Announcements

MY CHILDREN'S BOOKS, "HI, GOD" AND "FOUR LUCKY LEAVES" ARE AVAILABLE NOW! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

When did childhood become so controversial? Check out my latest post, "Hello, Connectivity; Goodbye, Childhood" on the Tampa Bay Moms Blog!

Friday, June 13, 2014

GIVEAWAY: Signed Copy of "Four Lucky Leaves" Children's Book!

Enter below for your chance to win a signed copy of my children's book, "Four Lucky Leaves"! Contest runs from 6/13/14 through 6/20/14. Good luck!


“A four-leaf clover in a world of threes sometimes felt lonely, left out in the breeze.”

When a four-leaf clover is bullied for being different, he tries to change his appearance in order to blend in. Convinced his extra leaf has doomed him to remain an outcast, a new friend makes him realize that sometimes the only way to fit in is to stand out.

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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

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).




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!