Saturday, July 29, 2017

Product Review: Bare Blossom Skincare & Organics

I've mentioned before that I haven't traditionally been the biggest beauty product or makeup user.  But in recent years, my skin has changed and I need to take care of it better than I have been.  This is where Bare Blossom Skincare & Organics comes in.  They offer a range of skincare and other organic products that are locally made in my home province of New Brunswick!

I decided to give these products a try after seeing a few posts on Facebook about them, and that they offered a "sample pack", which offered some sample sizes of a lot of their products, so it was an opportunity to try a number of products without committing to full size.

The first product I tried was the "Goddess Face Mask".  The texture is very similar to "mud".  It can dry out a little if not used right away, but just adding a tiny bit of water and working it through gets it ready for application.

You don't need much, but just apply to your entire face.  It goes on pretty dark, but it dries to about the colour in the picture below.


When it was time to remove the mask, it came off pretty easy.  My skin felt soft and moisturized.  This is my "after" picture:


The Goddess Mask is one of my favourite products.  The full size will last a long time as it is not a "daily use" product.  At the time of publication, the full size of the Face Mask is $25.

Next, I tried the Body Scrub.  This product comes in a number of different scents including Vanilla Cupcake, Coconut Crumble and Coffee.  I picked the Coffee Scent.  I LOVE the scent.  So energizing!

The scrub is granular, similar to a sea salt texture.  It doesn't take a lot, but you can take some in the palm of your hand and rub it on your body.  You can tell by the texture right away that you're getting some great exfoliation!


This is a picture of the product inside the package:


My skin is always dry and it felt great after using this product!  Just a heads up that if you're using this product, I would use it in the shower, as some does fall to the ground.  It would be messy if you used it prior to getting in the shower.

Next is another one of my favourite products - bath bombs.  There is a great variety of these bath bombs.  Not only can you get different scents, but you can get some for you and/or some for your kids!  My daughter's personal favourite bath bombs are the Poke Bomb and the Bling Bomb.  The childrens bath bombs have fun surprises in the middle!  They also smell great and don't irritate your child's skin.

I treated myself to the Orange Creamsicle bath bomb.  I have also tried the Peppermint bath bomb.  They both smell great, but the scent is not overpowering.  

The Bath Bomb in its package.

Bath Bomb - ready for use.

The bath bomb dissolves well and left my skin feeling clean and soft.  At the time of publication, bath bombs were $5 each, or 4 for $20.

The next product I tried was one that was a little strange using for the first time.  The Bare Blossom Whitening Toothpaste uses activated charcoal to help whiten your teeth.   I wasn't sure if this would work for me given that I have sensitive teeth and soft enamel and have been unable to use whitening products in the past.

A word of advice, this is a little bit of a messy process (at least in my experience), so have some cleaning products near by to clean your sink.

You only need a little to brush on your teeth and it stays on for 1 to 2 minutes.  Here's a look at what it looks like with it on your teeth:



I had no pain or sensitivity with the paste on.

When it came time to take it off, it does take a little bit to get it all completely off your teeth.  It does leave a little mess in your sink, but I just took a cleaning wipe and wiped it all up.

I saw immediate results.  Not dramatic results, but results none the less:


I am looking forward to using this a few more times to help whiten my teeth further!

At the time of publication, the price of the paste is $12.  This will last you a while because it's not for daily use.  My understanding is that the price will be going up, so act fast to see if you can still get it at that price!

Finally, I also used the Grit & Bare It face scrub.  For that review, watch my video below:


This is just a small sample of some of the products I tried, there are many, many others.  Check out the Bare Blossom Skincare & Organics webpage to see more of the products offered and to order!  https://bareblossomskincare.com/

Bare Blossom Skincare & Organics ships within Canada and to the United States!

As a bonus, I am giving you an opportunity to win a sample pack of Bare Blossom products!  Unfortunately, this contest is only open to Canadian residents.  Enter through the form below.   The Sample pack contains sample sizes of many of the products offered by Bare Blossom as well as a full size lip balm.

Enter to win the sample pack.  Open to Canadian Residents.  Contest runs until September 15 at 11:59 PM Eastern.


If the entry form doesn't load, you can also visit: http://giveawaytools2.com/share.php?giveaway=68330191821 to enter.

As a bonus, check out the Bare Blossom Skincare & Organics Facebook page for an AMAZING giveaway that they are running until September 21!  You could win $1000 worth of products!  Wow!!


Friday, July 28, 2017

You Could Win a $150 Nordstrom Gift Card!

When it comes to shopping for Fall, the focus is always on kids and their "Back to School" items, but sometimes Mama needs some new clothes too! I love Nordstrom because they have some great items, with many different brands and styles. There's something for everyone!
Don't need anything for yourself? They also carry men's clothing, children's clothing, beauty products and home decor. So much to choose from! That's why I've teamed up with some fantastic bloggers to give you all an opportunity to win a $150 (US) Nordstrom Gift Card! See below to enter!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $150 Nordstrom Gift Card
Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 8/18 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.
Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Why Are You Posting Sweaty Selfies?

The title of this post is a question I actually was asked a couple weeks ago.  That's when I started posting post workout pictures on my Instragram (and sometimes my Twitter and Facebook pages).  It's a strange thing to do, I know.  But I thought I would share my thinking behind it.



One of my many Instagram posts. 

In January, I went though a time that I was working out a few days a week, and felt like I was on a role, then I took a break for a few days, that turned in to a week, that turned in to a month... you get the picture.  So, when I decided to get back on track this month, I tried to think of ways to keep myself accountable.  Weight loss group meetings don't work for me, as I find it challenging to get there with my school, travel and mom schedule.  And asking my husband to check in with me to make sure I've exercised probably wouldn't end well.  So, I decided to post a bit about my fitness journey on social media, and it quickly became something that was motivating me!

I know there is likely no one that's going to message me to say "where is your sweaty picture today", but the idea that I post one most days of the week has been enough of a motivation to keep me going.  In my own mind, I have to post a new picture most days of the week.  It may seem like a strange way to motivate myself, but it's working for me.

How do you motivate yourself to stay active?  Feel free to share in the comments section, or connect with me on social media:

Friday, July 21, 2017

Amazon Giveaway!

So, I don't know about anyone else, but I have started noticing that the "Back to School" signs are up in stores already! Didn't school just end??? Well one of my favourite places to do my back to school shopping is Amazon! They have everything! It's a one stop shop for so much of what we need! I can take the school supply list and find everything from the comfort of my home. And as a bonus, you can also purchase clothing..... and maybe add on a little something for yourself. You deserve it!
I've teamed up with some bloggers to offer you an opportunity to get some shopping done with Amazon with this $200 Amazon Gift Card giveaway! 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $200 Amazon Gift Card
Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 8/18 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.

Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Urban Outfitters Giveaway!

Have you ever started packing for a summer getaway and realized you don't have as many summer clothes as you thought you did?  This happened to me last weekend.  Well I would like to help you out with that.  I've paired up with some fantastic bloggers to giveaway a $150 (US) Urban Outfitters Gift Card!  A good way to get some shopping done, right?

To top it off, there are some great items on sale on their website as we speak!  And, did you know they also sell decor?  So if you aren't in need of clothing, there's still lots to choose from!

Check out the giveaway below, and don't forget to enter often!  There are lots of opportunities to earn ballots!  Good luck!


GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $150 Urban Outfitters Gift Card
Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 8/9 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.
Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, July 14, 2017

Target Instagram Giveaway!

I've had an Instagram account for a long time, but I only just recently started to use it more.  I share content on my Instagram that's a little different than my other social media channels.  I tend to share more pictures of my travels, as well as my fitness journey - something I have struggled with.

How do you use your Instagram?  Are they similar posts to what you share on your other social media accounts?

If you've never checked out my instagram, here's an opportunity to check it out AND gives you a chance to win a prize!  I've teamed up with some bloggers to giveaway a $150 (US) Target gift card. For my Canadian readers, I know the Canadian Target folded up shop, but I know there are many  (myself included) that still enjoy shopping at Target on visits to the US.  What would you spend the gift card on if you won?



GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $150 Target Gift Card
Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 8/4 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.
Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Sephora Giveaway

I'm fairly new to the makeup "scene".  I went many years without wearing any makeup at all.  I wish I could say there was some high and mighty reason why I wasn't wearing any, but the truth is, I never really knew how to put it on properly.  But now we live in a day and age of makeup tutorials, and I've watched my fair share.  I'm still learning.  And I even posted a tutorial of my own (check it out on my  YouTube page: Overtired Mama's YouTube Page).

Anyone who uses makeup has undoubtedly heard of Sephora.  Just the name sounds amazing.  Well I've teamed up once again with a number of bloggers to give you all an opportunity to get yourself some Sephora!  This giveaway is for a $150 Sephora gift card!

What would you purchase first if you won?

For your opportunity to enter, and to check out my amazing co-hosts, have a look through the information below.

Good luck!



GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Prize: $150 Sephora Gift Card
Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!
Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 8/2 and is open worldwide. Winner will be notified via email.
Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!


7 Tips for Summer Travel on a Budget

Winter is over (although, I know for some, it feels like it's still here).  We are now approaching summer.  We're on the "downw...