Rodan & Fields by Diane Hodge

This post is sponsored by Rodan & Fields by Diane Hodge. I received samples in order to facilitate this post. No compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.  Diane provided the products for this giveaway.


My skin problems, like most of us, started when I was a teenager.  Not only did I get terrible acne all over my back, a joy that I got to reexperience when I was pregnant with my daughter, but it appeared on my forehead and chin too.  


After trying all the over the counter solutions we could afford, my mom took me to my first dermatologist.  It was just a few minutes into the meeting that he declared I had inherited some "terrible Irish skin."  He sent us home with some heavy duty samples of skin creams that helped for awhile, but I've always wondered what kind of harsh chemicals I was smearing all over my skin back then.

Seriously? What is that brown line doing there?

Flash forward 20 or so odd years and I still have terrible Irish skin.  It doesn't help that as a runner I subject it to all the elements:  extreme heat, frigid cold, dry and humid air.  Now, I don't suffer so much from acne anymore although that is still an issue, but I do from time to time get very flush - my face will suddenly turn beet red as if I am baking in the sun, but all too often I am just sitting inside as cool as a cucumber.  

A good friend of mine, Diane, a fellow runner and executive consultant with Rodan and Fields, introduced me to their Soothe Regimen.   She herself loves being outside running, gardening, fishing and camping which means lots of time in the elements.  Plus, she's a redhead so she has to be especially careful with her sensitive skin.  The results that her clients have had with this skin care product have been amazing!

I decided to try it out myself to see if it could help with my "terrible Irish skin."

The first thing I noticed that I liked about these products was that everything was labeled with a number so you knew in which order you had to use it. Sounds overly simplisitc, but when you are just not awake in the morning it really takes the guessing out of the routine. The other nice part about them is a little bit goes a long way so your shipment will last awhile.  Lastly, bottle #4 is sunscreen that you put on in the morning.  Now, I HATE sunscreen and I avoid putting it on my face at all costs.  Why?  Because it burns my pores.  I don't know about you, but I don't enjoy wanting to scratch my face off all day because the burning sensation won't stop.  

This sunscreen DOES NOT BURN MY FACE.

That's kind of a big deal for me.

Especially since I run outside as much as I can in nice weather so my face is exposed to the sun.  I don't know about you, but I'm pushing 40 now and I don't need to look any older than I am.

I've just started using this product a few weeks ago so I don't have my own miracle stories to share about how much better my face is on Rodan and Fields' Soothe Regimen, but I can tell it is so much better than any drug store facial cleanser you are going to find.  What sets Rodan and Fields apart is that they are the same Stanford trained dermatologists who started Pro-Activ. Rodan + Fields offers skin care regimens to combat red and discolored skin, acne, aging skin (gasp!) and sensitive skin.

Now if you are interested in trying this wonderful product for yourself you can contact Diane Hodge via Facebook, email (edhodge@swbell.net) or just check out her website,  dhodge2.myrandf.com. There is a Solution Tool there that helps determine what you most need.

If you try an R&F product or if you already use one, please leave me a comment below and let me know what you think of it! 

10 Summer Essentials for Mother Runners

This giveaway is *CLOSED*

This post is sponsored by Aurorae.  I received a product sample in order to facilitate my review.  All opinions are 100% my own.  This post contains affiliate links. 

Who else is excited that summer is finally here?  Even though we had a pretty calm winter here in New Hampshire, I am looking forward to sun, BBQ's and trips to the ocean not to mention car trips, baseball games and amusement parks.  Even though we have a lot planned I'll still be running especially now that I have a half marathon planned for October 2.

I've compiled a list of my favorite products to get me through the summer months.  I'm even running a giveaway because who doesn't love free stuff?

Headband from Aurorae 

In the summer when I run I sweat. Nope, I don't sparkle or glisten, I sweat.  A ton. The temperature has just started to rise here in New Hampshire so I took this headband out for a test run. It held up to the pressure of the hazy, hot and humid weather. It soaked up my sweat before it rolled in my eyes and stayed in place the whole time. Aurorae is primarily a yoga wear company, but this headband is ideal for runners too.  It comes in 6 different colors.

Fruity Lush Lips from Pink Papaya

Truth time:  I'm addicted to lip balm.  Like I can't live without it.  I'm at the point that I have them stashed all over the house.  It drives my husband crazy because I can never find one when I need one. Recently, a friend recommended that I try Pink Payapa's lip balm called "Fruity Lush Lips."  There are 3 different flavors to choose from (I chose the Passion fruit).  Not only does it keep your lips moist for hours, I never once reapplied it during a recent 10 mile race which is amazing for me because that means it held up for over an hour and a half of running, but the ingredients are all natural and provide anti-oxidants and nutrients.

A Fancy Running Skirt from Sparkle Skirts

One of my very good friends who is a marathoner has always talked about her Sparkle Skirts to me even before I started running.  She not only wears them running but to work as well which is very frugal of her because they are not cheap but they are certainly worth every penny. I myself invested in this Swingstyle Blissful Blue for the summer months. I love the fact that the shorts underneath don't ride up on me AND I love all of the pocket space. I wore it during my first half marathon and I never once felt the bags of fuel in the side pockets. Oh yes, these beauties have many pockets perfect for your keys, fuel and phone. 

"The Exhale" Racer Back Tank Top from Aurorae 

This is the softest tank top  I've ever felt!  It's like butter but without all the calories.  Not only is it soft, but it is functional and the flowy fit really lets you move.  I can practice yoga in it one day and the next I can run a few miles in it.  It comes in black, heather grey and navy.

Oofos Recovery Sandals 

All of the women in my running group started talking about these and because I stand on my feet outside a lot during the summer as part of my job, I knew I had to check them out. They are not the most attractive sandals I've ever worn but they are the most comfortable ones to wear all day. Hell, recently, I was in a situation where I found myself running 3 miles in these bad boys!  My feet felt better than they do in my running shoes. They really do support your tired feet. 

Nuun Hydration Tablets 

I love that there is a healthy alternative to sugary sports drinks!  Nuun hydration tablets are easy to use. You just drop one into about 17 ounces of water and let it fizz for about 2 minutes then you have a yummy, hydrating drink for your next run or workout. They are low in carbs and come in many different flavors so there is something for everyone. My husband even tells me that they taste good mixed with vodka. 

Injinji Women's Run Lightweight No Show Coolmax Xtra Socks 

I purchased these on the recommendation of my marathon running friend (she is full of great information) when I complained of developing blisters on my feet when the weather turned muggy. I was really worried that having each toe separated would be annoying, but I used them during my first 10 miler and I didn't even notice. I didn't develop any blisters during that race either. They are now my go to socks during summer long runs.

Yismeet Hydration Pack

I purchased this pack once the spring weather arrived and my weekly long runs got, well, longer. I tried holding a bottle but hated it. I felt like it threw off my arm swings. I found this one on Amazon.com and decided for the price I had to check it out. I've since taken it on many long runs, a 10 mile race and my first half marathon. It's been great and hasn't failed me yet. I like to throw some Nuun hydration tablets in there too as a precaution especially since I'm a salty sweater.

Epsom Salts

If you don't do this already, do yourself a favor, got to your local dollar store and pick up some Epsom salts for your bath after your weekly long run. It's a cheap yet effective way to rest and relax your tired legs after a good run. You and they deserve it. 

Foot lotion 

One reason runners develop blisters is because their feet are dry. Dry skin rubbing against your socks and shoes causes friction which leads to blisters. Head to your local drug store to pick up this brand to calm those cracked heals. It makes a works of difference.

*Giveaway Yoga Mat Flip-Flops from Aurorae*  

You didn't think I could stop at 10 did you?  Nope.  Aurorae sent me these super comfy yoga mat flip flops to try out and they are giving away a pair to one lucky reader.  Just enter below!

Why do you want a pair of these flip flops?  They are super comfy for one and stylish to boot.  For my job I spend a lot of time on my feet so those $2 flip flops from Old Navy are killer after 8 hours and as a runner I can't have sore feet.  Sore feet leads to tight hamstrings and angry calf muscles.  Now these flip flops I can wear all day with no pain.  They can get wet, dirty and sweaty but they hold up great.  You need a pair for your collection.  Trust me.
Open to US residents only.  

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