*** Giveaway has ended. Winner is Carmen. ***
(image from Apple Valley Natural Soap)
At his six-month well-baby check, my little one was given a prescription for steroid cream to treat his eczema. I never filled it.
His skin was dry and rashy, but he wasn’t miserable or even fussy with it. My plan was to try some natural diet and body care changes, hanging onto the steroid cream prescription just in case.
Although I truly don’t know if it’s our Lenten gluten-free diet, or the spring temperatures, or ditching the Johnson’s for natural soap and cream… the eczema is nearly gone!
Some of the products we’ve been enjoying are a selection of soaps and lotion from Apple Valley Natural Soap. When I received the package they sent me for review, I felt like I’d been given a gift. These products are beautiful! My favorite thing about the hard soaps (other than the natural ingredients, of course) is that they last a long time, unlike the squishy, dissolving soaps I can get cheap with a coupon. 
To learn more about this Christian company, be sure to visit their website. You can also:
- Sign up for the Apple Valley Natural Soap newsletter to receive the inside scoop on monthly specials and limited edition bars.
- “Like” Apple Valley’s Facebook page.
Want to try some for yourself? Apple Valley Natural Soap is giving away a Complete Hair and Body Package, valued at $24.95, to one of my readers! The winner will receive their choice of two big, beautiful shampoo and body bars along with a 4 ounce bottle of Organic Jojoba Hair and Body Serum nestled in natural excelsior aspen wood shreds and tied with a raffia ribbon and gift card.
To enter, leave a comment: Are you picky about your bath and body products? What are your criteria? (natural, cost, etc.) As always, feel free to earn an extra entry or two by sharing this giveaway on facebook, twitter, or your own blog. (Just leave a comment for each.) ***If you are reading this via email or RSS feed, please click through to leave a comment for your entry.
Giveaway ends Sunday, March 27, at 8:00 p.m., CST. Winner will be randomly drawn and notified by email.
I’m beginning to be picky! I’ve been educating myself on the things that are in body products and have recently gotten rid of all body washes, shampoos, soaps, etc. that is not “safe”! I want natural products and am willing to pay the extra for items that are better for my family and me!
I have seen these types of natural soaps and have always wondered how good they really are, like to try and find out
I prefer natural products but I try to balance cost against ingredients.
I go with whatever is cheapest for me and try to stick to unscented soap for the little people in my house.
I’m not picky except for scents, but I keep thinking I should should try to chose more natural products or even homemade.
For a long time, I was very particular about having HANDMADE soap. Then the budget got tighter and I am now content with Ivory (or a baking soda/vinegar combo if my skin is feeling icky).
My family is sensative to soaps so we go with the Aloe Vera soap purchased through Azure Standard. Apple Valley soap looks like it would work also!
I am picky when it comes to shampoo. I have oily roots and have yet to find a shampoo that works well. I love love love hand soaps though, I am obsessed with them! If I can go natural that is what I prefer but cost is always an issue.
I am picky – and like natural – and would love to make my own soaps someday. Thank you for the opportunity!
I usually like something that moisturizes. I generally get things that I have coupons for, but I’m slowly moving our family toward a more natural diet and environment. We’ll be moving this summer, so my plan is to clear out and start over with the more natural cleaning products!
Would love to start using something better for my family. We usually pick by price or favorite brand – would love to use something that is good for us.
I love scents! That is what I go for!
I would love to try this product since I have a lot of trouble with my hands! I can’t seem to find something that works!
I usually pick by price or what has worked in the past — but any soap has to be gentle as I have sensitive skin so its been a lot of trial and error. I have tried some natural products that did not work well but willing to give it another shot.
I purchase cheap shampoo and soaps for the whole family, but I do use expensive salon hair products. Gotta use what works to tame my curls and straighten my daughter’s hair! Thanks for the giveaway
I’m picky for my kids and use natural products that don’t cost a ridiculous amount.
I would love to be really picky, but can’t afford it right now.
I love vanilla scents and products that are natural!
I am pretty picky. My daughter has ezcema also and so she can’t use anything that has a scent in it.
But, I love scents for myself. And I love homemade soap. Please enter me.
I used to not be picky, but the more I learn, the pickier I get. I have tossed things with parabens and phthalates, petrolatum, and a host of other harmful things that I used to put on without knowing. It does feel so good to opt for the more natural products–scents are far nicer, and so is the quality.
I’m so fortunate in that no one in my family seems to have sensitive skin, so I don’t need to be super picky for those reasons. Back when I was in high school and college, I was super picky and used this hard ginger soap… but I got over it.
Both my girls have somewhat sensitive skin so I’m very cautious with what we use. I try to steer toward more natural products that don’t cost tons of money. Would love to try some new soaps!
My family does better with natural soaps. My daughter loves all things in fun colors: purple lavender, green sage. My husband and I prefer the soaps with salt or cornmeal for exfoliation. My son thinks he doesn’t prefer anything, but his skin is less dry with natural soaps.
I have always had problems with having sensitive skin & scalp issues & never thought about trying natural products. I was recently at the dermatologist for some of these issues but due to being pregnant wasn’t able to get much help. I would love to try these products. I also have naturally curly hair & can’t go cheap on products but possibly something natural could also help control the frizz!
I used to love Dove unscented, but they added some new chemical/smell that breaks me out, so I am in the process of exploring unscented and natural soaps (I like body wash, but will try soap bars too).
I am very picky, especially for my son. I prefer all natural, am a BIG fan of shea, and only use Burt’s Bees on my son. Of course we are still using up what we got at showers, so our next purchase will probably be something else due to price, so I am happy to check out Apple Valley!
I haven’t been picky in the past, as my skin isn’t very sensitive to products. However, the more I read about how chemicals we put ON our body end up IN our bodies, the more picky I realize I need to become!
I have two little boys (1 and 5) with ezcema and other various rashes that pop up from time to time. I prefer not to give them prescription creams so Apple Valley Natural Soap sounds like something we need to try.
I’m not too picky about skin stuff, but as I get older am having to be more picky about hair items. They gray hair that I have is much harder to manage than the non-gray.
Great information! Thanks for the giveaway!
I really like the idea of natural, but usually go for cheap!
I try to use natural products, but at this stage in our financial lives (grad school and a baby!) it’s just too easy to use cost as an excuse. Trying to get over though and focus on all the benefits of better ingredients!
I wouldn’t call myself picky, but I tend to steer towards stuff in my kitchen as natural bath products (milk and oatmeal soaks, honey face masks, coconut oil everything). I happen to have a soft spot for handmade artisan soaps though. So this giveaway sounds luscious.
I haven’t been picky, only because the budget hasn’t allowed for it. But I do love handmade natural products. I would love to try some.
As a natural health consultant I am always on the lookout for products that enhance health down to the roots. Through testing I can quickly determine which products actually produce a healthy effect vs. just not producing a reaction. Cost is important but I’m also looking for long term cost in how it affects health.
I am picky. and like natural soap.
I look for products that are as natural as possible. I have found some Aveeno products that are great for my skin – although somewhat pricey!
I like natural ingredients
I guess I am not real picky. I try to select natural ingredients and good smelling items. These items sound interesting and nicely scented.
I prefer natural products, especially for my babies and myself, but I miss the yummy smell
It is harder with my almost 13 year old and 10 year old boys; they want to do what their Daddy does, which is usually Axe or some other manish smell.
I really should be picky since my skin is so sensitive, but I typically look for what is cheapest. I also have to have something that smells good, its just one of my quirks!
I’m starting to get picky. I never was but when I started breaking out at age 23 (when I never did as a teen), I’ve noticed the more natural stuff keeps my skin clear!
I am not very picky, so I think the cost is mostly what keeps me from buying more natural products. My 2 year old has a mild skin condition that causes her to have little bumps on her arms, legs, and back, so I’ve been looking for something new to use to see if that would help. We have super hard water so I’m having trouble finding anything at all that works with my hair and skin! Anyway, I’d love to be entered. Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m very picky about my soap, but not so much about shampoo. I want my soap to be handmade and awesome. And it makes my bedroom smell good before I use it!
Thanks for this opportunity. I try to use natural products whenever I can, especially as my skin matures.
I love handmade soap… the scents and look of the soap are so pleasing to the senses!
I am pretty picky. I have sensitive skin and rosacea on my face. I don’t like to use products that have lots of perfumes.
I haven’t really thought much about it, but it looks like I’m going to need to investigate what I’ve got stashed in our cupboards!
I *want* to be picky…but the budget won’t let me!!
Would love to use more natural skin care products. My baby girl has eczema issues as well, and so I do buy natural stuff for her.
I am very picky with the products I use and the foods I eat! I am a Vegan, so cruelty-free products are my first priority. I’m highly sensitive to chemicals and preservatives, so natural products are also a top priority! I am also a Christian and would love more than anything to support a Christian company making natural products!! Thanks so much for the opportunity to enter! I am off to check out their website now!
I prefer all natural products, but my budget doesn’t allow for a ton of them right now. When my kids were younger (and I was still working!) I used California Baby products. My son had ezcema too and really needed the all natural products.
We only buy cruelty free items. My daughter researches companies to see which test on animals and who their parent companies are.
Yes, the more I learn, the more natural we go! A little over a month ago I starting using baking soda & vinegar instead of shampoo & conditioner and so far it works great!!
We buy whatever we have coupons for or can get at the lowest cost
I appreciate that they are a Christian company. The products look awesome!!
I would love to go natural, but cost does play a part.
I am picky because I am beginning to have “old lady hair.” You know, when it starts going grey and gets all frizzy and curly? I tend to go a bit heavier on the moisture now, and look for products that don’t have SLS, etc. As for soap, my 8-y.o. and I use Kiss My Face Lavender, because it’s the best we have found so far that hasn’t sold out to a big corp.
I have been wanting to switch to a shampoo bar for a while, but I am waiting for my supply of free shampoo (from surveys and CVS specials) runs out… hopefully it will be one day soon because these products look fantastic!
I love natural products, but frequently price wins out. I wonder if these would help with my little one’s skin issues, too?
Yes I am picky abt soaps and what not, with my health/skin issues I have to be careful!!! Sounds like great products to try!!
I just started being picky about my hair and body products! Right now I’m trying the “no ‘poo” method of washing my hair and don’t know if it’s working for me… lol. (I’m in the transition stage, of course!) I would love to try these products!
My daughter battled eczema as a young one, too! It was then I realized that everything we use that touches our skin should be non-fragrance and preferably natural. After she “grew out of the eczema”, I when back to scented laundry detergent and dryer sheets, but we still use non-fragrance soap. I would love to give these products a try!
I am picky after doing research on eczema for my son and after that natural products have healed my son and he doesn’t suffer from eczema any more! God is Good@
I tweeted about this giveaway!
http://twitter.com/#!/Andanbre/status/50938732869722112
I am picky about my bath products. Many years ago I found I was having allergic reactions to the perfumes and dyes that came in soaps and laundry detergents so I had to switch over to ones without it and my problems went away.
I’m picky about bath and body products for my young son. I would like to be more picky about what I use for myself, but I tend to try to save money and use cheaper products for my own skin and hair.
We have skin issues in our house, so we are a becoming more picky. It can be so hard to find a GREAT product that is worth the price.
Like Rebecca above, I like the idea of going natural, but too often the budget says cheap. Always willing to give something a try. Thank you for the possibilities.
I struggle with eczema and extremely dry/itchy skin every day. I keep it under control with fragrance-free lotion, but it’s not completely gone. All natural products might be the way to go!
I haven’t been picky in the past just buying whatever I felt like…now that I have a dear daughter with some slight skin problems…yeah I’m looking into different natural soaps and shampoos and the best way to be frugal about it!
I’m not excessively picky, but I do know what I like and don’t like. My husband is very sensitive to smells, so I guess I’m becoming more picky as I find things that don’t agree with him.
Thankfully my skin is not sensitive, and so it doesn’t dictate what kind I can use.
I have to be extremely picky! My kids and I have super sensitive skin. I’m currently trying to get rid of my son’s eczema. It’s out of control and causing him pain. I go for natural and frugal (as frugal as you can be with going natural)
I am semi-picky. I can’t pay an outrageous amount of money for products, but I have to be careful with my rosacea what I put on my face. At the other end
, my heels are horrible, and even with a pumice stone or other utensil to take off dead skin, I need a really strong deep moisturizer to soften them up. So I guess it depends on what part of the body I’m targeting. Thanks for the giveaway!
We are not picky. We buy those “soaps you can get cheap with a coupon”. I prefer to spend my money on other things and no one here has any skin issues. I would love to win and try something new that I know I would never splurge on myself.
We’re trying to conceive our first child, so in the past few months I have gotten much pickier about what we put in and on our bodies! I’d love to win and try these out!
We live in a very dry climate, so our family is always struggling to keep our skin moist. I would love to see if natural products would make a difference.
I’m slowly weaning myself from a full array of purchased products to more natural ones I can concoct in my kitchen. Thanks for the opportunity!
I am a little picky about the products we use because of sensitive skin. I want to start using more natural products but cost is an issue.
I’ve never been picky, but am starting to be. I just ordered my first DIY kit from hardlotion.com. And I’m looking into making my own laundry detergent, shampoos, and body washes (or soaps). I want to incorporate more *truly* natural things instead of using the chemical laced products available at the store. Thanks for the chance to try these products! I’d love to see how they work!
I am starting to be more picky, but still trying to balance it with the price. I have been buying more natural products and interspersing them with the ones I already have until they are used up. When they’re gone, I guess it’ll be decision time!
My four month old and five year old both have eczema and I’d love to try something new that might work for them. We’ve always just used Johnson’s soap because we like the way it smells, but I am ready to make the switch to something better.
Thanks!
I’ve been getting pickier about what we put on our skin. We’re slowly switching to more homemade things. I would love to try this stuff out!
I am not too picky on bath and body products, but I have found that Aveeno lotion is the only thing that keeps my body from turning into complete alligator skin. I am trying to find bath and body products for my oldest daughter because she does tend to get bad eczema.
I’m not as picky as I would like to be as a poor college student. Winning this would be a huge blessing!
I usually buy what is cheapest or have a coupon for. I have started reading more about the importantance of natural ingredients so there will probably be some changes in my buying habits in the future.
We’ve become so picky about our meat and other food, but this is one area I still need to tackle! We now do mostly ‘what is cheap’ but would like to do more and more of ‘what is good.’
Thanks for the giveaway,
Heather
I’m getting more picky about my soap. I’m trying to use more natural & organic products in the bathroom, so this would be perfect for me! Sadly, cost plays too big of a roll in my purchases at times.
I’ve paid more attention to these products as I’ve gotten older. Can’t say I have found a favorite company yet so maybe they are the one!
I’m not usually all that picky about these types of products. I just need a face wash that doesn’t dry me out and a moisturizer that doesn’t make me break out. Oh and good hand cream.
I prefer gentle soaps, free from dyes and perfumes. I’ve still been making shampoo choices based mostly on price, but I guess it makes sense to be more picky with those too since they get all over my skin as well. I’d love to try this product!
Not picky in the slightest. Basically, whatever I get for free from CVS! I try to stick with Pantene, Dove, Herbal Essences, and John Freida shampoo, which I have been able to get, but I will use whatever it is.
I try to stick with natural soap, would love to try anything from this product line.
It is usually cost that keeps me from buying the good stuff. I do splurge every once and awhile, and use the product for special occasions.
I’m trying to be picky, but finding some natural ingredients that cause sensitivity, so I’m still weeding through “picky”.
I`m not that picky. However, I will not buy anything expensive
!
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/randi094/status/51033525381636096
It used to be “the cheaper, the better” but lately I’ve really been thinking about switching to more natural cleansers.
Sounds lovely! Beautiful packaging, too.
I so want to try these. I have 3 wonderful children with sensitive skin! We use fragrance free EVERYTHING. I have been using a glycerin soap for some time and these Apple Valley soaps look yummy!
Thanks!
I have never tried all natural cleaners as I’m just a creature of habit
I WOULD love to win this so that I can see the difference first hand! Thanks for a GREAT giveaway 
I prefer natural soap when I can get it. If not, lavender infused ivory will do!
I want to be picky, but right now price is what drives our decisions. Hopefully, we’ll get to be more picky soon! Thanks for the chance to win.
I like a product that really lathers. I don’t like a body wash, prefer a bar soap.
We’re making the switch to safe cosmetics. My husband bravely has gone poo-less, though I’m not quite ready to try it myself. We stocked up on soap for most of the next year from our friend Aubrey at Goodies Unlimited and we love her stuff. I’d like to try Apple Valley and see how it compares. The less commercial stuff we have to buy, the less I have to shop which makes me VERRRRY happy.
I was never picky about anything but hair products until I had my first child with multiple allergies. I have seen what chemicals can do to their little bodies. So when we can afford it, I try to buy natural cleansers and lotions. It really does make a difference!
Yes I am very picky! I have allergies. No added chemicals or preservative does make a huge difference.
I’m not picky. I love natural products
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/51307778081439744
I am picky but I usually get my products for free at CVS or Wags.
Email subscriber.
facebook fan and shared.
I am not too picky but I prefer inexpensive, smells good, and doesn’t leave soap scum in my tub….ha! We don’t have super sensitive skin so no real problems there or else I would be a little pickier.
I’m not too picky about brand/quality/organicness of my soap products, but I am very picky about the smell. I once had to have my boyfriend stop using a certain shampoo because it smelled just like the deodorant my dad used when I was a kid. I love my dad and didn’t mind the smell on him, but just couldn’t deal with that smell I associated with my dad on my boyfriend.
The descripti0ns of these sound so wonderful, I would just love to have them. I love the smells of natural products so much more than artificial scents.
I tried going all natural, but a few products just didn’t work as well (and others work BETTER). The two main products I can’t do natural anymore are mousse (curly hair) and dishwasher detergent (old dishwasher just needs more umph than those Method Smarty Tabs could give us:)).
So, we try to find the balance between effectiveness, price and safety.
“So, we try to find the balance between effectiveness, price and safety.” I think that’s a great plan!
My husband and daughter have very sensitive skin. I usually try to buy Pure & Natural or Dove soap – whichever is least expensive with coupons at Rite Aid. I’d love to try these products!
We are in the process of eliminating the “bad” things from our home…this would be a great start. I have gone all natural in cleaning products and we are working on our diet…soaps and shampoos are one of the last places we need to adjust. My baby (8 mo) has just started developing some dry patches and I am trying to eliminate everything from my diet and environment that may be contributing.
I am becoming more picky about the things that we use in our home, partly in trying to find relief for my son’s eczema.
You know I wasn’t very picky about what products I used, until I got pregnant. Then it seemed like everything irritated my skin. I don’t know if it was just natural changes or chemical related, but either way I wasn’t fooling around any longer. I’ve been looking around and trying to find natural ways to clean, eat, etc. I’d never heard of this line thanks for the information.
That is crazy! I know my hair sure acts different when I’m pregnant.
Cost is my biggest determining factor in beauty products. I am not brand-loyal by any means; the cheaper, the better!
I shared via Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/couponlover16/status/51454479878467584
I’m getting much pickier than I used to be and try to use more natural products. Price is still a big factor though. I like to haunt the clearance shelves at the drugstores. Have found some great bargains that way on Dr. Bronner’s, Burts Bees, that kind of thing.
I use what I can get free with coupons, but I like the pricier brands for myself. I’m slowly switching us to natural products.
We try to use anything that is natural and paraben-free, but it’s hard to find things like that which can fit into the budget!
I prefer my bath soap to be made with essential oils and not fragrances. I love all natural handmade bars.
http://www.facebook.com/matt4melis#!/matt4melis/posts/214528731893811
http://twitter.com/matt4melis/status/51882277814284288
I wasn’t picky until I had an allergic reaction to two ingredients that are found in most make ups, shampoos, etc. Now I spend more to make sure I avoid those ingredients. I also figure that if my skin is sensitive to it, then I should make sure that my kids aren’t exposed either.
The more I find out about some of the questionable ingredients, the pickier I am getting! We have recently been using goat milk soap, and we love it. I’d love to try this soap too!
Yes, very picky. I only use body care products with “real” ingredients – I’ve begun treating the outside of me, with the same care I treat the inside of me! If I can’t pronounce it, mostly, I don’t use it!
Shared on Facebook.
I normally just use whatever I’ve gotten a deal on lately, but I do like nice scents.
The item I tend to be pickiest about is my soap. I adore handmade soaps…the unique smells, the natural oils, etc. Plus, it’s great being able to help out a small business!
Love this company! They are local to me and I’ve been using their soap and loving it for over a year now. Their products are high quality, and their customer service is amazing as well. So glad you found them!
Fabulous! Exciting to hear from someone who knows them!
i too have eczema and since I started using African black soap I haven’t had the constant itching that i had before and I really don’t see the eczema anymore. I do still have the dark spots from where they used to appear but hopefully with time that will go away. right now I’m too broke to purchase these but i appreciate you letting me know they are out there. when I get more money i will most definitely check them out. they sound wonderful.
I’ve never even heard of African black soap. Good to know!