@PGinsider’s #PGmom Event

Let me first say that I am really excited to be included in this.  For as long as I can remember, P&G has been a part of my family’s every day life. It wasn’t until I attended the #PGmom event that I realized just how many P&G products we have in our own household!

We’ve used everything from Pampers, Febreeze, Tampax, Always, Tide, Charmin, Head & Shoulders, Duracell, Gillette, Olay, CoverGirl, Crest, and a whole slew of other products that belong to the P&G family.

Seeing this Pampers video made me think of my Little One and how Pampers were used on her in the NICU at Mount Sinai Hospital. Pampers has preemie diapers! Thank you, Pampers for having diapers to fit even the tiniest babies!

One of the things I loved about the event was that we got to learn more about the history behind the company and we also had the opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns if we had any.  As moms, we want nothing but the best and the safest for our families.  The few questions I had (which were asked by other moms who had the same questions) were answered.  Questions about ingredients, testing, and about the gel-like substance when a Pampers diaper gets saturated were all answered.

I was also surprised to discover that P&G celebrates their 175th birthday this year! Since 1837, P&G brands have helped make everyday life a little better.

We also learned of the extent of research and testing that goes into making products available to consumers. It takes years of research before products are able to hit the market and be placed on store shelves.

I was interested in:

• Environmental Sustainability
• Social Responsibility
• Product Safety

We also got to meet Christine Sinclair from the Canadian Women’s Soccer Team.

One of the things I struggle immensely with is finding BALANCE. I have a hard time juggling being a mom, working from home, taking care of my family, taking care of the house, helping my husband on the farm, and taking on a whole slew of other responsibilities…yet I do it all.  I do it all with a big smile on my face (and a few meltdowns behind closed doors).

Well, Caird Urquhart spoke to us about seeking HARMONY instead of balance. Au lieu of finding balance between every aspect of our lives, we should try to find happiness with where we are right now.

This means:

• Following our intuition
• Choosing our “A-Team” – SO important to have a support network to HELP us and not discourage us
• Defining your values and stand by them
• Accepting where you are in life and just be yourself
• Embracing the evolution of life

We also learned about oral health care for children. I love the “Attack from behind” method. I never had to use this on my own daughter, as she is obsessed with brushing and flossing her teeth! I can see how this method would be great for parents who do need to brush their kids’ teeth for them. Incidentally, Little One does brush her own teeth, but I do help her after she’s done. I tell her “Your turn. Mommy’s turn. Your turn. Mommy’s turn” and I get the hard to reach spots like the upper and lower back teeth and molars.

It’s true that once you go electric (toothbrush), you won’t go back to the old fashioned manual kind! We’ve got the Oral-B® ProfessionalCare SmartSeries 5000 with SmartGuide™ Electric Toothbrush and LOVE it! My teeth and mouth feel so much cleaner and I know it has reduced plaque build-up tenfold. Wow. That makes it sound like I have lots of plaque. I’m just saying that it does a tremendous job cleaning my teeth and after using it for about a month, I can see and feel the difference.

I also got to hang out with some of my favourite ladies.  Here’s Mom vs. the Boys taking a photo of me taking a photo of her.

P&G even takes care of the canine members of our family! You can sign up for Iams Lifelong Rewards to receive exclusive offers and coupons. For every sign up, Iams will make a food donation to your shelter.

Apart from the make-up and hair products, this was my next favourite section! Healthy teeth are important!

 A beautiful basket filled with goodies from P&G awaited me in my hotel bathroom.

I have to say (and I almost feel guilty about saying this), that was THE BEST sleep I had in ages. An entire bed to myself, extra fluffy pillows, and no waking up every few hours because someone has had nightmares or leg cramps. My one night of good sleep and it was so worth it. Thank you so much, Four Seasons and P&G!

 I am pleased to say that the nail polish from the manicure I had at the event has not chipped yet! We have a farm and I do 99.999999% of the household chores in our home. The fact that the polish is still on my nails is a testament to how great the quality is.

No make-up and just-out-of-the-shower hair. Please excuse the following photo, but this is me trying out the Crest White Strips. I pay a lot of money to get my teeth professionally whitened. Yes, it’s true. At the P&G event, we were asked if we wanted to test the Crest strips and see the difference and the ease of use for ourselves. I really wanted to try it out right there and then, but rather shyly asked if I could try it out in the privacy of my own home.

Why? Let me tell you that I have horrible gag reflex. I simply cannot have anything in my mouth or near my eyes (tough putting mascara or contacts!). Everything makes me yack. I’m not kidding.

My experience with the Crest White Strips? They go on really easily and they stay in place really well. They are super easy to apply. I was doing great until minutes after I put them on. The gag reflex kicked in. This has absolutely nothing to do with the product itself. It’s all me. Me and my crazy “I can’t have anything in my mouth or I’ll gag” reflex. Embarrassing. THIS is why I wanted to try them on my own and not in front of my fellow bloggers!

The result? I left the strips in for the allotted time and I kid you not, you can see results even after the first use! I was amazed. Sorry, professional teeth whitening place! I’m going to have to say buh-bye! Hello to my new best friend (but only in the comfort of my own bathroom)!

Thank you to P&G for including me in such a great event! I am looking forward to working with you more and am excited about all the exciting things to come!

Disclosure- I am a #PGmom. Although I am affiliated with P&G, all the thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.