I went to New York for the 3rd of 4 stops as part of Vaseline's Dry Skin Patrol. We are putting Vaseline's Intensive Rescue Lotion to the test in some of the harshest climates - The Polar Bear Plunge at Coney Island was definitely going to be a challenge. Not just for our skin but also because I was not looking forward to jumping into the Atlantic Ocean on New Years Day - the water was around 30 degrees - and I am from Southern California. Our oceans rarely get under 60 degrees!
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Phillips Anderson
I was amazed at how many people were at this event. Not only the people participating, but also the people that were just there to watch all the crazy eccentric people who get dressed up (or down in most cases) and voluntarily jump into the freezing cold water wearing everything from Speedos to diapers. The weather alone was brutal, though warmer than normal, so I made sure to put Vaseline Intensive Rescue on a second time, right before I headed outside.
That is me trying to walk out of the water on the far right.
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Phillips Anderson
I learned that I do not respond well to freezing water. While others "frolicked" for minutes in the water, my legs felt like they were on fire and I could barely walk any farther in than up to my waist much less smile for the cameras. I feel lucky to have had this experience but can promise you that I will never, ever, ever do it again. However, my skin looked and felt great. Well, it felt great as soon as I regained feeling in my extremities. We were able to spread the news to thousands of people that New Year's Day and was not surprised that people were eager to get themselves a sample. The cold weather was just brutal on their skin.
(from left to right) Kailani, Dr. Wu, me and Michelle
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Phillips Anderson
Please head to the Vaseline Facebook page and get your free sample and enter to win a trip to one of our tour stop locations. You can also watch videos of us from our tour stops at the Philadelphia Marathon and Winternationals in Aspen. Later this month we are off to Duluth, Minnesota for the BearGrease Dogsled Marathon. This will probably be the ultimate test on our skin so stay tuned!!
I am being compensated for my time and travel. All opinions and views are mine alone and were not influenced by any compensation or affiliation.
"Hitting the slopes" took on a new meaning when Vaseline's Dry Skin Patrol put the Intensive Rescue Lotion to the test in Aspen, Colorado late last month. We were there during the Aspen Winternationals, took a skiing lesson and then "raced" on a slalom course against each other, Dr. Wu and the fabulous Wendie Malick.
The Dry Skin Patrol bloggers, consisting of Kailani, Michelle and I, spent the better portion of the day on our rear ends, our version of "hitting the slopes." You can see for yourself here:
We were blessed with a fabulous day, the sun was shining and the winds were almost non-existent. But I still knew I should reapply my Vaseline Intensive Rescue Lotion right before heading outside - it was still very dry and reapplying every time I either washed my hands or returned outside from taking much needed breaks - was definitely needed.
Photo courtesy of Michelle Lee - Us and local blogger Laurie Cooper
Me & our instructor
Dr. Wu taught us that when we got back to our hotel, while we might be tempted to take a steaming hot shower, it would be best for our skin to take a warm shower. It is also important to pat our skin dry as opposed to rubbing so not to strip our skin of our natural oils. I did just that and made sure I put on my Vaseline Intensive Rescue Lotion as soon as I could after taking my shower and I can say that my skin showed no signs of the rough day in the elements in cold Aspen anywhere! I simply love this lotion.
Make sure you head to Vaseline's Facebook page and get your free sample. You can also enter to win a trip to any of the Dry Skin Patrol stops: Philadelphia, PA - Aspen, CO - New York, NY and Duluth, MN. My only advice should you win? Pack your Vaseline Intensive Rescue Lotion, you are going to need it!
I am being compensated for my time and travel. All opinions and views are mine alone and were not influenced by any compensation or affiliation.
Ever since my oldest son moved out, the amount of the actual meals that I cook has tapered off. You see, my 3-year-old is in a frozen pizza stage, and my 2-year-old only eats sandwiches and baby food (still). Now it is just my husband I eating a meal and sadly, I can't bring myself to go through the hassle of making a full meal for just the 2 of us.
However, George Foreman Healthy Cooking has a Smart Kitchen Multicooker that allows me to make an entire meal in one pot. My first question was, "What makes this different from a slow cooker?" To start, you can actually sear your meat in the Smart Kitchen Multicooker and then add the remainder of your ingredients. Need a vegetable side? There is a steaming basket you you place over your main meal and it steams your vegetables while your main dish is cooking. It also makes up to 26 cups of rice (with cooking settings for brown and white rice).
I have been able to get rid of my counter hogging slowcooker and my ancient rice cooker (it was over 20 years old!) now that I have the Smart Kitchen Multicooker. It is attractive too and can be brought from kitchen to table which brings me to one of my favorite features: The Multicooker has decreased the amount of dishes that need to be cleaned after a meal! Sear, cook and serve! All in one pot!
My only two complaints are that the rice level markings inside the pan (that tell you how much water you need to add) are very hard to read and that it didn't have a recipe book. I have, however, memorized where the level is for the standard amount of rice I generally cook and I have found that most of my slow cooker recipes work in the Smart Kitchen Multicooker.
Some key features:
Intelli-Probe™ digital controls offer preset rice-specific and steam settings, plus variable temperature and searing for stews and more
George Tough™ nonstick coating allows you to cook without oil or butter for healthier meals
Tempered glass lid with adjustable steam vent for monitoring cooking progress and controlling steam.
Stainless steel steaming basket has room to steam fish and vegetables for the family
Dishwasher-safe accessories make cleanup a snap
Watch the video below to see/learn more!
This post was written for Family Review Network & George Foreman Healthy Cooking who provided the complimentary product for review (and giveaway) in exchange for my honest opinions.
