My two oldest daughters are 16 and 13, and though they’ve shown incredible poise and self-confidence despite problems with acne, I know they would both like clearer skin.  I’ve bought them different products in the past, but become frustrated when I find that they’re not using them regularly.  When a friend recently suggested that maybe it’s because they’re discouraged by delayed results (and hence lose interest), I realized I needed to find something that could act fast.

The opportunity to review OXY Clinical Acne Solutions came at a perfect time.

Through my involvement with Mom Central, we received two of the OXY Clinical Acne Solutions Packs, which include the Advanced Face Wash, Hydrating Therapy, and Clearing Treatment. (Click on each product to learn more about the ingredients and patented OXY Clinical technology for each.)

The Solutions Pack is a great way to get introduced to the entire OXY Clinical line and begin a thorough skin care routine.  Both my girls began using the products right away, and though both reported an initial tightness and irritation to the Advanced Face Wash, by the second use, there was no reaction.  Both found the Hydrating Therapy to be refreshing, and I think both really liked the idea of concentrated spot use with the Clearing Treatment.

I have to be careful with any medical claims in my reviews, but I will just tell you that through my own observation, I could see that by the third day of regular use, both girls were showing significant clearing of their acne.  Certain areas of regular redness and flare-ups are now more uniform in color, and constantly raised patches of acne are now much smoother.  Now after several days of use for each, I won’t say their acne is non-existent, but it’s MUCH more under control than it was, and they are both happy with the quick and recognizable results.

Disclosure: “I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Centralon behalf of Oxy Clinical and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

OXY Clinical Acne Solutions {Review} is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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But such a month also seems to have contained the magic formula for transforming said 2yo boy from a toddler into a child.

What happened to my boy?  He’s still in diapers (my fault) and still loves his milk in a bottle (his comfort), but suddenly he’s not “The Baby” anymore.  He owns more language than ever before, and is expressing himself like crazy.  Holding conversations, even.  Asking questions and waiting for answers.  Making jokes.  Suggesting fun activities or resolutions to problems.  And get this…he’s even fussing less.  A LOT less.  The temper that seemed to run this family has lightened, and we’re all breathing a little easier.

He filled me with dread the second day of our month-long trip.  All day he cried:  “MY ROOOOOOM!  MY ROOM IS GONE!  MY BEDDDDDDD!  MY BED IS GONE!  LUCY (our puppy) IS GONE!  I WANNA GO HOOOOOOOOOOOME!”  It was loud, aggravating, and absolutely heart-breaking.  I never expected his homesickness.  I worried it would last the entire trip.  But somehow by day three (and by “somehow,” I mean in answer to a pouring-out of prayers), he had resolved himself to go with the flow, which has never been his strong suit.  Don’t get me wrong, every few days his patience would wane and a spark would flare, but that was usually in response to too little sleep and over-stimulation.  For the majority of our trip, he was pretty relaxed and well-behaved.

Now that we’re home, his new-found maturity is seeming to stick.  Or maybe it’s the new way I’m looking at him; once you know what someone is capable of, you begin to expect it from them.  For months before our trip, I spent so much time on eggshells, waiting for the next outburst, next refused nap, next frustrated meltdown (his AND/OR mine).  These past few days at home have been almost glorious – today I even took him to Walmart and we both left the store happy and smiling.

It’s like I’ve been breathing with only one lung for so long, and now I’m able to take a chestful of air.  Here’s hoping it lasts.

The Air Up Here is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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Wordless Wedesday: Now Do I Have Your Attention? is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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Pop On Pals are perfectly-sized, chunky little toys for toddlers and preschoolers that are meant to mix and match with each other.  My son immediately transformed his one Pop On Pal from a strongman at the amusement park to a happy little dude riding a roller coaster.  He just instinctively new what to do with the different switchable rings that came with his toy.

We received the Amusement Park Playset, which “comes to life with lights, sounds, music, and more.”

My son’s favorite part of this playset is the roller coaster car you can send flying off the tracks.  But maybe if your child is less of an Evel Knievel, they’ll simple enjoy rotating the ferris wheel or steering the dragon boat.  Everything is interactive/reactive, with lights and music, which is an important component of every Pop On Pals toy for 2-4 year olds.

I encourage you to take a look at the website for more information on this growing line of fun, colorful toys for toddlers and preschoolers.  Pop On Pals are now available through several retailers, including KMart, Target, Toys ‘R Us, and more.

*Disclaimer:  I was sent the Pop On Pals Amusement Park Playset for review via Team Mom.  The opinions expressed are honest and are my own.  I received no other compensation for this post.

Pop On Pals: A New Line of Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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Not so many clicks later, I found my answer.

Open Sky is a marketing/retail/word-of-mouth platform that connects suppliers with consumers, via bloggers (also known as sellers) who choose to champion their products.  It works like this: 

• Open Sky develops a relationship with a supplier and agrees to make their products available for sale.
• Sellers handpick products from Open Sky’s suppliers and feature them in their online shop.
• Consumers get to purchase products from bloggers they trust.

What makes Open Sky unique from other online retail experiences?

• For suppliers:  the opportunity to tap into a new market and get greater exposure. (Click here to become a supplier)
• For sellers:  the ability to generate income from products they truly care about. (Click here to become a seller)
• For consumers:  the personal touch that is too often missing from retail transactions today. (Come back for my store’s grand opening on August 10)

Since signing up with Open Sky myself, I’ve had several opportunities to communicate with the folks behind the scenes, and I am SO EXCITED to be working with them!  It seems I’ve “caught” the enthusiasm bug everyone else was sharing on Twitter.  That’s because Open Sky truly cares about all sides of the equation:  suppliers, sellers, and consumers.  They want to revolutionzie the shopping experience, while offering small to mid-size companies the chance to succeed, and sellers the chance to make a profit at home.   Just yesterday, in fact, Open Sky was featured in a special piece on Good Morning America as a great way for suppliers and sellers to make money online:

The countdown has begun, and in just under two weeks I’ll be opening my own store via Open Sky, known as

The TreeTop Shoppe

I plan to feature products that elevate or enrich the daily experiences we have at home and with family, in our pursuits of knowledge or education, and the deepening of our faith.  Basically, anything that lifts us to the TreeTop will be appropriate.  I’ll hope you’ll stay tuned and check out the store when it opens on AUGUST 10th.

Introducing The TreeTop Shoppe, a Partnership with Open Sky is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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