Disclaimer: this is directed at families who are natural birth-minded. It is not intended to spark debate nor am I insinuating that the way you may have chosen or are choosing to give birth is inferior. This is simply a product geared toward natural birth to help those that desire to have a natural birth, or may be curious about it, to support them in that decision.
Calling all our pregnant followers!!! First, I must say I know how tired you are. I have four babies of my own (and two little angels). So I completely understand that the last thing you may want to do is put on some jeans and get to a birth class.
However, as a pro-natural birth advocate and mother who has given birth, I must tell you that a birth class, no matter how many babies you've had, is so empowering and supportive to the parents-to-be. Birth Boot Camp is a great way to get support and education on natural birth because you can take the classes online! There are also live classes to attend for those that desire the support of other mommies due around the same time and to really develop a relationship with your educator.
So Donna, the wonderful and amazing creator of Birth Boot Camp, sent me a code to try out the classes for three days. I wasn't able to watch all 10 of them in that time but I picked a few of them to watch. Each class is about an hour long and the idea is to watch one a week, starting around 25-28 weeks. However it is never too late to take a class. If you are 35 weeks and interested you can watch a class every other day. I am a firm believer that nothing is too late (I switched from an OB to a midwife at 37 weeks pregnant with my third baby!).
What you receive when you sign up:
-10 Classes that you can view anytime during 3 months.
-A Breastfeeding DVD that will be sent to you for you to keep!
-A "Field Manual" that is 130-pages for you to go through and fill out as you go through the childbirth class.
-Relaxation audio files.
A little background about me real quick - I have given birth four times. The first two with epidurals, in the hospital, the third baby was born in a hospital but I had her epidural-free by choice (and oh my goodness I cannot even describe how amazing it was!) and my last baby who will be turning 1-year-old in a couple weeks was born epidural-free at a birth center. I wanted to have a natural birth with my first two girls and thought I could just go in and "give it a try" without any support or information about what to expect. I wish I had had something like Birth Boot Camp back then, that is just how empowering it is to have support and knowledge.
The classes I did view for this review were full of information, up-to-date statistics, wonderful tips and ideas and even birth videos and client videos. The videos are not live-streamed so you can login to your account and watch whatever class you'd like to watch with the click of a button. Don't forget to grab your Field Manual while you watch to jot down notes and answer the very thought-provoking and deep questions to learn more about yourself and birth style. The manual itself is really amazing and put together professionally on nice, thick, glossy paper. There is plenty of space to write notes, lots of questions to get you thinking about what you really desire. And let's not forget that birth is not just a physical event but a mental, emotional and spiritual event as well. The manual and classes really work to meet all of these needs and not just provide the biological information on the birth process.
How I felt while watching the classes - I felt myself nodding about everything and getting really involved with what was being taught. I love Donna's Texas accent and she just has this sweetness about her. You can tell she really wants you to have a positive birth. Again, I wish I had had something like this when I was having my first baby because it empowers you and educates you, while being enjoyable and informative at the same time.
The entire program parallels boot camp, with the book you receive being called the Field Manual and classes having titles like "Defining the Mission: Why Natural Birth" and "Setting up Camp: Choosing Where to Birth", "Chain of Command: Who is in Charge of Your Birth" and the final class being called "Life with a New Recruit" (cute!).
The Cost: $295
Now this is when most dads, and sometimes moms, might question taking the class but I must tell you that every penny is worth it. This isn't a class to learn to make cupcakes. This class is preparation for the most important day of your life: the day your child is born into your hands.
Right now you can get $24 off the price using the coupon code GIRLYGIRL at checkout at Birth Boot Camp!
One final note: there is a childbirth educator program so you can provide live Birth Boot Camp classes to families in your area!
I am not affiliated with Birth Boot Camp. I was given a free sample of this program in order to provide a review. It did not influence my opinion.
Monday, September 10, 2012
SebaMed Spa Shower Review
1st off , I will admit that I am the type of girl that sees a really cute or pretty package & usually buys it before I actually know how good the product is ! Ok now that I have admitted that , when I received Sebamed Shower Gel , I wasn't impressed by the packaging but was overwhelmed by the amazing information given to me in there press materials .. So I was excited to try it out ! Well can i just tell you all how Amazing this product is !!!!!! I was so refreshed by the mild yet overwhelming fresh fragrance, it lathered just enough and didn't leave a film like finish but more of a smooth moisture to my skin . Even after the wear of the day , I could still smell the fresh scent of Sebamed !
Not only is this a Spa like moment in the shower but It really is great for the skin .
I am so excited to tell you that you can purchase Sebamed at your local CVS or online with SebaMed !
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Annmarie Gianni Skin Care Product Review and Giveaway
I don’t have a lot of time or money to pamper myself and my daily skin care routine at home consists of: no make-up except on special occasions, lots of water, lotion and exercise. I think its working. I have been told that I look younger than my age, but as I age I’ve begun to notice age spots and dullness to my skin that wasn’t there before. Lotions and a few other skin care products I’ve tried in the past have not given me the results or the feel I am looking for and I worry about the harmful chemicals they may contain. So, the first time I tried Annmarie Gianni Skin Care I knew I found a product I liked.
Pampering myself with Annmarie Gianni Skin Care products was a real treat. I really enjoyed reviewing this product. After every use (1 or twice a week) my skin looked great, healthy, soft, full of color, glowed and continued to glow for days. The delightful aroma of each and every one of the samples that came in my review kit was an added bonus. The aroma itself was at times enough to lift my spirits, bring a smile to my face and calm my mind. That earthy-herbal sweet aroma was sometimes my purpose to use the products, to lift my spirits, especially on a bad day, to feel better inside and out. My kids love the smell.
When I first received the blogger kit with sample sizes, I assumed by the size of the samples I wouldn’t have much of a sample to really get a good feel of each product in the kit and how well it worked. I was mistaken. I received the sample review kit some time early August. I used the products about 2 times a week and not just on my face, but on occasion used the oils and scrubs on my hands, elbows, knees and feet. It is now the second week of September and I still have more than half left in every sample. A little goes a long way.
The kit I received is custom made for bloggers. What came in my kit: Ayurvedic Facial Scrub (my favorite and has a great earthy smell), Aloe-herb Cleanser, Dead Sea Facial Scrub (is not harsh on skin), Citrus Mint Facial Cleanser, Coconut Honey Mask (what a treat), Purifying Mudmask (purified), Coconut Body Oil, Herbal Facial Oil, Anti-aging Facial Oil, Anti-aging Serum (used a lot), Herbal Facial Oil, Rosemary Toning Mist and the Neroli Toning Mist (used the most). The samples are also accompanied with a Organic & Natural pure skin care products booklet. The booklet includes the key ingredients for each product. It also provides the benefits of each product, how to use each product and what other products can be combined with for better results. I loved following the skin care recipe on page 32 of the booklet.
Annmarie’s skin care line is made with natural and organic ingredients and contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives. The products are also specifically packaged in Miron Violet Glass so that natural ingredients stored inside are preserved longer. Annmarie Gianni, author, massage therapist, athletic trainer and personal trainer is the founder of Annmarie Gianni Skin Care.
For more information about the Annmarie Gianni Skin Care products visit the website and the blog.
The giveaway: One lucky winner will receive one of the Normal Travel Kits. To Enter: Leave me a comment telling me what Annmarie Gianni Skin Care product you would like to try. You can get extra entries for liking on Facebook and also for following them on Twitter. As usual you can also get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter. Be sure to let me know what you are following.
This giveaway will end on September 30, 2012. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. The giveaway is open to any US or Canadian residents only.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Mia Mariu Review and Giveaway
CLOSED
Winner #7 Kris
Mía is a Dallas based health and beauty social selling company that offers entrepreneurial business opportunities for women. Their natural health and beauty products are available exclusively through Independent Advisers and online. Mía offers an innovative approach to social selling using the power of ecommerce, social networking and personal service behind extraordinary natural health and beauty products.
I was recently introduced to Mia products. They include makeup, applicator brushes, skincare treatments, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. I was sent several of their Hydrating Stick Glosses for review.
Our Hydrating Stick Gloss is a revolutionary hydrating product combining color and hydrating gloss in a stick form. Contains Vitamins A, C and E to nourish your lips as well as minerals and anti-oxidants to protect your lips.
I am a big fan of lip gloss so I was excited about getting the opportunity to try these. These sticks have a creamy texture that goes on really smooth and leaves your lips soft. They have a little shimmer to them, in fact when you look up close you see little sparkling specks, but the gloss is very subtle. These did not feel heavy at all and I have been enjoying the different shades I was sent. My favorite is Encanto, it is a very pretty rose color and looks great with my olive complexion. These Hydrating Stick Glosses sell for $15 and can be purchased online. I am now eager to try some of the other products Mia has to offer like their Mineral Loose Foundation and Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara.
How would you like to win some Hydrating Stick Glosses? One Girly Girl reader will get the chance to win a total of 5 Hydrating Sticks in your choice of shades. That's a $75 value!
To Enter: Leave me a comment telling me something else that Mia has to offer that you would like to try. You can get extra entries for liking Mia Marui on Facebook and also for following them on Twitter. As usual you can also get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.
This giveaway will end on September 21, 2012. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only.
***Monica***
The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Kaeng Raeng Review and Giveaway
CLOSED
You drink one pouch three times a day during meal time in addition to a raw fruit and veggie diet.
Kaeng Raeng helps to:
- Jumpstart weight loss
- Remove toxins
- Bolster immunity
- Improve digestion
- Enhance skin and hair quality
- Relieve bloating
- Reduce cravings and overeating
I was given the beginner 3 day detox for my review. I am not someone who is very familiar with cleanses. I have attempted a couple in the past but have either not been able to stick with it through the entire cleanse because I was starving or did not like the way it made me feel and therefore quit before I was supposed to. Initially I was a little leery of trying this program but I had heard so many good things about it and was impressed with some of the famous people that swear by it that I had to give it a shot.
Let me tell you this was the easiest cleanse I have ever done. The drinks are very filling and so you don't feel like you are starving yourself only eating raw fruits and vegetables. In fact I had to force myself to eat at times because I felt so full and satisfied after each smoothie. From day one I felt more energized, more alert, and lighter. I did have to frequently use the bathroom but it wasn't an issue and the fact that I knew I was releasing toxins that were in my body made me feel good. The three days were a breeze and everyone in my family that knew about the cleanse I was doing was pretty impressed that I was able to stick with it. I was even 4 pounds lighter after it was all said and done! I have since lost another 4 pounds since starting the cleanse so I do believe that Kaeng Raeng helps jumpstart your weightloss and I would recommend this to anyone that wants to feel and be healthier and needs a little weightloss boost. The one negative thing I do have to say about the cleanse is that I did not enjoy the Juu Juu powder mix. It was my least favorite and I had a hard time drinking it the first time mixed in plain water. The next two times I mixed it in fruit juice and it went down a little easier. The other flavors were pretty good mixed with both water and fruit juice.
Kaeng Raeng is completely animal free, gluten free, caffeine free, eco friendly, and proudly made in Palo Alto, CA with only local ingredients. KR contains no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. KR contains no laxatives or stimulants. Each pouch contains more than a full serving of fruit and fiber, 15g of lean non-gmo protein, 2 billion live probiotic cultures, essential amino acids, and daily vitamins.
They recommend detoxing once a month or whenever you start feeling fatigued or bloated and I will definitely be cleansing my body with this program in the future.
Want to win Kaeng Raeng's 3 day beginner detox program?
To Enter: Leave me a comment telling me if you have ever tried a cleanse before. You can get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.
This giveaway will end on September 20, 2012. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only.
***Monica***
The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Mabel's Labels Review
Mabel's Labels was started by four moms who were frustrated by all their children's belongings leaving home, never to return. They started off making and selling personalized ID labels and their line continues to grow and includes sticky and clothing labels, child safety products, household labels, iron-ons, bag tags, seasonal products and more.
It's back to school season and the perfect time to try Mabel's Labels. On backpacks, notebooks, shoes, lunch boxes, even pencils, you can make sure your kids never misplace or lose another thing at school again.
Skinny-Minis are slim, dishwasher-safe labels ideal for school supplies such as rulers and pens. Teeny Tags are small metal tags to attach to backpack clips, pencil cases, sports bags. Laundry-safe Tag Mates peel and stick to clothing care tags while Shoe Labels are extra tough waterproof labels for the inside of footwear.
Penelope went to preschool all last year and unfortunately we did not know about Mabel's Labels then. These would have come in handy especially since we lived in Alaska at the time and every kid had a pair of Xtra Tuf boots. We have since moved and Penelope will be starting a new preschool and I am excited to put our Mabel's Labels to good use.
You can purchase this Ultimate Back to School Combo and other products online. Be sure to like Mabel's Labels on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for the latest news.
***Monica***
The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing them. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.
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