The first time I EVER visited Memphis, I was introduced to Pulled Pork sandwiches with coleslaw inside. As a Texan, it was pretty foreign to me because I love me some chopped beef sandwiches, from one of my favorite places, Buds BBQ. Nevertheless, I tried it and absolutely fell head over heels.

I lived in Memphis for four years, but happily reside back in Texas and I, often, yearn for that pulled pork sandwich. So, this 4th of July, I thought I could make some and found some great ideas from Heinz 57 for an ultimate Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipe. The best part? It's ALL made in a slow cooker so you don't have to fight the heat on the grill OR in the house (these Texas temperatures are killer lately).

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So I have this sweet tooth. I have this urge for chocolate. It's my comfort food when I'm sad and it celebrates with me when I'm happy. I swear, the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Movie was made for me. Just seeing rivers of chocolate flowing in the Wonka Factory was enough for me to wanna dive right in.

Chocolate. There's really nothing better to me. So, for the rest of this year I'm on a mission to bring all of you my Sweet Tooth Finds including chocolate, candies, baked goods, ice cream and more. Today? It's all about the NEW flavors in the Wonka Exceptionals chocolate collection, Triple Dazzle Caramel Bar and Fantabulous Fudge Bar. Even the NAMES sound delicious!

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Today, we're busily eating lunch when my 9-yr-old asks me, "Mom, is Rudy ready for Preschool?" Not really know what he meant I asked him, "What do you mean?" It was no surprise to me that my oldest was asking because he seems to think our little guy will have problems with his behavior. We won't know until he attends school, but it really got me thinking. What does it take to be ready for Elementary? What can we do, at home to prepare our child and, moreover, what can schools do to help prepare incoming children for the 2011-2012 School Year?

Thanks to Primrose Schools Just Ask a Mom, I've got some great pearls of wisdom to share with you if you're wondering the same thing I am. Will my child be ready for elementary school?

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Last weekend, we spent a few hours outside swimming. When we arrived back home my children's skin was in tatters. It was dry, itchy, and ashy. While, I have the perfect lotion for kids dry skin, I was left looking at my beauty cabinet wondering what to use for me, knowing if I don't wash my face and spread a moisturizer quickly, I'd be left in regret when I see blemishes the next day.

Now that I'm, officially, in my 30's, I've been a stickler at my beauty routine. I constantly moisturize, but in the Summer Time the heat really does a number on my face. Oily skin plagues me, but I've found a great oil-free acne face wash that is both invigorating and effective, Neutrogena's Pink Grapefruit line of skincare.

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I've done a lot of exciting things in my life, but meeting Cookie Monster? Well, that's one of my all time favorites, especially seeing my kids so excited.

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Last night, my husband and I vegged out in front of the projector in our media room. The movie at hand? Gone With the Wind. Yes. We went there. He's never watched it before and it's been forever since I had so we went for it and it was the MOST relaxation we've had in a REALLY long time. 

We've been doing a LOT of movie nights lately, especially as a family. Now that the kids are home for the summer, it’s a time for play dates, picnics and sleepovers. Movie marathons are perfect for entertaining any group of kids! Available today Tuesday, June 28, Meet the Fairies is landing at a Redbox kiosk near you. What family friendly movies have you guys been watching?

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When the Summer Season hits at our household, it's quite the adjustment, not only for the kids, but the parents as well. As a Mom to three children under the age of nine, Summer time means lots of trips, lots of fun, and lots of free time. When we're at home, they get REALLY bored REALLY quickly and what do they want to do? Eat. So, when I say it's an adjustment at home, I REALLY mean it's adjustment.

I need to keep more snacks on hand when they have friends over. I need to make sure I'm stocked on ice pops when they come in from running outside on a hot day. The list goes on. Except there's one problem. Every time my energized children snack, I want to snack too. I try to stay in the healthy range, but my sweet tooth gets the best of me. Ideally, I'd like to eat what I love without the guilt, like the new Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies. What healthy snacks do you rely on?

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Welcome to another Music Monday here at Momma Findings. While I admit our weekly post has been absent the last few weeks, I will never let it dissipate. Ever. Music Monday is one of my favorite posts to write each week because I mediate on one song that will encourage and inspire me to get through just one more week. Come on. If you're a Mom of young children, especially in the Summer, we need all the encouragement we can get. So, today's Music Monday continues and our pick is Chris Tomlin's song I Lift My Hands.

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My kids have a funny way of "prepping" to watch a movie. In fact, they do this with every video game, movie, AND book. It's a quirky little thing I can't help but laugh about when my 4-yr-old yells from across the room, "Who do you call in Toy Story 3? I call Buzz Lightyear!!"

Tell me your children have done this before? We're the only ones? To my kids, it adds to the effect of the movie when you've "called" a character. In essence, you're transformed in to the hero, or the damsel, or the techy spy with all the cool weapons. This form of game has come in such a consistency that I find myself asking, "Who do you call in CARS 2?"

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When I accepted the invitation to attend the #DisneyDreamworksEvent in LA last week, I knew we'd dive into a few other movies besides CARS 2. Yesterday, I let you guys in on a classic movie hitting theaters in July, the NEW Winnie the Pooh movie, but today I want to talk about another movie, a movie that spoke to me, moved me, and inspired me to love a little more and move forward through adversity. The Help, a movie based on the popular book by Katheryn Stockett, is the story of an unlikely sisterhood between the maids of Jackson, Mississippi and an up and coming writer. The courage it took for them to stand up and be heard had me sad that this country lived in such a way, but inspired that acceptance has bloomed through the process.

While I can't, exactly, give you guys a full on review, I will say, Day 2 of our Disney Dreamworks Event was my favorite day. I feel so honored to have viewed The Help in advance and you'll find me, through my Social Media Channels, encouraging others to see it when it hits theaters in August.

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This Friday, the world will be introduced to an international espionage adventure in CARS 2. Join Lightening McQueen (Owen Wilson) and his best friend Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) in a story of fast paced fun for the entire family.

Thanks to Disney, I've already seen the movie twice while I was in Hollywood, once for the press junket and again for the Red Carpet Premiere. Although, I have yet to  let you guys know what I thought of the movie (that will come tomorrow), I WILL let you guys in on some REALLY cool toys hitting store shelves in time for the release of CARS 2. If you've got a CARS fanatic in your house, get ready for loads of CARS 2 Toys at stores near you.

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I'm finally back from LA and what an experience it was. Beyond my wildest dreams, I was flown out to Hollywood with an amazing group of bloggers to attend the World Premiere of Disney Pixar's CARS 2, but today I want to let you guys in on everything that happened BEFORE the big day.

Day one was all about the cutest bear we've come to love. The NEW Winnie the Pooh Movie hits theaters on July 15th and I'll be one of the first in line with my kids. The movie strikes a perfect balance of creativeness in keeping true to the Classic Tale we've come to love in A.A. Milne's characters, but it also embraces today's times with it's witty humor. While I can't say much about the movie, quite yet, I will let you guys in on the exclusive behind-the-scenes fun we got to experience at the Walt Disney Animation Studios.

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My Wordless Wednesday has been absent the last few weeks ONLY because I've been so crazy busy with traveling. You'll hear all about my trips later this week, however, today I'd like to share with you a picture of me and two of the sweetest Latina Bloggers out there. This was taken RIGHT before we walked the Red Carpet for the World Premiere of CARS 2 in Hollywood. CARS 2 hits theaters THIS Friday, June 24th! Do you have plans to go see it?

Left to Right: Sara from Momma Findings, Silvia from Mama Latina Tips, and Caryn from Rockin' Mama.

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With the kids out of school for the Summer, we've been zooming through the snacks around this house. I don't usually purchase store bought cookies due to a few factors such as price, quantity, and nutrition. To me, it's more of a treat than a snack so we just don't keep them around.

Well, that may or may not change now that I've discovered a new brand of cookies that claim to be delicious AND nutritious. WhoNu? brand of cookies is unveiling an awesome line up of cookie faves this July (2011) all while forcing parents to think twice about cookies for snack time. Treats that are healthy? We got to try each flavor and have the scoop on these healthy snacks for kids and adults alike.

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Father's Day is staring at us wives in the eye REAL hard. Sunday will be here before you know it and, if you guys are anything like me, you MAY or MAY not be on a one of those things we like to call a budget. This year, I didn't wait until the last minute, however, the years before I did and it gets KINDA stressful.

So, today, I want to highlight a few last minute gifts you can pick up for the Dad's in your life. Let's face it, we buy for so many men on this Holiday including Husbands, Dads, Grandads, Father-in-Laws, and even brothers and friends. It can get pricey if you rely on expensive items like power tools, electronics, etc. So, one gift that you can NEVER go wrong with is Cologne.

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Do you guys rent movies from RedBox? My family absolutely LOVES it. We've been traveling a lot, so it's really easy to return movies to any kiosk and rent another for the road. This week, I was thrilled to learn that RedBox will now offer video game rentals! I mean, have you EVER bought a video game only to find out that... well it was a waste of money? I've been there. Done that.

Since Sunday is Father's Day and we know a lot of men enjoy playing video games as a way to spend time with their children, I'd like to let you guys in on a few video game titles that launched this week AND give one lucky reader the chance to try them.

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You guys. I'm honored to be writing this from Sunny Hollywood California. I'm here, thanks to Disney and Dreamworks so that I can attend the Red Carpet Premiere of CARS 2 and bring you guys all kinds of information regarding movies like Winnie the Pooh and The Help. I'm anxious to see what the day has in store, but first I need to prep myself. I'll be in a group of other amazing bloggers interviewing Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy and more!

CARS 2 hits theaters on June 24th and, let me tell you, my kids are SO excited to see it. To get YOU guys excited (and help me interview the stars of CARS 2) I've got a REALLY fun CARS 2 giveaway!

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I leave to California today and, already, missing my husband. Gag if you will, but it's hard for us to be apart from each other. Just years ago he traveled weeks out of each month and it caused an enormous strain on our marriage. Now, our marriage has flipped, in that, I'm the one that travels.

During those years when he was gone a lot, I used to think I wish he'd text more. I wish he'd email more. I just want to hear more from him when he's away. I've worked really hard, the last few trips, to organize, pack, and leave no stress for him while I'm gone, but I must admit, haven't always been successful. So, this trip, while the kids are with their Grandparents, I've done a lot of sweet things to communicate how much he'll be on my mind. I, from experience, know communication is key in your marriage when a spouse travels. 

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We, recently, moved into a new neighborhood back in April. We have, since, been motivated to keep our yard clean, free of clutter, and freshly mowed. With the Houston drought that hasn't been to hard. With that said, I've noticed that some homes lack motivation to do the same, whereas, other families take it to extreme.

In an effort to meet my neighbors and do good for our area, I've been looking for ways to organize a neighborhood cleanup day. A new online tool, HTown Bingo makes it fun, yet productive to do just that, while creating awareness to the problems plaguing your subdivision or area of town in and around Houston.

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Some say being a Mom is a full time job, combined with multiple responsibilities across a spectrum of departments. In fact, one research study suggest that full time Moms are worth $138,000.00 a year. I completely agree and, thanks to Lovable Labels BlogHer '11 Contest, I'd like to show you what one job responsibilities come with the Mom Job Position.

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The family and I just got back from SeaWorld San Antonio and we had SO much fun, hanging out with the Wildside Bloggers. Last year, was great, but THIS year? I felt like I had ample time to get to know the bloggers a little bit better. SeaWorld gets better and better, each time we visit. Two things I found surprising while I was there was the fact there was a LOT of pregnant women walking around. What's up with that? If I was preggo, I'm really not sure I'd be walking around an amusement park in the Texas heat, but there they were... happy as can be.

Another thing I found surprising were all the people in flip flops, moreover, all the people in BROKEN flip flips. I've been there. Done that. Won't do it again. When I shop for women's sandals, you can bet it's not to wear to an amusement park for hours upon hours of walking.

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The last day of school, I dropped my kids off and told them, "This is the last day for me to say this before Summer...." Before I could finish my sentence, my daughter smiled at me and said, "I know Mom. Go out of my way to do something nice for ONE person. You tell me that every day." Although, I was never bullied, I was a witness to bullying in school and, to this day, I wish I would have spoken up. I wish I went out of MY way to do something nice for those being bullied.

Did you know that nearly three-quarters of Americans consider bullying a serious problem and more than 45% of students admitted to having been bullied in school. This Saturday, NBC airs a P&G Family Movie Night film called Field of Vision. It's an uplifting movie that addresses bullying in schools and the importance of standing up in the face of adversity. What a great opportunity for families to spend time together in watching and discussing the issue of bullying from a biblical world view.

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I walked into our bedroom and told my husband, "Honey, I don't want you to think I'm one of those Moms, with anxiety about the kids, but I ordered these kid bands and I thought they'd work great at SeaWorld. What do you think?" He looked at them and said, "Wow. Genius. I think that's SO cool!"

A great way to keep kids safe over the Summer is as simple as a band. Lovable Labels, one of my favorite label companies, has your kids safety at heart with their Kid Bands. Perfect for amusement parks, pools, and traveling. Uhh... perfect for our SeaWorld trip this weekend!

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As I prepare my family for a weekend at SeaWorld, I can't help but worry about the kids possibly getting sunburn. The heat has been insane in Texas and I know San Antonio will give us our fair share of beaming sun rays. Last year, my children were constantly getting wet in the water park, then hitting up the rides which led to dry skin, irritation, and, you guessed it, sun burn. This year, however, I'm asking myself What is the best sunblock for kids?

A few weeks ago, I received a package from Neutrogena, the #1 dermatologist recommended suncare brand that included every product in their NEW Wet Skin Sunblock line. Wet Skin is the first sunblock specially formulated to be applied to Wet Skin while offering broad spectrum SPF protection. Easy spray bottle, easy application, and quality sunblock for my kids? Uhhhhh.... count me in.

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This morning, I woke up at 6:00AM to finish up some work and start packing our family of five. We're off to meet our Blogger friends in San Antonio for some fun at SeaWorld. Last year, we did the same thing and came back with loads of fun memories.

I'm exceptionally excited.. uh...err.. I mean, the kids are exceptionally excited because there are two new features at SeaWorld that we've never seen. SeaWorld San Antonio is now featuring Sesame Street Bay of Play water attraction AND the anticipating One Ocean show with Shamu.

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The other night, I awoke to a noise on the other side of the house. It was 2:00am and I just KNEW it couldn't be one of my kids rummaging through the pantry for a snack. I mean. Really, what kid in their right mind would EVER do that? Instead, I found my 7-yr-old daughter, sitting in the middle of the floor of our office/media room, entrenched in all that is going on in The Babysitters Club.

Yes, my child is all about the Summer Reading and I think it's, mainly, due to her competitive drive. She just HAS to read more books than her brother. She just HAS to earn more AR points. She just HAS to know if Kristy's parents will EVER let her babysit! Oh the drama. After seeing her up so late reading, I couldn't help but giggle. Then I kissed her on her forehead and made her promise not to stay up too much later. She's just so excited about the Summer Reading Challenge issued by PBS Kids and iVillage. Have you signed up yet?

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Thank you to Cube Dog for sponsoring this review. For more information about Cube Dog please visit the Facebook page or download it on iTunes.

If there's one thing I love about my iPhone, it's the ability to keep the kids happy with fun apps and games. Seriously. If we're at a restaurant, waiting at the pediatrician's office, or on a long drive, the iPhones and iPod Touch are lifesavers.

There are so many family friendly iPhone games to choose from and, just recently, I learned about a fun app called Cube Dog. Think cutest-dog-ever-that-does-amazing-tricks-and-you-don't-have-to-clean-up-poop kinda pet.Yeah. There is such a thing.

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Father's Day 2011 is fast approaching and I don't know about you guys, but I, seriously, agonized about what to buy my husband this year. The last few Father's Day holidays we bought him small things, sometimes even just a card due to budget restraints. This year, however, I saved a little dough and went all out. I'll be showering my guy with lots of little gifts and ONE big one. It's the least that I can do, being that I'll miss half the day (I fly back from California that morning).

So, what are you buying for the Dad in your life this Father's Day? I've got a great idea if you're shopping for dad to be gifts. Why not give him a few laughs all wrapped up in a toolbox? The Daddy Diaper Changing Toolbox is both fun and functional and I've got your chance to win it!

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Last week, I gave you guys a sneak preview of the NEW Family Movie hitting theaters on June 17th, Mr. Popper's Penguins. This week, however, I want to give you the chance to win the Mr. Popper's Penguins book along with a movie night out to watch it with the family!

There's nothing quite like Summer Movies with the family and with the heat we're getting in Texas, anything indoors is thrilling for us. Jim Carrey stars in a movie that will give your family loads of laughs and a PERFECT way to cool down. Seriously. You may need to take a jacket. Am I the only one that gets cold watching a winter-like movie?

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The other day, I vented my frustration on Facebook after arriving home from the grocery store. It takes a LOT for me to get out of the house with three kids, especially in the Texas heat and the high gas prices. So, last week, when my preschooler decided to have a melt down in the parking lot of the grocery store, I was forced to get everyone back in the car and leave empty handed. No groceries. Can you feel my pain?

As a busy Mom, with a child who becomes easily bored when we shop, it's very important that I limit the amount of stores we visit. On the other hand, as a family of five on a budget, it's JUST as important that I shop the sales, but how do I easily find them without driving around town all day? Well, there's a NEW website, SaleLocator.com, that helps me do just that and it comes in the form of an iPhone app as well.

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Friday, I visited the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in Houston. Although, I've heard so many great things about giving blood and have EVEN given blood myself, I was anxious to check out the facility and see what goes on after the donation is received. Meagan and Jennifer, were gracious enough to give me a tour of the Blood Center, from the donor area to the labs that receive donations.

It was all so overwhelming, but I'll tell you one thing. I had NO idea that there is SO much testing involved prior to a person receiving a blood donation. Seeing the process in person, gave me full confidence that the blood people are receiving from the donors in the community is really safe.

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Last Sunday, I sat in a pew listening to a sermon. While his words did, indeed, move me, there was one thing that stood out. He gave a definition to a word... a word that we've all heard of and we all know. The only difference was he delivered the definition in a way that made me think differently about the meaning. So, I decided that every Sunday I'm going to add one word to the Momma Dictionary here at Momma Findings. Maybe I'll encourage you to think differently about the words we use to each other. Maybe you'll encourage me to do the same. The word I start off with is the very word that inspired my series:

so·ber adj \ˈsō-bər\
1 a : sparing in the use of food and drink : abstemious
b : not addicted to intoxicating drink
c : not drunk

2 : marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor

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The kids were distraught when our Nintendo Wii System went out on us RIGHT when Summer hit. When I checked with Nintendo, they stated our system was no longer under warranty and that I'd have to pay full price to repair. Bummer.

To be honest, every time I buy an electronic device, new in store, I rarely purchase the warranty option. Why? Because it's brand new and I have never had problems with new items. So, if it DOESN'T work, I could just return to the store I bought it. What happens, however, when your appliances around your home stop working? In my family, for instance, that's a BIG out of pocket expense that we just can't afford. We don't have a Texas home warranty and a lot of young families, like my own, may not know the difference between having home owners insurance and having a home warranty. Do you?

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Summer is in full swing here in Texas. Today is actually our last day of school and my children are getting out early. For the last four years, I've always treated the kids to something special to celebrate. We'd grab an ice cream, head over to their favorite park, then go out to dinner as a family. Today... we can't do that. The weather is scorching hot, gas prices are outrageous, and Daddy is working late.

So, instead, I have an afternoon planned at home, with the sprinkler, and these AWESOME homemade chocolate shakes as a treat. The best part? I don't have to make them. Seriously. Dreyer's has introduced two awesome products, Slow Churned Shakes and Fruit Smoothies. It's convenience built for Summer and we have the skinny on what they are, how we liked them, and where you can get them. Oh, and a fun chilly giveaway for you too!

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Last night, as my husband carried our sleepy preschooler to bed, I heard my son mumble a few words to him. I couldn't make out what they were, but I later found out that he was PURDY upset that "girly dolls" were left on his bed. "I just don't want those girly things in my room!" -- Eh... I'll let his sister know.

My 4-yr-old is the epitome of a boy. He likes bugs, digging up worms, playing sports, and action heros on the television. So, when Shout! Factory asked if I'd like to check out the newest old school television show on DVD, Transformers: Beast Wars, I thought Well, how could I not? My son would kill me if I said no.

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I was putting on my make-up a few mornings ago when I saw that glimmering shimmer on my head. Thinking FOR SURE it's the lighting in the bathroom, I realized it's a grey hair. Wait. I'm 30. As in, three zero. Should I start using anti aging skincare products already? 

I didn't cry very long because my daughter put it to me this way, "Momma, if you don't age, I never will. You don't want me hanging around here my entire life do you? Now come over here so I can pluck that white hair right out." Yeah. She's seven. As in, not-old-enough-to-say-things-like-that.

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Welcome to another month, another Beauty Pick. We've been highlighting one beauty pick of the month since January and covered everything from awesome hand soap to environmentally friendly shampoo.

This month, we're not covering once specific area on your body. We're talking about your ENTIRE body. How do you take care of it? Do you use a specific body wash to renew your skin or do you have a vigorous nightly lotion regimen you practice religiously? I don't know about you, but I don't have time for that. I'm a Momma of three kids and I need a bodywash that softens my skin without having to use lotion constantly. Trust me, the Texas sun does a number on my skin, so I've been using Dove VisibleCare Crème Body Wash.

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