Carmex Gets Fashionable

Have you seen the new Carmex Moisture Plus lip balms?

They are fancy!

There are four styles to choose from:  Chic, Fab, Whimsical, and Adventurous.

Personally, my favorite is the Whimsical version.  The bright colors and patterns make it easy to find hiding in the bottom of my purse.  

My sister, the lover of all things purple, was smitten with the Fab lip balm.   It actually fits her perfectly, since she always looks nothing short of fabulous.  (Did I tell you the story of when someone thought Doc and I were her parents?  FYI - She's my older sister.  Ugh!)

Pumpkin is very fond of animal prints these days, and found the adventurous stick to be right up her alley.  It goes well with her zebra book bag and cheetah bean bag chair.

Peanut ended up with the Chic stick.  Not so much because it was her favorite, but because that is what we had left.  It worked out well, however, since her book bag is black and white as well.  It was a perfect match.

I have to say, that it seemed silly to worry about the color of your lip balm package when I first saw these new sticks.  However, after using them this winter, I have discovered that I absolutely LOVE it.  Now, we don't have to worry that we are using the wrong stick.  With chapped lip season coinciding with cold and flu season, there is no need to take the extra risk of using someone else's Carmex.  

In fact, I love these new sticks so much that I actually bought several as gifts for teachers, co-workers, and friends.  They made great stocking stuffers and would have been great for Valentine's gifts for teachers as well.  

My only problem with these new lip balms - it seems like they don't have as much lip balm in them.  They've run out of goodness and I've had to buy replacements already.  To be honest though, it may just be the ridiculousness of this winter.  I might be using lip balm even more than I ever have before. 

Now that spring is fast approaching (I hope!), maybe Carmex will even come out with some new summer sticks.  I know I'll be on the lookout for them!

*Disclaimer - Carmex sent me samples of this product to facilitate my review.  

PS - If you haven't tried the healing lotion and cream from Carmex, you should!  It is hard to find, but definitely worth the effort.   (I've only been able to locate it in CVS.)

Body Issues and Acceptance

This morning, as I was browsing Facebook, I came across this video.   (Warning:  Video contains profanity that is "bleeped", but not that well.)

I was shocked at the range of emotions that it brought up.  I laughed.  I was impressed with her fearlessness.  I thought, "There's no way I'd show my muffin top intentionally!"  I was frightened.  I was inspired.

Here's the thing.  I exercise regularly.  I generally eat healthy foods.  It doesn't matter.  I still have a muffin top.   I keep it tucked away under long shirts whenever possible, but occasionally it does sneak out to be seen.   It isn't something I'm proud of.  It isn't how I'd choose for my body to look.  It is however, my body.   It is something I need to learn to accept and even love - if not for myself, then for my girls.

While I try very hard not to say anything about my body around my girls, I think they can sense my body issues.  Kids are smart.  They don't need me to say anything.   Little actions (or inactions) are all they need to know that I'm not happy with the way I look.  The problem is that I want them to be happy with themselves.   I want them to love their bodies now, when they are teenagers, and when they become adults.  I don't want them to be self-conscious.  I don't want their body images to interfere with their relationships and happiness.  In order for them to have that confidence.  I think I need to develop more of my own.

Obviously, not all of a child's body image comes from her parents.  Kids are exposed to the message that weight loss is important on TV, in movies, on the radio, and just about everywhere else you look.  My girls aren't big TV watchers.  Recently, they've begun watching MeTV on the weekends though.  (They love Leave It To Beaver!)  At the start of the new year, every commercial on MeTV seemed to be about weight loss.  Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, and local gyms advertised during each and every two minute break.   A few weeks ago, Pumpkin asked if she could sign up for Nutrisystem because she needed to lose 15 lbs.

What?!

She's 8.  She's not even close to overweight.  If she lost 15 lbs, she'd probably die.  My heart broke at the thought that she might be even a little serious.

Her comment led to a talk about weight, bodies, shapes, sizes, exercising, and good food choices - all stuff we've talked about before.  She seemed like maybe she was just saying it for shock value. (She's my child that likes to get a reaction from people.)  However, I do worry about her especially.   I'll never forget the day that she came home from 3 year old preschool and said, "Sara (name has been changed) and I are the fat girls in our class."

Again - What?!

She didn't say it with any real emotion.  She said it as if it were fact.  I don't know who told her that, but  obviously someone had.  We had never used the word "fat" in our house.  I wasn't even sure if she knew what it meant.  Ever since that day I've watched her carefully because I knew that a seed had been planted.  One million people can tell her from now until forever that she isn't fat, but if she is anything like me, she will remember the one person that said she was louder and more clearly in her head.

How do you drown out that voice that tells you that you aren't good enough?

I don't know that you can ever really eliminate that voice, but hopefully my girls will be able to at least hear the other voices that are kind, loving and accepting.  With that love and acceptance I hope they develop a desire to take care of themselves with healthy food choices and an active lifestyle.  Then, when they're doing the best they can for themselves and enjoying their lives, I want them to look in the mirror and be proud of who they are.  My girls are beautiful and they always will be, regardless of their sizes, freckles, blemishes, etc.  They each have a big heart, amazing sense of humor, and a mind (and body) that will take them anywhere they want to go!  That is something to be grateful for!

Nibblers Satisfy Our After School Cravings (and More)

Crystal Farms recently launched the latest cravable innovation for snacking: Nibblers, a new line of bite-sized, 100% real cheese snacks that provide a bold and unexpected flavor experience in every bite. 

Nibblers come in 1.5-ounce stand-up bags and are available in four flavors, including Smoky BBQ seasoned Cheddar cheese, Habanero seasoned Pepper Jack cheese, Chipotle Pepper seasoned Cheddar cheese, and Sour Cream & Onion seasoned Monterey Jack cheese.

Each of the conveniently-packaged single-serve bags contain 9-10 grams of protein, so they’re an excellent option for giving you and your family the energy you need while snacking on the go. Perfect for the busy fall, back-to-school months! 

Crystal Farms recently (or not so recently - I am a little slow in posting this review.) sent me several packages of their new Nibblers to try and review.   As soon as I received them, I quickly opened the Habanero package to give it a try.  I love spicy foods, and this snack didn't disappoint.  With a slight kick and amazing flavor, I was immediately appreciative that I was selected to try this new product. Unfortunately, Pumpkin also loves spicy foods, so I didn't get to enjoy as much of the Habanero Nibblers as I would have liked.  She ate more than half of the first package we opened, as well as the second.  We both especially loved eating them between Triscuit crackers.  Something about the combined tastes and textures just made them seem like the perfect fit.

I'm not going to lie.  I was a bit hesitant to try the Smoky BBQ and the Sour Cream and Onion Nibblers.  For some reason, while I enjoy both of those flavors in potato chips, I was a little apprehensive about how they might taste in cheese.  In fact, I actually waited until we had guests over to break these flavors open.  Being unsure if I would like them, and not wanting to waste them if I didn't, I figured the best way to make sure they were eaten was to share them with a larger group of people.  As it turned out, I didn't need to worry.  Each flavor found a person that could appreciate it. Even I found the flavors to be quite good - though not as good as the Habanero were to me.  While I couldn't sit and eat an entire package of the other flavors, I could definitely enjoy sharing a package with Doc, Peanut, or Pumpkin.

In addition to eating these Nibblers as a quick and easy protein filled snack, I've also discovered something else about them.  They are a quick and easy way to spice up a meal.   A little melted Smoky BBQ cheese on a burger or chicken sandwich really adds flavor!  Chipotle Pepper cheese is great on tacos - though I think it would also be good on a burger or sandwich.  There's no need to put dressing on your salad if you crumble some Nibblers on top.  The flavors allow you to switch up your salad routine without investing in a refrigerator full of dressings (and all the calories that come with them).

Now, if only Kroger would start to carry Crystal Farms Nibblers, then I'd be one happy girl.

Disclosure:  I was not compensated for this post.  I was sent a sample of the product and asked to provide an honest review.

What I Love Wednesday - Grass Stains

As odd as it may sound, I love when my girls come in from playing outside with grass stains.  To me, grass stains are part of childhood.  They symbolize running around outside, having fun, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.  While I want my girls to be careful, I don't want them to miss out on enjoying life by being too cautious.

Be brave!  Be adventurous! If you want to live a life with no regrets, then you have to live the kind of life that results in grass stains and great memories!

What I Love Wednesday - Toilet Paper?

It isn't just toilet paper that I love.  In fact, it is something a bit more peculiar than that.   I love when I go into the girls' (or even my) bathroom and find a roll of toilet paper on the holder . . . backwards.  (I'm a bit of a TP snob.  As such, this roll is clearly on WRONG.  Toilet paper is meant to go over, not under.)  However, when I find a roll on backwards, that means that someone else put it on.  There was a stretch of time where I was beginning to wonder if I needed to hold a class to teach the girls how easy it was.

What I Love Wednesday - Worry Dolls

Peanut is a worrier.

On Monday night she couldn't sleep.  She was worried about school on Tuesday.  She worries that her "friend" will be mean to her (which is actually pretty likely).  She came out into the living room with tears in her eyes, afraid to go to sleep, knowing that when she did morning would come faster and she'd have to go to school.

I told her to give her worries to her worry dolls to take away while she slept.  Then I filled her ears with "I love you"s so that no other thoughts could fit between them, and sent her to bed.

About 30 minutes later I went in to check on her and she was sleeping soundly.

Now, if only those worry dolls could make me stop worrying about her . . .

To My Girls . . .

My sweet girls:

Today I sit here, wondering what I should do.  I know that I can't take away your worries or your pain.    I can't solve your problems for you.  I can only listen with an open heart and open arms.  I can give you hugs, kisses, and advice (and ice cream!).  I know that you're strong enough to make your way through the world on your own.  While I would like to beat the path down for you so that I don't have to see you suffer, I know in my heart of hearts that the path you make yourself will be the best one for you.  I may have to watch you struggle, but I will also experience the joy of watching you succeed.   This is my promise to you:   You will succeed!!!  You are too strong, smart, kind, creative and amazing not to. So, keep on keeping on my loves, and know that I'll always be here for you.  You are my heart, and I will always be your safe place! 

I don't want to wish away our time,

but I would like to wish away your tears.

If only I could remove the pain

that comes with all your worries and fears.

There are a few things that I know are true -

You're strong!  You're tough!  You will get through

these trials, these tests, these mean, cruel few!

All your experiences will make you YOU.

Your smile is a thing of beauty!

Your kindness shines brighter than the sun!

You have a love that can't be stifled!

You make my life a better one!

If there's one thing you MUST remember -

Life can be tough, but you are too!

You have the talent to succeed,

Just look deep down inside of you!

Michael Buble - To Be Loved

Always looking for new music to enjoy, I was thrilled when One2One gave me the opportunity to review Michael Buble's album To Be Loved.  Containing both new music and old music made new, this album is a complete joy to listen to.  Just check out the list of songs.  If you have an appreciation for some of the famous crooners of times gone by, then I'm sure you'll recognize some old favorites.

To Be Loved Track Listing:
1. "You Make Me Feel So Young"
2. "It's a Beautiful Day"
3. "To Love Somebody"
4. "Who's Lovin You"
5. "Something Stupid" (featuring Reese Witherspoon)
6. "Come Dance with Me"
7. "Close Your Eyes"
8. "After All" (featuring Bryan Adams)
9. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (with Naturally 7)
10. "To Be Loved"
11. "You've Got a Friend in Me"
12. "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" (featuring The Puppini Sisters)
13. "I Got It Easy"
14. "Young at Heart"

While I wasn't familiar with the Frank Sinatra song, "Something Stupid", I fell in love with it when I heard Michael sing it.   His voice just seems a perfect fit for the fun and romantic rhythm of the song.   "It's a Beautiful Day" is another new favorite.  Every time I hear it, I can't help but try to sing along.

I definitely recommend you check out the album and see if you can find a song that gets you tapping your feet.  If you do, then you can buy the album at Amazon or on iTunes.

Disclosure:  I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the album to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Winners!

While all of my readers are winners, I have to take a minute to congratulate Agnes and Janice for being my most recent prize winners.  Agnes won the Carmex Prize Pack and Janice was the lucky recipient of the Hasbro & General Mills Giveaway!

Thanks to all for reading my rather sporadic posts!

Happy Monday!

Carmex - Pumpkin's Favorite Lotion

I keep finding myself in the middle of conversations related to dry skin, lotions, and lip balm.  While I attribute some of the conversations to the fact that I'm getting older.  (I've found that with age comes the desire to share details of all of your medical ailments.)  I think some of the conversations are purely organic.  With the lingering dry winter months, people are finding themselves frustrated with painful cracked hands and chapped lips.  Being a mom, my purse is packed with products that my kids need, want, or love to use.  So, if someone complains of dry skin, I always offer them a dab of my Carmex lotion.

Carmex lotion (and cream) are fairly new to the Carmex family.  When I pull them out of my purse to share with friends and family, they are often surprised.  "I didn't know Carmex made lotion." is one of the most common responses I hear.    Carmex does make lotion, and Pumpkin LOVES it.  Pumpkin has very dry skin.  It is easily irritated by dry weather, chlorine in the pool, and even fabrics that rub her the wrong way.  When she complains of dry or itchy skin, I always tell her to put on lotion.  Carmex is the first one she grabs.  She likes the scent, the way it soothes her irritated skin, and that fact that it absorbs fairly quickly.

More familiar to people is Carmex Lip Balm.  It has been in my purse for ages.  I've loved it since I was a teen.  The original Carmex Jar will always hold a special place in my heart, since it was the first Carmex I owned.  While I still love the jar, sometimes using my finger to apply the balm isn't the best option.  I now keep several varieties of lip balm on hand.

Did you know that Carmex made lotion and cream?  Do you want to win some?  Here's what you have to do:

Mandatory Entry:  What product/scent/flavor do you wish Carmex would come up with next?  Leave a comment below.  Be sure to include your email address in the comment if it is not available on your profile page.

Optional Extra Entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter.  Post your username in the comments.
2. Tweet about this giveaway using "Win a @Carmex Prize Pack! @rmgm http://melissa987654321.blogspot.com/"  Post a link to your tweet here.  This can be done once daily.  
3. Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect and post a comment with your username.
4. Like me on Facebook.  Leave a comment with your Facebook name (or initials if you don't want to post your full name).
5. Post about this giveaway publicly on Facebook.  Make sure you include a link back here and @MomOnTheEdge so that I can see that I was mentioned.  Post the link to your post here in the comments.  This can also be done once daily.

Details:

• Leave a comment for each entry
• Only open to US residents
• Winner will be chosen using random.org
• Giveaway ends 11:59pm ET on April 17, 2013
• Include your email address in your mandatory comment if it is not available on your profile page.
• Winner will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.
•  Prizes will be sent by the sponsor.  I am not responsible for prizes that are lost or damaged in transit.

*Disclosure:  I received the same prize pack my winner will receive in exchange for my honest review.