Keeping Life Fresh and Natural with Tom's of Maine

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FreshNaturally #CollectiveBias

Here on the farm there is always something to be done. Summertime is no exception! Things are in full swing. Strawberry and cherry season is already over, but now we have beans, blueberries, squash, peaches and more. Top that all off with the demands of Fall planting and a busy house full of kids and my husband and I work up quite the sweat everyday. Since so much attention goes into what we eat, it only makes sense that we would look for a long-lasting deodorant with natural ingredients like Tom's of Maine.

Deodorant doesn't grow on trees and neither do stores in the country, so when I decided to try Tom's deodorant I turned to my favorite online option, Amazon.

As a Prime customer, I found options for getting my new deodorant delivered in just 2 days. This time though I tried the Prime Pantry box. I was able to get a flat rate for the whole box and could fill it with as much as it would hold. We also use Tom's of Maine toothpaste in our house and I order that through Amazon on a monthly subscription. Now I can combine all my ordering on a monthly schedule. This saves me a lot of unwanted trips into town.

I ordered the Naturally Dry Antiperspirant and the Long Lasting unscented for myself. Chasing the kids and weed control in our family garden can leave me a dripping mess on a hot day. For those days I plan to use the Naturally Dry. But for date night or trips into the city I can use the Long Lasting option.

When I mentioned I was going to try Tom's of Maine deodorant, my husband had me grab some for him. There is a long lasting men's deodorant option. My husband has just started using it, but I am curious to see how it holds up to the demands of a busy farmer. That will be a true test.

Living on a 5-generation farm means there is a lot of old equipment.. It also means that some of the methods used have been passed down from generation to generation, just like this old tractor. Simple and natural solutions work on the farm, and we don't have a need for artificial colors, flavors, fragrances, or preservative in the food we grow. I like the idea of leaving those out of my body with natural personal care products. I like to stay #FreshNaturally.

All I ask from a deodorant is that I smell like... well, it doesn't have to be flowers, but at least it shouldn't smell bad. There is no shortage of work to be done around the house and farm. These Gerbera Daisies are desparate for a good weeding, but I know that will be one dirty and sweaty job.

Don't worry. It's on the to-do list.

Everyday there are things to be picked, processed and enjoyed. We like to embrace each season and fully utilize what is available. I pick while I can and preserve things to get us through the long Winter.

Kitchen work, with lifting and stirring over a hot stove, always works up a sweat. Do you watch any reality TV cooking competitions? We love watching "Chopped" on Food Network. The contestants are constantly wiping their brows as they slave over the grill or stove. Some days my kitchen feels like that when I am processing canned goods and keeping my family of 5 fed and happy.

We moved out here, just a short distance from where my husband and his family grew up to give our kids a memorable childhood. I wanted them to be able to collect bugs in the yard and play catch with a dog. There are some real pro's to living outside the city limits.

Looking inside a squash blossom today I noticed both a helpful insect right alongside a harmful one. That is a lot like living out in the country. Natural means we get dirty, and sometimes a little stinky working out in the garden. It is a lot of hard work and to keep cool my body tries to compensate.

I like being natural, but letting body odor or sweat stains hold me back from socializing seems unnatural.

Things are not going to stop growing around here. (At least for the next several months!) From the kids to the squash, growing is busy, dirty, fun business. Keeping everything healthy and happy keeps me busy.

And when I can do it all and stay dry I have more time to enjoy the simple pleasures of country life like a rainbow over the alfalfa field.

And now, don't mind me, but I have to get back to work. For a peek into my busy/dirty day, check out my Instagram video:




Have you tried Tom's of Maine products? Which deodorant would you like to try?

Staying Active, Spontaneous and Fresh and Sexy

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community. I picked up a package of Fresh +Sexy wipes to keep on hand for our active and busy lifestyle. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and its client.  #FreshNSexy

Growing up my family enjoyed doing things at home. We loved to watch movies, listen to music and read. We also showered every morning and I had a detailed personal hygiene routine. You can imagine how much my life changed when an adventurous, outdoor-loving boy came into the picture.

One thing I loved about my husband when we started dating was how active and athletic he was. He loved camping, mountain biking and skiing. He introduced me to many of those activities and I quickly learned there are no showers and very few bathrooms out in nature. If you find one, you can probably smell it before you see it! Eewww.... right? After being married for 12 years we still live an active and busy lifestyle. Things have changed and our time is also stretched with 3 small children, a busy farm and grown-up responsibilities, but the enjoyment of being active together hasn't changed.

My husband and I had the chance to live in Japan for a few years and this picture was taken on a white water rafting trip in the Iya Valley. We also camped out around and then climbed Mt. Fuji. Hot showers were few and far between on those trips.

Now, am I the only gal who doesn't want to cozy up so closely when I worried about travel grime and sweat? Outdoors, starry nights and two-person tents open up plenty of romantic opportunities - I think spending time with my spouse is the ultimate aphrodisiac, just not many chances to freshen up. Good hygiene is important, but it isn't always practical.

Of course my husband is never deterred by a little perspiration. Girls glow, right? And I know that after a day of skiing my husband is completely irresistible in that manly-musk kinda way. But despite desire, I also want to feel comfortable, confident and possibly even a little fresh and sexy.

You can imagine how excited I was when I heard about the new Fresh + Sexy flushable wipe from Playtex. I am not big on scented products, but appreciate the skin conditioning botanicals like cranberry and chamomile in these wipes.  I found them in the Family Planning section of my local Walmart. I grabbed a travel pack, perfect for stashing in a bag, purse or backpack. These are so handy for both men and women at home, or on the go.

Paired with breath mints by my nightstand and pre-moistened disposable towelettes for quick facial touch-ups, I don't have to worry about our busy lifestyle taking all the fun out of intimacy. And that includes the rare free moment during hay season!

Have you tried or seen the Fresh + Sexy wipes in stores? When would you try them?