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Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Rate and Review

The Reviews Are In; Mandarin Burst is a MUST

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A few weeks ago, I extended a very special invitation to twenty lucky readers: a chance to experience the sweet, tantalizing aroma of Skintimate Signature Scents Mandarin Burst Shave Gel.

With a refreshing citrusy fragrance, the ultra-moisturizing gel provides a combination of aromatic scent and hydrating properties – perfect for warming and smoothing through neglected, rough ‘winter skin’. With six moisturizers, including antioxidant Vitamin E and Olive Butter, Mandarin Burst helps replenish your skin’s natural moisture and maintain healthy skin, all while providing an invigorating, spirit-lifting shave.

For my part, I adore this shave gel. With its lighter-than air texture and sweetly perfumed foam, the ritual belonging to Skintimate Signature Scents Mandarin Burst has just as much pleasure as peeling a perfectly ripe mandarin orange. After shaving, my legs are noticeably moisturized and seductively smooth, with a fragrance that lingers on for hours. But am I alone in my admiration? Not a chance.

Here’s a small excerpt from the reader reviews:

A special thank you to all the readers who provided their insight, enthusiastic thumbs up and thoughtful feedback. I can assure you that all reviews have been sent to Skintimate for their consideration. Finally, reviewers who sent in their testimonial were entered to win a $100 Visa Gift Card. And the winner is… Gizele! Congratulations!

With Spring (finally) here – though I’m afraid to jinx it if I talk too much – it’s time to bring the refreshing citrusy fragrance of mandarin oranges, lemons and limes to your shower with Skintimate Signature Scents Mandarin Burst Shave Gel. Put your best legs forward; visit skintimate.ca.

Rate and Review: Must-Have Mandarin

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There are few greater pleasures in life than sinking your thumbnail into the supple skin of a mandarin orange.

First, one must exert just the right amount of pressure while digging through the peel to avoid piercing the delicate flesh below. Then, as you pull back, the sweet, tangy, incredibly vital aroma hits you at once, sending a burst of citrus fragrance into the air as it sprays from the juicy fruit. You try to keep the peel intact as your hands swirl around the delicate, spherical fruit, poking and prodding as you work. Finally, you’re left with sweet, segmented perfection: an invigorating experience that is a ritual unto itself.

This spring, bring the refreshing citrusy fragrance of mandarin oranges, lemons and limes to your shower with Skintimate Signature Scents Mandarin Burst Shave Gel.

The ultra-moisturizing gel provides a combination of aromatic scent and hydrating properties – perfect for warming and smoothing through neglected, rough ‘winter skin’. With six moisturizers, including antioxidant Vitamin E and Olive Butter, Mandarin Burst will help replenish your skin’s natural moisture and maintain healthy and beautiful skin, all while providing an invigorating, spirit-lifting shave.

Perspective: It’s a shave gel, and its very existence is rooted in performing one of the most hated duties known to womankind. However, with its lighter-than air texture and sweetly perfumed foam that permeates seductively through a steamy bathroom, the ritual belonging to Skintimate Signature Scents Mandarin Burst has just as much pleasure as peeling a perfectly ripe mandarin orange. After shaving, the fragrance lingers on as legs are smooth, supple and come-nuzzle-me perfect.

Ready to experience the tantalizing aroma of Skintimate Signature Scents Mandarin Burst Shave Gel? I’m looking for twenty (20) readers who would like rate and review the product. I’ll randomly select 20 readers tomorrow night – and, to thank you for your honest feedback, one lucky participant will win a $100 Visa Gift Card. Good luck, and thanks for your interest!

Put your best legs forward; visit skintimate.ca.

It’s Official: Everyone LOVES Clorox2!

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When I first signed on to become the Stain Master Mom, I was so excited to share news of Clorox2 products with my audience. After putting them through my own vigorous tests, I felt confident to stand behind a quality brand that should be a staple in every household. In fact, it was my idea to incorporate a Rate & Review program – positive that my readers would love the products just as much as I do… if not more.

And so ten (10) lucky readers received the entire lineup of Clorox2 products, with the simple instructions to go on their own Stain Adventure. Armed with the power of Clorox2, they could enjoy themselves to the fullest – without worrying about life’s little messes. The products were sent to the testers, and the waiting game began.

Then, I started to fret. Even though I have complete confidence in Clorox2, it’s only natural that I was anxious to hear the feedback. What if my readers didn’t have a similarly positive experience? What if the products didn’t measure up to my hype? I knew I had a duty to publish all the results – good and bad – and I crossed my fingers that the reviews would come back quickly.

Turns out, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Quite the contrary, in fact! Because two things happened during this particular Rate & Review which have never happened before:

1) I received the testimonials in a timely fashion without chasing anyone for a response (thank you readers!)
2) ALL of the feedback was POSITIVE!

Yes folks, it’s official: Everyone LOVES Clorox2!…

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Wear Sunscreen.

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The year was 1997, and Baz Luhrmann’s Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) was the anthem of the summer. I can recall so many of the lyrics like I listened to them yesterday, and yet, it’s been over 15 years.

I am old.

Baz doled out advice to the emerging generations, often offering pearls of wisdom while chastising us at the same time. But the very beginning of the essay began with the following, well-meaning words:

“Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’97: Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.
The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists,
whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience…
I will dispense this advice now.”

Well friends, it’s officially Fall. And I want to ask you something… Are You Wearing Sunscreen?

Statistically, the answer is likely no. Because most Canadians associate sun protection with the summer months, and unless they have an SPF built into their daily moisturizer, will bypass the option to slather it on. But would you like to hear another statistic?

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers. Most of us are exposed to large amounts of UVA throughout our lifetime because they are 30 to 50 times more prevalent than UVB rays. UVA rays are the same strength year round and penetrate clouds & glass.

Translation: You still need to wear sunscreen while driving to and from work on a rainy day. OUCH.

Another eye opener: In winter, UV rays still occur and can reflect off snow. The colder seasons mean the ozone layer is thinning out. So, there is less ozone in our atmosphere to absorb the sun’s UV radiation. Even though it feels colder outside, there’s actually more of the sun’s harmful rays hitting the earth’s surface and, yes, your skin.

All this information is making me terribly depressed. Because I’ll admit it; I only wear sunscreen when I’m outdoors for an extended period of time over the summer months. So it’s plainly obvious that I feel like a complete a**hole lecturing y’all on the finer points of sunscreen application when I have much to learn myself….

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Clorox2: The Stain Solution

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Last week, I shared with y’all highlights from my much-anticipated Stain Party. We ate, we drank, we got messy.

Well, as you know, stains happen. Robin had a close encounter with chocolate sauce; Diana was a tad overzealous with ranch dressing, and Sara? Let’s just say she ended up wearing some of the nachos. But since it was a stain party, and I happened to have Clorox2 at my disposal, I did what any good hostess does; I whisked away my guests’ soiled clothing and pre-treated the stains directly with Clorox2 Stain Fighter and Colour Booster Liquid. The liquid works hard to lift stains and contains brighteners to give colours a boost. It is designed to be safe for all loads – so you can add it to every load with your detergent for cleaner and brighter clothes.


So what happens if you can’t take the shirt off your back – literally? Well, just be sure to pre-treat your stains at your first opportunity. Because the longer a stain lingers, the harder it is to get out. (Trust me, after having two little boys, I know this from experience.) Fortunately, I pre-treated the stains with Clorox2 before they had a chance to settle in, and since I’ve now had experience with the product and have learned to trust its stain lifting power, I had nothing but the highest expectations for the outcome.

I was not disappointed. Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on these ULTRA BRIGHT, ULTRA VIVID, and most importantly, STAIN-FREE tank tops!



Now this may sound strange… and trust me, your eyes are not deceiving you… the colours of the tops are actually more intense after putting them through the wash. That’s because Clorox2 brighteners have been hard at work – giving colours a boost. And although these tops have only been washed once, I can attest that my boys’ summer clothing, which has been washed time after time (after time) over the past few months, is just as bright and vivid as when the season began. It’s quite impressive!…

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Who’s Afraid of a Few Stains? Not Us!

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The first rule of the Clorox2 Stain Party is you do not talk about the Clorox2 Stain Party. KIDDING!

Not only do you talk about it – you publish funny little photos like this. Sorry, @ShopwithRobin!


If there’s one thing I always aspire to do, it’s to put my money where my mouth is. You see, it’s not enough for me to simply stand behind a product; I have to ensure that my readers, friends and even skeptics are convinced of the virtues and benefits of the brands I endorse. Now y’all know that I am the Clorox2 Stain Master Mom… but did you know that I am so impressed by the product, I hosted my very own Stain Party – just to demo how awesome it is?

It’s true. I invited a few of my dearest social media friends (ones that live within 20 km of my house, to be precise) to come and enjoy a night of drinks on the patio. At first, I had fairly grand designs for the menu, but in the end, decided to keep it sweet and simple. After all, the purpose of the evening was simply to enjoy each other’s company, and you know, do my guests’ laundry at the end of the party. Just the normal stuff you do at a summer outing, right? Right….

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The Results Are In: Schick Hydro Silk Razor

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Long weekend? Check. Gorgeous weather? Check. Smooth, supple legs? Girl, you’d better check yourself!

Let me re-introduce the Schick Hydro Silk. Quite simply, it’s a disposable razor that’s a game-changer. First, it hydrates skin like no other razor can. With Water-Activated Moisturizing Serum & 5 Curve-Sensing blades with skin guards to help protect skin from irritation, the Hydro Silk razor leaves skin feeling silky smooth. And, the uniquely designed razor goes beyond an incredibly close shave to actually care for your skin, which must be why it’s preferred over the leading 5 blade razor.

Now I just happen to love it, but hey, don’t take my word for it. Visit Hydro Silk Canada on Facebook where you can read customer testimonials about the razor – it’s currently recommended by a whopping 95% of consumers. That’s right, it’s one of the most loved products ever encountered.

And, if you’re STILL skeptical, why not see what some of my readers had to say? That’s right; 25 awesome readers took the time to rate and review the Schick Hydro Silk Disposable Razor. Not surprisingly, the feedback was spectacular! Here’s a small excerpt from the reader reviews:

Isn’t it obvious? The Schick Hydro Silk Razor is pretty awesome. So, we’ve got a lot of summer left – show your legs some love and check out this disposable razor! You won’t be disappointed. And if you need some incentive, for a limited time, take $4.00 off your purchase with this coupon. You’re welcome!

I understand that my text/materials transmitted on this blog will be treated as non-confidential and non-proprietary, and may be re-published in any form of media, without my further consent or compensation from Schick. 

What Happens at a Stain Party…

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… obviously gets published on the Internet the next morning.

Last night, a few close friends and I had a messy night on the patio! Drinks, munchies and the freedom to kick back and enjoy ourselves, without worrying about life’s messes. Armed with Clorox2 Stain Fighter Products, we weren’t afraid of a little chocolate sauce – right, @ShopwithRobin?

In case you’re wondering, yes, I did actually hover and wait until someone made a mess…. and then I callously snapped a photo of them. But hey, Stains Happen!

Stay tuned for my complete wrap-up of our night, plus before/after photos of the washed clothing and Clorox2 Stain Fighter Products in action. I’ll also announce the ten (10) lucky Canadian readers who will have a chance to rate and review ALL the Clorox2 products! If you haven’t submitted your name yet – simply leave a comment on this post telling me which stains are a doozy to get out.

Until then… wishing you a summer filled with Stain Adventures!

Sampling Opp: Schick Hydro Silk Disposable Razor

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It’s quite often that I share lists of things that I LOVE. Drinks on a patio; watching my boys dance; finding the perfect spot under a shady tree and enjoying a great book.

However, I don’t normally share the little things that I HATE – and I mean, why would I? It’s such a waste of life to spend energy dwelling on the things that have to get done. The school drop off/pick up; the never-ending pile of laundry; the mountain of paperwork I swear I’ll get to “tomorrow”. Alas, just because I don’t talk about it, doesn’t mean that the list doesn’t exist.

Of course, some things are best conveyed via an e-card, including things that I mildly detest:

And… presenting the ONE thing I hate doing more than anything else in this entire world…

You guessed it – shaving my legs. According to the Huffington Post, the average woman spends 72 days shaving her legs over the course of a lifetime, meaning approximately 1,728 hours. What’s more, shaving also ranked as women’s most hated beauty ritual, with 35 percent of women polled saying they loathed shaving their legs more than anything else (doing their hair, tweezing their brows, etc).

See? I’m not alone.

So here’s the deal. If I’m going to spend just about 2.5 months of my life whacking a blade against my skin, it’d better be a darn pleasurable experience….

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A Party Isn’t a Party Until Someone Gets Dirty

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I’m not exactly sure how I’ll word the invitation on this one.

“Join me for a Stain Party! We’ll eat, drink, and stain ourselves silly!”

Er…. no. How about…

“It’s a girls night out-ish! Drinks on my patio. Let the chips and stains fall where they may!”

Huh. That’s closer, but no cigar. Okay, I think I’ve got it –

BOO-YAH.

If there’s one thing I always aspire to do, it’s to put my money where my mouth is. You see, it’s not enough for me to simply stand behind a product; I have to ensure that my readers, dear friends and even skeptics are convinced of the virtues and benefits of the brands I endorse. Now y’all know that I am the Clorox2 Stain Master Mom… but did you know that I am so impressed by the product, that I’m willing to get dirty on purpose… just to demo how awesome it really is? It’s true!

Of course, it wouldn’t be fun unless I got a few friends dirty too, right??…

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Is it a Moisturizer or Sunscreen? Answer: It’s BOTH! (Sampling Opportunity)

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Now that the warmer temps have finally arrived, it’s safe to talk about suncare without enduring Boo! and Hiss! from my collective audience.

(Technically, y’all should be applying sunscreen all year round. You do know that, don’t you?)

Still, there seems to be a consensus that once the jackets come off and the sunroofs come down, it’s time to break out the sunscreen. However, until recently, it was hard to find product that:

a) wasn’t thick and chalky
b) didn’t take eons to slather on, leaving a gross, sticky feel
c) gave the skin an odd, whitish appearance

Sounds like your sunscreen? Then you’re using the wrong sunscreen, mate.

There’s only one sunscreen for me – Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. It’s the only sunscreen that has hydrating ribbons for continuous in-sun moisture, which means that it acts more like a high-end moisturizer than a drugstore sunscreen. When paired with the Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion, you are ready to rock and roll.

(I *may* have used Ryder’s Hot Wheels to prop up the product on my snazzy Hawaiian Tropic beach towel. Okay, I admit that I did. A girl’s gotta improvise, you know!)

So here’s the deal. The Silk Hydration Sunscreen incorporates UVA and UVB sun protection with hydrating ribbons infused with silk protein and shea butter. And on top of Hawaiian Tropic’s trusted formula, you’ll also receive 12-hour moisture, a silky, luxurious feel and waterproof protection. Did I forget to mention the signature coconut fragrance? Smells like summer!

And after you’re done enjoying the outdoors, relax with the Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion. The dual ribbon formula pampers and nourishes your skin after a day in the sun with ribbons of aloe, which provides rich, luxurious moisture with cooling effects. With mango, shea butter and 24-hours of hydration, it will be your go-to lotion all year round!…

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POOL TIME! Banana Boat Natural Reflect Kids Sunscreen (Sampling Opportunity)

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I’m a blogger. A blogger who accepts product reviews. Hence, products appear on my doorstep every day. Often, my boys are mildly curious – between the pots of eyeshadow, scores of cereal and tubes of toothpaste… sometimes, a really cool toy appears.

And sometimes – a product so synonymous with outdoor fun, sun and family – lands squarely into Ryder’s hands.

Such was the case this morning; Ryder discovered a tube of Banana Boat Natural Reflect Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 in our front hall. Before I knew what was happening, he had raced up the stairs with the lotion in hand. Huh.

Well, since I’m not one to leave a young child unattended, I followed him upstairs and quietly observed.

First, he stripped down to his undies, and then made a beeline for his dresser. There, he tossed around until he found his swim shorts, which he pulled on quickly, with determination. Finally, he ran to my bedroom (which overlooks our backyard), and after climbing on the couch, threw open the shutters!

“POOL TIME!” he announced with glee.

Sadly, there was no pool. And it certainly wasn’t “pool time”: he was confronted with a gloomy, chilly spring day. The faint drizzle mocked his dreams of fun in the sun; the draft from the cool window against his bare chest made him shiver ever so slightly. Even more crushing: I couldn’t resist the moment and insisted that he pose for a quick picture. Yes, I am a cruel mom. I like to caption the picture: “No pool for you.”

Seriously, though – how could I resist? (I may have strategically placed the product while he sank into despair.) He was so gung-ho on having an epic summer experience during this spring from hell – you can’t fault his innocence. Then and there I promised him that on the very first warm day, pool party! (Which will be SOON, I hope!) And then I ordered him to put some clothes on. …

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Yes, My Readers Were Inspired by Fresh Inspirations

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Last month, I offered twenty (20) lucky readers the awesome opportunity to try out the NEW Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations.

Did you catch my review? Because I pretty much adore the frozen entrees. In fact, since first trying them out, they’ve become a staple in our home. And why not? When was the last time your frozen entree looked like this?

Pictured above is the Mediterranean Chicken entree; a fibre-filled meal with delicious broccoli, carrots and red bell peppers, served with savoury chicken and penne pasta in a tomato sauce. I wish you could reach through your computer screen and feel the penne, because it’s perfectly al dente. Of course, I’d then convince you to pierce a morsel of the tender, juicy chicken – and taste how fresh and crisp the broccoli and peppers are. And rubber carrots? NEVER! Nothing but Fresh Inspirations here….

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Fresh Inspirations to Combat Brown Bag Boredom

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What if I told you that I have the perfect way to shake up your lunchtime routine? One that will combat brown bag boredom, relieve you of soggy, uninspiring leftovers, and free you from your sandwich rut? And, what if my solution was convenient, affordable, delicious and healthy, too?

Okay, I’ll share my little secret. It’s Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations.

The thing is, before trying Fresh Inspirations, I thought I had frozen entrees down pat: protein, carbs, sauce, repeat. And for the most part, they can be pretty tasty… but what if you don’t like mixing your protein and carbs? Or, if you’re more of a “drizzler” when it comes to sauces and condiments? The average frozen entree gives you little freedom to customize your meal.

Until now. Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations offer healthy, delicious meals that YOU make your own. First, the new and unique “Simmer & Steam” tray design cooks each ingredient the way it is meant to be cooked. Hence, the tender beef, chicken or shrimp is simmered in their own delicious sauce, and vegetables are steamed to perfection to lock in their taste and texture.

Then, you create your own personalized meal, just the way you like it. Want your protein on the side? Sauce drizzled on top? Or maybe you like to simply toss everything together. You can prepare each dish in the way that inspires you. And because it’s from Lean Cuisine, you know that it’s a tasty, calorie conscious, good-for-you hot meal. Can you think of a better way to beat the brown bag blues?

Lean Cuisine Fresh Inspirations are available in six (6) varieties:

Thai Chicken: Juicy chicken simmered in an authentic Thai sauce with sweet baby corn and market vegetables on a bed of 100 per cent whole grain brown rice for a fibre boost

Chicken Teriyaki: Tender chicken in a sweet Teriyaki sauce, snap peas and a vegetable medley served on brown rice provides two whole servings of vegetables in a tasty low fat dish

Chili Lime Beef: Tender beef in a zesty Asian-inspired sauce, edamame, red peppers and broccoli served on a bed of white rice loaded with fibre, iron, and two servings of vegetables

Roast Garlic Chicken: Low fat, low calorie and delicious! Enjoy succulent chicken simmered in a creamy garlic sauce served with red potatoes, broccoli and zucchini

Shrimp Alfredo: An elegant mix of shrimp, creamy Alfredo sauce, fusilli pasta, broccoli, yellow carrots and red peppers that’s low in fat and provides you with two full serving of vegetables

Mediterranean Chicken: Enjoy a fibre filled meal with delicious broccoli, carrots and red bell peppers, served with savoury chicken and penne pasta in a tomato sauce….

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