since all Dragonfyre Apothecary products are made using only natural and organic ingredients, I felt more comfortable applying this salve to his forehead.

In addition to these great products for baby, they even threw in some pick-me-ups for mom! It was definitely a treat getting to try out some wonderful moisturizers and balms myself.

DragonMama Belly Bump Balm

Since I was already pregnant with my second child (and sporting a full-on mid-section zebra print) by the time I tried this Belly Bump Balm, I don't know whether it helps to reduce stretch marks. What I do know is that it's wonderful for moisturizing and alleviating the annoying itchy belly that accompanies pregnancy. Plus, the scent of lemongrass was relaxing and left me wanting an Italian ice! The great thing about this balm is that it's not just for the belly; it can be used anywhere that needs some extra moisture. To be honest, I used it on my feet (their residual dryness a lingering gift from my days as a waitress) and on my knees (which have been severely dry ever since my daughter started crawling). I've tried plenty of other lotions, creams, and balms for those areas and none have worked as well (or as quickly) as the Belly Bump Balm. I'm a big fan!

Moiste Facial Moisturizer

The Moiste Facial Moisturizer and Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum (see below) are the epitome of a great power couple. Try them separately and try them together. They're amazing! The moisturizer is a light and airy lotion that doesn't feel at all greasy when applied. One of the main reasons I've never been a big fan of facial lotions is because they tend to leave me feeling greasy, dirty, and weighed down. Not this one. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling clean. There is a noticeable difference in the dryness of my skin on days when I don't use this moisturizer. Combined with the Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum your skin will feel soft, smooth, and hydrated. Don't have the serum? It also works great on its own.

Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum

Like the Moiste Facial Moisturizer, the Andswere Prestige Hyaluronan Serum is a light and non-greasy anti-aging serum which promotes collagen synthesis and cell regeneration. It has a faint, but pleasant, scent, and it absorbs quickly. While I'm still a ways from worrying about lines and wrinkles (I just turned 30, after all), I love this serum and use it daily for the benefits of its hydrating and cleansing effects. When combined with the Moiste Facial Moisturizer, it's a real treat for your skin!

For more information or to purchase these great items for yourself, visit their website at www.dragonfyreapothecary.com. You can also like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter and Pinterest!

A Belated Father's Day Tribute

Even though Father’s Day has passed, it’s never too late for a heartfelt tribute to those wonderful fathers who make our lives so much easier.

As moms, and especially as overwhelmed new moms, we sometimes feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders (or boobs or hip). It’s easy to get caught up in all the things we’re racing to accomplish before bedtime.

Sometimes we might even feel like we’re the only ones doing anything, especially in the early days when our kids are glued to us. Usually (and hopefully) this isn’t really the case. A good dad can be found hiding in the shadows helping us in ways we may not even realize. They don’t always advertise what they’re doing which is why sometimes we miss it entirely.

Today, and really everyday, we need to take a minute to stop and notice the little things our husbands do for us. When he washes the baby bottles, refills the diaper genie or handles the grocery shopping, he’s doing what he can to lessen the load. When he pays the bills, feeds the baby or does the laundry, he’s silently telling you he loves you.

My husband, for example, does many small things throughout the day that I know about and countless others that I don’t. He doesn’t take credit or gloat or keep score. He works all day in the sun, gets home at 7:00, and cooks dinner the minute he walks in the door. He does these things because he loves his family. He does these things because he’s a good man.

No matter how overwhelmed I may get, I always know he’s in my corner waiting to be tagged in. We aren’t surviving motherhood or fatherhood; we’re discovering parenthood together as a team.

It’s easy to lose sight of these things in the day-to-day rush, but if you can, take the time to thank him for everything he does. He may not ask for the credit, but he will certainly appreciate getting it. And remember to tell him that he’s doing a great job. Just as moms need to hear that we’re not complete failures, so do dads.

So to my husband, Ryan, thank you for everything you do to keep me afloat. Thank you for being such a wonderful husband and for being such an incredible father. Happy (belated) Father’s Day.

Dear Breastfeeding Mom

Dear Breastfeeding Mom:

Wow. You amaze me. There's a special type of dedication required for breastfeeding a newborn. As if housing a tiny stowaway in your womb for nine months and pushing it out like a rocket wasn't enough, you've signed on for another tour of sacrificing your body.

There are certain aspects of breastfeeding that you probably didn't hear about beforehand. The truth is, they may have discouraged you from trying. On the other hand, maybe you read all about them and decided to push forward anyway. In any case, I tip my hat to you.

The first few weeks of nursing were the most difficult as you were both still learning. Maybe your baby had killer instincts and knew exactly what to do. Maybe he needed some help. Maybe she favored the left boob and wouldn't touch the right. Do your local lactation consultants recognize your number? Yeah, you're a dedicated mom.

You probably have a love/hate relationship with your breast pump. I know you feel like a cow constantly being milked. Do your home videos have a soundtrack of that telltale mechanical sucking noise? I hear you.

Nursing in public can be rough. If you do it, you have to deal with judgment, stares, or outright comments from onlookers. If you don't, you may find yourself spending a good bit of time in the backseat of the car while your baby snacks.

If you've gone back to work (or even if you haven't), you may be familiar with fenugreek, nursing tea, and blessed thistle. Maybe you wonder if one of these days you'll turn into a pill from taking so many.

You know better than anyone how much a woman sacrifices to breastfeed her child. Your body. Your time. Your rest. Your independence.

Then again, you understand better than anyone how much you gain from it. Nobody has the same bond with your child that you do. The look in her eyes as she studies your face is precious. She feels safest in your arms. She reaches for you when others hold her. You look at her and see her unconditional love. (Plus, losing that baby weight quickly is a great bonus.)

Whether you breastfed for a week or a year, whether you're still nursing or you've made the switch to formula or milk, you're amazing. It's difficult and requires a lot of work, but the benefits are insurmountable. One look at those big blue eyes or the realization that your child has never been sick reminds you that it's all worth it.

Your child may not thank you now. He may never thank you. But I do. I know what you're going through, what you've been through, and what's on the other side. Don't forget to take the time to recognize your hard work and dedication. You're a wonderful mom. You've done an incredible job so be proud of yourself!

What did you find was the most rewarding part of nursing? What was the most annoying?

Overstuffing the Diaper Bag

Diapers. Wipes. Bottle. What more could you need in a diaper bag? If you’re a new mom, the answer is simple: more diapers, extra pacifiers, a change of clothes, a second change of clothes, hand sanitizer, snacks, toys, burp cloths, gas drops, extra bottles, a thermometer… This doesn’t come close to listing everything you’ve got wedged in there. Let’s face it; if the zipper gets halfway across and gives up, you’ve overstuffed your diaper bag.

In the early (and maybe not so early) days, it’s hard to know what items are essential. Sure, you’re only going to the park for a couple of hours, but a lot can happen in 120 minutes. You need to bring three bottles, some snacks, and a jar of baby food “just in case”, right? You never know; all that playing on the swing set might throw your child into a hulk-like feeding frenzy and the fifteen minute drive home just won’t do. Likewise, those five toys (and three books) are necessary for the car ride – your sweetie needs her options so she doesn’t get bored.

We’ve all done this. It’s easy to keep cramming more and more items in that tote “just in case”. But keep this in mind: if the diaper bag weighs more than your kid, you’ve gone overboard.

It’s not your fault. Baby product manufacturers love to mess with our heads. Why else would no one have an all-in-one wipe? Do we really need separate wipes for everything? There’s a wipe for diaper changes, a hand and face wipe, a boogie wipe, a pacifier wipe... Granted, I’d prefer the wipe that cleans my baby’s butt to be separate from the one that sanitizes her pacifier, but what about the rest? If based on cleaning pads alone, a diaper bag can easily bulge in minutes.

While it’s true that you just never know what could happen while you’re out, it’s probably a safe bet that you’d survive if caught in a lost sock emergency. Pack an extra set of clothes, but leave the back-up spare at home.

Even though Mary Poppins and her own magical purse would be proud, you might consider emptying some of those unnecessary items or even switching to a smaller bag. Your back will thank you in the long run. However you decide to pack your sack, here are some items that you’ll want to keep:

·        Diapers

·        Wipes

·        Changing pad

·        Hand sanitizer

·        Bottle

·        Snacks

·        Burp Cloth

·        Gas Drops (essential when they’re still itty bitty)

What have you learned over time? Which items did you find you could ditch and which ones were the must-haves?

Baby Dress-Up: Favorite Pastime of Adults

As a new parent, you may find yourself beginning more sentences with, "There's nothing cuter than..." This is generally true for the moment - until your child does the next ridiculously adorable thing. That's okay; hop on that train and enjoy the ride to Cutesy Town. Junior just did something so sweet that you almost want to puke with pride? No problem; upchuck away and blame it on motion sickness.

Few things in life will ever bring as sincere an "Aw" response as the antics of babies and kids. Skeptical? Just look at footie pajamas, overalls in size 3 months, and baby hoodies. Still not buying it? Try to resist the impractical but oh-so-sweet addition to any infant's pants: the tiny pocket. Operational? Yes. Stylish? Absolutely. Necessary? Of course not. So that tiny towhead doesn't need somewhere to store her leftover cheese puffs (after all, isn't that what cheeks are for?); that doesn't mean we can't bask in its unnecessary glow.

The truth is, babies would be perfectly happy rolling around in nothing but a gummy smile. Baby clothes are purely for the entertainment of adults. No newborn cares whether her socks match her onesie or whether that flower in her hat is the right shade of purple. Likewise, a five-month-old isn't impressed with the drawn on tie on his shirt or the fact that his feet are snuggled inside a pair of Converse.

While most aspects of child rearing are constantly changing (mainly advice and regulations which flip flop more than a pair of Florida sandals), fashionable clothes are now an ever present staple. From pregnancy through parenthood, you can always count on finding snazzy outfits for your tot. Whether it's a blue onesie to celebrate that special "It's a Boy!" moment or a pair of dainty socks as a pick me up, it's certainly a less expensive alternative to wine. Plus, the fuzzy headache usually only accompanies overindulgence of the pocketbook.

On the flip side, and as an added bonus, you, as dear old Mom and Dad, have the right to take as many embarrassing pictures of those not so flattering outfits as you like. Whether you save them for a rainy day or a rebellious teen, they'll surely come in handy. Who said playing dress-up never served a purpose?

Pregnancy Acronyms Decoded

Congratulations! You're pregnant! You've either graduated from the class of Trying to Conceive or you skipped a grade and got your "Oops" diploma. Either way, you're about to be a mom. 

Before you dive headfirst into the pool of learning-everything-you-should-know-about-pregnancy-and-parenting (and those are deep waters), you may want to hold onto that diving board a minute longer. What you may not have expected is the Pregnancy as a Second Language prerequisite.

Early onset excitement is a common side effect of those solid pink lines, but perusing a few mom-to-be message boards will leave you scratching your head if you're not familiar with the lingo. Here is a breakdown of the most common pregnancy acronyms swarming popular pregnancy sites. Read them. Learn them. But, please, don't speak them aloud. This one is a language best left in cyberspace.

Acronym	Meaning
AF	Aunt Flo
BC	Birth Control
BF	Breastfeeding
BFN	Big Fat Negative [pregnancy test]
BFP	Big Fat Positive [pregnancy test]
BIL	Brother-in-Law
BM	Breast Milk
CD	Cycle Day
CIO	Cry it Out
CS	Cesarean Section
DD	Dear Daughter
DH	Dear Husband
DPO	Days Past Ovulation
DS	Dear Son
DSD	Dear Stepdaughter
DSS	Dear Stepson
DTD	Do the Deed
EBF	Exclusively Breastfeeding
EBM	Expressed Breast Milk
EDD	Estimated Due Date
FF	Formula Feeding
FIL	Father-in-Law
FTM	First Time Mom
HPT	Home Pregnancy Test
HTH	Hope This Helps
IMHO	In My Humble Opinion
IRL	In Real Life
LO	Little One
MC	Miscarriage
MIL	Mother-in-Law
OPK	Ovulation Predictor Kit
POAS	Pee on a Stick
SAHD	Stay-at-Home Dad
SAHM	Stay-at-Home-Mom
SIL	Sister-in-Law
SO	Significant Other
TIA	Thanks in Advance
TTC	Trying to Conceive

For a complete list, check out this great chart at BabyCenter.com.

Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow Review

There comes a time in every pregnancy when a woman realizes she just can't get comfortable in bed. That ever-growing belly makes it difficult to find a position where falling asleep is possible. Back? Doctor says that's a no-go. Side? Not with the new pressure from a tiny stowaway. Stomach? Not unless you want to squish your hitchhiker. What's an exhausted girl to do? Get used to it! Just kidding.

Copyright Leachco

For me, my answer came in the form of a large 'C' shaped body pillow called the Leachco Snoogle Total Body Pillow. After trying regular pillows and makeshift sleep wedges formed from cut up Tempur-Pedic material, I finally gave in and decided to spend a little cash. My sister had recommended this noodle-like cushion and I figured she, as an experienced mom, would know best.

Copyright Leachco

Oh, Snoogle; I applaud you. This versatile cloud worked wonders for my sheep counting. Total Body Pillow, indeed - stretched out, it's longer than I am. Used against my back, it usually did a good job of preventing me from rolling over. Likewise, it comfortably alleviated the pressure on my belly when I snuggled up from behind. The 'C' shaped top is meant to be used as a head cushion, but I'm fond of my regular, fluffy pillows from the neck up. 


Personally, I found it a bit uncomfortable used that way, but discovered if I turned the top portion away from me while I slept, it was perfect. Whether my husband appreciated a worm-like poke in the face while he slept is up for debate (he says not so much, but I say I grew a person inside me... rock beats scissors).

Copyright Leachco

Another fun thing about the Snoogle is that it can be used for more than just sleeping. Easily twisted, it also makes for a comfortable back support when wrapped around you during the latest episode of "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant" (and it doesn't hinder you from throwing french fries at the TV when a 115 lb woman has a nearly painless delivery on the bathroom floor of a convenience store).

Copyright Leachco

The Snoogle can also be used as a nursing pillow once the baby arrives, although I never tried that function. I had a Boppy Nursing Pillow and my Snoogle was immediately retired to the garage to make room for my husband in bed. He was glad to be back after nine months of wondering whether I was actually on the other side.


All in all, I was impressed and satisfied with this pillow. It was a bit pricey when I bought it (around $70 if I'm not mistaken), but I'd say it was well worth it. My latest Google search showed it on sale from Amazon for just under $50. I would recommend this pillow to any expectant mom in need of a good night's sleep.



Dear Expectant Mom

Dear Expectant Mom: 

You're beautiful. You're not fat; you're making room for one more. You're tired, achy, and irritable because you have a tiny person kicking you all day. On the other hand, you have a tiny person kicking you all day. You pee every ten minutes and you can't climb off the couch without help. Even though you've never slept on your belly or back, those are suddenly the only positions that seem comfortable; and, of course, you can't do that (can you say, "Don't push the red button"?). It sometimes takes an hour before you fall asleep and when you do, you have dreams of dropping the baby. You worry about money and whether you'll be a good enough mom and whether you're gaining too much/not enough weight. Strangers want to rub your stomach and that's the last thing you want to think about since you can't keep any food in it. You have to sleep in a sports bra and you can't even remember the last time you wore cute underwear. Breathe.

You're amazing. What you're doing is remarkable. You're sacrificing so much already for the sake of someone you haven't even seen. Pregnancy isn't just a phase you have to pass through before having a child. It's an involved route on your journey into parenthood. Pregnancy prepares you for the sacrifices, inconveniences, and difficult times ahead. But it also readies you for the wonderful changes that are coming. You don't expect motherhood to be easy, so how could carrying a child be any different?

You're deserving of all good things. You're having nightmares of being an inadequate parent because you care so much about being enough for your child. Good enough. Patient enough. Smart enough. Strong enough. You will be. Motherhood has a learning curve; don't worry. Every mother who ever came before you had the same fears and anxieties. You're doing a great job as a mom already - you're taking your vitamins; you're talking to your baby (even if others think you're crazy); and you're loving your unborn child.

You're strong. Waddling around all day isn't easy. Your hormones are racing in every direction and your husband is afraid to stand too close sometimes. That's okay. He knows you're strong, too (that's why he's hiding the frying pans and baseball bats for the next nine months).

You're going to be a great mom. It's okay to plop down on the couch because you're tired. It's okay to cry because that Chevy commercial was so touching. It's okay to scream into your pillow because you're feeling overwhelmed. It's okay to eat mac 'n cheese every night for a month because it's the only thing that doesn't make you puke. It's okay. Whatever you have to do to cope with stress/worries/fears is okay. 

You're beautiful, amazing, deserving, and strong. Your baby may not be here just yet, but you are already a great mom. And that little stowaway already loves you more than you know.

Here's My Baby Bump! Where's My Wallet?

Who knew pregnancy was so costly? Sure, we've all heard it before: "Kids are expensive." We know that. What we didn't know was how much cash it takes preparing for, and finally entering, pregnancy. Apparently, those adorably sticky fingers start pick-pocketing in utero. No matter how many books I read, I didn't expect that.

If yours is a planned pregnancy, get ready to drop some cash. And depending how long it takes the stork to meander to your door, you might just fork out enough cash to pay the salaries of a few EPT executives.

That's right - the pregnancy test. Who knew you could actually master the art of peeing on a plastic stick? I believe the saying goes, "She who never dribbled on her hand has earned the right to proudly stand." Okay, so maybe it's not a widely known saying, but it doesn't make it any less true. I'll bet you didn't expect those pretty, pink predictors to take such a big chunk of your earnings. A box or two might not phase you; after all, only $10 gets you a two-pack. Feeling fancy? Go ahead and splurge on the digital ones. They'll only run you another five bucks. But when that second, third, and fourth month roll around, you'll start to feel your debit card receding into places unknown. Especially when you just know you're going to get that second line this month.

Ovulation predictor kits are another staple of the Fingers Crossed Society. Ranging from an average of $15 for seven to nearly $50 for a one month supply, you'll almost expect them to throw the baby in with the sticks.

It's happened! You got the plus sign or the smiley face (aren't you sophisticated?). Congratulations! Now that you're finished with the pre-pregnancy add-ons, that pittance of a salary might begin to climb again, right? Ha. Welcome to the exciting world of the expanding gut. Now that you can toss out the soggy sticks, along with the stop watch, it's time to add pre-natal vitamins (if you haven't already) and maternity clothes to your budget. Big deal; a few pairs of stretchy pants and some big t-shirts. Well, that's not all. 

Get ready to hit intimate apparel in a whole new way. Gone (for now, anyway) are the days of frolicking in Victoria's Secret to find that sexy, lace number or the newest, heavenly push-up. Instead you'll be running to the nearest Target for some cotton grannies. You may fight it at first, but your increased appetite isn't limited to your stomach. That ever growing derriere will quickly have you turning pro in the world of Ultimate Wedgie. Don't forget the twins 6 inches below your chin. They'll double in size and scream for a more comfortable bra.

It's no surprise daycare will consume a large portion of what's left of your paycheck. What may surprise you is the price of adding your first kid to your health insurance plan. Premiums ranging from $400 to $600 per month for a healthy newborn seem pretty standard, if jaw-dropping. On the other hand, learning that mere weeks before your due date is a great way to induce labor.

While it's true your wallet will shrink as quickly as your belly will swell, there will be some pretty invaluable perks along the way. Ice cream for dinner and your boss hijacking garbage duties are great, but it's that first flutter that really hits you. Despite the multitude of unexpected and pricey odds and ends, the first time you hear your baby's heartbeat is absolutely priceless.

Hello, Baby. So Long, Sleep.

Ah, the Snoogle. Sleep wedge. Pregnancy pillow. It's funny how one 'C' shaped cushion can stir such different emotions. To a pregnant woman, it's a soft embrace cradling her and her child each night. The only conceivable way to get any sleep with a growing melon a few inches from her boobs. To the tired husband, it's a ridiculous question mark spooning his wife and poking him in the face as he sleeps. He knows it's a necessary evil if the mother of his child wants any rest, but that doesn't stop his fantasy of hoisting it into the dumpster in all its floppy and misshapen glory.

Priorities shift at different points in our lives. Children change you. Everyone knows this. Parents experience the polar change firsthand. Others accept it as fact in the same way we know being hit by a car is painful without feeling the need to kiss the underside of a Chevy. But it's the unexpected changes to the overlooked bits and pieces of daily life that I'm talking about.

Sleep. Oh, yes. I remember you. Sleep is that relationship you had years ago that you always took for granted. Sure, it was on-again, off-again and you always found your way back to each other, but you never truly appreciated all it did for you. It might have been clingy at times and demanding more of a commitment than you were prepared to make, but you strung it along because it was comfortable.

That was the Sleep you used to know. Sleep, once pregnancy has settled in, becomes the bitter ex determined to win the post breakup who's-life-sucks-less competition. It conveniently shows up uninvited and seductively glides through the room to remind you just how good you had it before.

Don't worry; that will pass. Eventually, your child will be born and you will have romanticized the memory of Sleep to the point where you can't believe you ever had a shot with it at all. Here's the upside: you will by then have found yourself in a perpetual state of exhaustion where you're also convinced your pre-pregnancy weight was 98 pounds and that you always appreciated everything your mother did for you. The point is, pregnancy brain never left and you can't ever really trust those foggy memories of yours again. Shake it off, have a yawn, and move that Snoogle to the garage for next time - just keep an eye on your husband when trash day rolls around. Sleep may be too elusive for a mere pillow these days, but there's nothing like a gummy grin to lift the haze of exhaustion. You'll sleep tomorrow - for now, it's time to play.