Cowgirl
Member Since: December 20, 2009Reviews
Nestlé Good Start 1
No parent should ever have to explain, justify or apologize for how they feed their child(ren). There is nothing wrong with formula feeding a baby because you choose to or because you have to. The only person who has the right to ask is the... +
No parent should ever have to explain, justify or apologize for how they feed their child(ren). There is nothing wrong with formula feeding a baby because you choose to or because you have to. The only person who has the right to ask is the baby's doctor.
I have two children and both were supplemented with formula. Nestle GoodStart was not the formula of choice for my first child but it was the formula recommended by our second baby's pediatrician. My baby suffered from acid reflux for the first 10 months of her life. The first several months were especially difficult. While we waited for a diagnosis, we experimented with all of the brand name formulas. We found that our preferred brand for our first child did not seem to sit as well with our second child.
Her pediatrician recommended Nestle GoodStart. He said that while all formulas are good, GoodStart is a little bit easier for babies to digest and that it is, in his opinion, just a little bit better than other brands. Our daughter did well on GoodStart. We experienced minimal spit up and only two incidents of vomiting, both of which are common in babies with acid reflux. I can't say if that's luck or partly due to the formula.
Our daughter happily drank her formula and was satisfied by it. She switched between breast milk and formula with no issues. We usually bought the powdered formula, which was easy to find on sale. The ready to feed jars were handy for travel and I usually kept a couple in the diaper bag in case we were out and about and she needed to eat. I found the liquid concentrate difficult to find and more expensive than some of the other brands, which was disappointing as I prefer the concentrate to the powder. However, the packaging for the powder was redesigned shortly after we started using it and the new design makes it much easier to use all of the product with minimal waste.
Nestle also has one of the best sample programs for new mothers. We received a backpack with a change pad, a magazine and formula samples. Formula is not cheap and I greatly appreciated the free samples that allowed us to find the right formula for our children.
I would not hesitate to recommend GoodStart.
*Editor's Note: this review was posted as part of a contest sponsored by Nestle
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Scotch Essentials Easy Fix Button
I received this product to try for free through the product review club. Do you think that I could lose a button? Fortunately my husband took care of it for me, bringing me a dress shirt with a loose button. Instead of sewing it on for him, I used... +
I received this product to try for free through the product review club. Do you think that I could lose a button? Fortunately my husband took care of it for me, bringing me a dress shirt with a loose button. Instead of sewing it on for him, I used the easy fix button and gave it back to him without saying anything. He realized when he put the shirt on that I hadn't actually fixed his button, but he agreed to give it a try. I was skeptical as well, but now I will be buying these for stocking stuffers. His shirt held up all day. These are a great idea. I will definitely carry them with me for emergencies. Much easier than trying to sew a button on in the bathroom! -
Scotch Essentials Permanent Hem Bonding Strips
I was fortunate to receive this product for free through the product review club. This is absolutely permanent, which is both good and bad. I had trouble getting my pants folded straight and once you stick, you're committed. Once the strip is stuck... +
I was fortunate to receive this product for free through the product review club. This is absolutely permanent, which is both good and bad. I had trouble getting my pants folded straight and once you stick, you're committed. Once the strip is stuck, it doesn't come apart, even after washing.
I don't find the strips any less fiddly than hemming pants, however, if you don't own a sewing machine (like me) or usually pay to have your pants hemmed, these are an excellent alternative.
My only complaint is that I wish they were a little more forgiving during the application process.
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Scotch Essentials Adjustable Hem Tape
I was fortunate to try this tape for free through the product review club. I don't own a sewing machine and can sew by hand but it's very time consuming, so I was really looking forward to trying this on both dress pants and jeans. I found it easy... +
I was fortunate to try this tape for free through the product review club. I don't own a sewing machine and can sew by hand but it's very time consuming, so I was really looking forward to trying this on both dress pants and jeans. I found it easy to work with and forgiving when I wasn't quite straight. It stayed on all day long with no issues. What I didn't like was having to remove the tape before washing. I found the tape a bit difficult to remove, perhaps because it was a few days that the pants sat with the tape on before I washed them.
For a quick fix or to temporarily change your hem line, this is a great product. I have a bit left that I am carrying in my purse for a wardrobe emergency. I think this will work great if a hem comes undone or clothing gets ripped while you're out and about.
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Mabel's Labels Back-To-School Label Packs
I was really excited about the opportunity to review Mabel's Labels through the Product Review Club as my son starts pre-school the second week of September. Labelling of personal belongings is highly recommended and I hadn't found anything in a... +
I was really excited about the opportunity to review Mabel's Labels through the Product Review Club as my son starts pre-school the second week of September. Labelling of personal belongings is highly recommended and I hadn't found anything in a store that seemed durable enough to purchase yet. It hadn't occurred to me to shop online but I know I will when it's my daughter's turn to start school.
I chose the Ultimate Back to School Combo, which came with 40 mini name stickers, 50 clothing labels, 16 shoe stickers, and 2 mini tags. I chose the bulldozer theme for my son and surprised him with the labels. He loves construction trucks and was really excited to have "stickers" with his name and a bulldozer on them.
So far, I've only put the clothing labels on his coats and then washed them once. They held up through the first wash with no issues. They still look brand new.
We've put the mini stickers on his snack containers that he will be using for school. So far I've only used the stickers on containers that are hand washed but I will be trying them on some containers that will go in the dishwasher I'm sure.
The shoe stickers are great. I told my son they're like a secret surprise that he can only see when he isn't wearing his shoes. He kept taking off his shoes to see the stickers for several days so I'm glad that we put them on early.
I also really like the mini tags and wish there were more. They're great for backpacks and lunch bags, but they would also be great to use as a zipper pull on a coat.
There are way more labels than we will use this year, so I feel like these labels will be a good investment. They are a bit pricey, but if they last then they will definitely be worth it. I can see these labels--in terms of quantity--lasting us through pre-school, kindergarten and grade 1 for sure. If they also last in terms of quality, then I would not hesitate to recommend these to other parents. I am already recommending them for their ease of use and of course the cuteness factor.
I received my labels one week after I ordered them and found the order process to be easy. The only complaint I have is that I did not receive an email confirmation nor any updates. I phoned customer service after not hearing anything and they forwarded me an email confirmation of my order. The customer service person I spoke to was very friendly and helpful.
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CeraVe Intensive Stretch Marks Cream
I received a full-size sample of this cream to try through the Product Review Club. I have been using the cream once or twice daily for four full weeks but have not seen a visible reduction in my stretch marks, hence my negative ratings. That said... +
I received a full-size sample of this cream to try through the Product Review Club. I have been using the cream once or twice daily for four full weeks but have not seen a visible reduction in my stretch marks, hence my negative ratings. That said, I'm not certain that four weeks is enough time to accurately assess the impact of this cream.
I have old stretch marks and newer ones. My old ones are 20+ years old from a growth spurt in my teens and my newer ones are from two pregnancies; my kids are now 3 and almost 1. I have stretch marks on my hips, thighs, stomach and breasts. I took a before picture and another picture after four weeks of use but cannot see any difference in the appearance of my stretch marks, either the old ones or the new ones. Some of my stretch marks are more than 20 years old so I don't expect an overnight dramatic change, but I was hoping to see some difference, even if it was slight.
In terms of the cream itself, I like how thick it is. It absorbs fairly quickly and does not leave a greasy residue behind, so it gets top marks from me for that. My skin felt moisturized in the areas where I used the cream and I didn't notice any feelings of dryness until the following day. There is no smell and my sometimes sensitive skin did not have any bad reactions.
I will continue to use this cream until it's gone and compare my stretch marks once again to the before photo before deciding whether or not it's had an impact for me.
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CeraVe Bébé Diaper Rash Cream
I was one of the lucky moms that was chosen to review this product through the product review club. We've been very fortunate that our 7 1/2-month-old daughter has hardly had any diaper rash so far. In the two weeks that we've had this sample she... +
I was one of the lucky moms that was chosen to review this product through the product review club. We've been very fortunate that our 7 1/2-month-old daughter has hardly had any diaper rash so far. In the two weeks that we've had this sample she hasn't had a diaper rash so we've been limited to testing it on slightly red and irritated skin a few times.
I love that this cream comes in a tube instead of a jar. I really hate scooping cream out and getting it under my fingernails and in my cuticles. I also have a busy toddler and it can be really hard to scrub out all the cream after a diaper change before I have to dash after him. So the tube is a huge plus not only for that but also because it's so much less bulky to carry along in a diaper bag.
The cream absorbed quickly and didn't appear to leave a barrier. Without actual diaper rash it's hard to say if that's the case but it wasn't an issue when we needed to soothe slightly irritated skin.
I like that the cream is fragrance free. My usual brand has a strong smell and while it doesn't bother me or my daughter, I can smell it for some time after it's been applied. Fragrance free is always a bonus as many babies are bothered by scents.
I find the price to be a bit high, even compared to my regular brand which is one of the more expensive options.
Diaper rash cream is a lot like bottles and nipples or diapers. Every baby is different and may react differently. We haven't had diaper rash in the last two weeks but will definitely try this when one develops. In the meantime, we will continue to use it at diaper changes when skin is red and starts looking irritated.
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CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
I was one of the lucky moms selected to review this product through the product review club. I have a 3 1/2 year old and a 7 1/2 month old and 6 hours of sleep is the best I can manage. Most nights it's 5-5 1/2. I also have a medical condition that... +
I was one of the lucky moms selected to review this product through the product review club. I have a 3 1/2 year old and a 7 1/2 month old and 6 hours of sleep is the best I can manage. Most nights it's 5-5 1/2. I also have a medical condition that contributes to dark circles under my eyes. There are some other life events and stresses that have led to me feeling like I'm looking rather haggard. For the first time I have been noticing slight bags under my eyes as well. I have tried many eye creams and have never found one that impressed me. After two weeks using this one though, I am on my way to being impressed enough to buy it again. I can see a difference after only two weeks of use.
The slight bags that were forming under my eyes are pretty much gone. The dark circles have not disappeared but they are a little lighter. The fine lines haven't gone away (after two weeks one can only wish) but I have hope that they will take longer to deepen with continued use of this cream.
I have sensitive skin and this is the first eye cream that I have been able to use twice a day. I love that it goes on light and absorbs almost instantly, even if I accidentally squeeze too much out.
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Vichy Idealia Life Serum
I was lucky enough to receive this product to try through the product review club. I like it much better than the Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep that I also received and which causes me to break out. The serum is nice and light where the Skin Sleep is... +
I was lucky enough to receive this product to try through the product review club. I like it much better than the Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep that I also received and which causes me to break out.
The serum is nice and light where the Skin Sleep is heavy. The serum is quickly absorbed by my skin and leaves it feeling very soft. I have found that I can only use the serum once per day instead of the recommended twice per day. My skin is slightly dry but also sensitive and easily gets oily. This serum does not irritate my skin in any way and leaves my skin moisturized but not oily, as long as I only apply it once per day. After two weeks of use, I can't say that I see a reduction in the fine lines on my face, but my skin feels better. I wouldn't say that my skin looks like I've had 8 hours of sleep (with a toddler and an infant I can only wish) but it does look healthy and my skin tone might be slightly more even. I am happier with this serum than some others that I have tried.
I don't really like the scent, but I don't like the scent of any Vichy products. Fortunately the scent doesn't irritate my skin and it fades quickly so it's just a minor annoyance.
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Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep
I have been using this product for about a week in conjunction with the serum thanks to the product review club and am struggling with it. I have sensitive and dry skin. Dry skin products tend to make my skin oily so I was really excited about the... +
I have been using this product for about a week in conjunction with the serum thanks to the product review club and am struggling with it. I have sensitive and dry skin. Dry skin products tend to make my skin oily so I was really excited about the claims that this line makes--it sounded like it would work great for me and I had the opportunity to try a premium product without having to spend a lot of money.
The first night, my skin felt super moisturized and hydrated although a bit sticky. By the next evening, I had started breaking out. Even though nothing else had changed in my skin care routine I was hoping that these products were not causing the pimples. I am now using the serum once a day and the cream every other day. My skin is clearing up but it isn't looking or feeling any better than it was with my previous products.
I am going to try for another week, but I think this line is too heavy for my skin. Unless I experience a remarkable change in the next few days, I am going to shelve it and try again in the fall. It may work better in drier weather.
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