Mommy Is Green: July 2010

Motherlove Green Salve Review

As I'm switching over the products my family uses, I look for items that contain the largest amount of organic ingredients. I look at a lot of products that claim to be natural/organic and find myself disappointed most of the time. That's because they end up containing some kind of synthetic ingredient. I've been looking to switch over everything in our household including what is in our medicine cabinet. One company that has helped me find a quality organic product is the Motherlove Herbal Company.

From www.motherlove.com:

Therapeutic Pampering for the Body and Soul

Creating the purest products of the finest quality, Motherlove Herbal Company is dedicated to using certified organic ingredients for a holistic way to soothe, pamper and enrich the pregnant or breastfeeding body. Cruelty free and without the use of preservatives, artificial fragrances and petroleum-based additives (such as mineral oil) found in most body care products, Motherlove products instill confidence and peace of mind as you nurture yourself and the life within.

Used to soothe the discomforts of pregnancy and breastfeeding, and pamper the body, our products are also safe and gentle on baby's skin. Motherlove products have been proven so effective they have earned the trust and continued support of lactation consultants, midwives, healthcare practitioners and mothers everywhere.

My favorite thing about Motherlove is that they offer some products that are 100% Certified Organic. One of those products is Green Salve. It can be used for insect bites, bee stings, poison ivy, rashes, chapped or irritated skin, and even eczema. I used Motherlove Green Salve for both my dry, chapped hands and behind my son's dry ears.

Unfortunately, I do get dry, chapped hands in the summer too. When I do cleaning I have to admit that I go a little overboard on the hand washing. On top of that there's hand washing before meals & snacks, and after diaper changes. It's really taken a toll on my hands because I've only been using oil on them at night. I ran out of lotion and I'm currently researching a safer organic hand lotion to buy. As I've been holding off getting a lighter hand lotion due to research time, my hands have suffered for it. Luckily, I've been able to try Green Salve to ease the chapping. When my hands start to hurt I put some on. I feel almost instant relief. It's great!

As an infant, my son suffered from eczema on his face and behind his ears. Now that he is a toddler he has grown out of it, but he still gets dry skin behind his ears sometimes. I put Green Salve behind his ears after a bath one night. By the next day I could see improvement. It only took a few applications over a couple of days for him to heal. The best part is that I didn't have to use a petroleum product on his skin, or any toxic chemicals.

Motherlove has a lot of great products to choose from for pregnancy, birth, baby, and breastfeeding. Their products are cruelty-free and do not use preservatives, artificial fragrances, or petroleum-based additives. That's something I can appreciate!

To keep up with the latest on Motherlove, be sure to check them out on their Blog, Twitter, and Facebook.

I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I was provided with Motherlove Green Salve at no cost for review. The opinions expressed here are my own. Please see Terms of Use for more information.

©MommyIsGreen.net - DO NOT COPY text or images.

7:50 AM | 2 comments | Read more...

What I've Been Learning About Cloth Diapering

I'm one of those people that thought cloth diapering was still done with diaper pins and vinyl covers. Before my son was born I even purchased those items. Boy was I out of the loop! I never ended up using those products because I was too afraid to stick my son with a pin and it seemed like a lot of work to a totally exhausted new mother. I had no idea about all of the wonderful, modern cloth diapers out there that are so easy to use. Once I started going more and more green I began noticing all of the possibilities.

I'm very new to cloth diapering so I've been trying to learn as much as possible. I know it's extremely important to properly care for my cloth diapers if I want them to last. So I've been doing my research and paying attention to other cloth diapering mamas. I've been finding that the cloth diapering community is wonderful! Everyone always seems willing to offer help and advice when needed. I'm very happy I decided to make the switch from disposable to cloth diapers.

Before I made the switch I did know a couple of things. Like I could use soap nuts to wash my cloth diapers and I should avoid most diaper rash creams. I'd already been using soap nuts for my laundry so it was an easy choice. Since I learned that some of the other detergents out there can leave build up on diapers and cause them to repel I felt good about using soap nuts.

I also learned that the PUL in diaper shells/covers will last longer if air dryed. To take extra care of my diaper shells I wash them separately on a delicate-fast cycle. That way they get clean but I feel like I'm taking more care with them. Then I hang them on a rack I have in the kitchen that folds up when not in use. The shells dry quickly without a problem.

Another thing I've been doing is not snapping the diaper shells before washing or before I put them away after they are clean. That way I do not place extra wear on the snaps. I'd been doing that before I found out it was a good thing so I was thrilled I was doing something helpful already.

I'm still in the process of gaining knowledge about cloth diapering. So far, I've enjoyed all that I've learned and hope to continue connecting with those in the cloth diapering community!

11:10 PM | 15 comments | Read more...

Wordless Wednesday: Waterfall

This is a waterfall in Upstate, NY. I find the water absolutely beautiful!

8:11 AM | 4 comments | Read more...

Tropical Traditions Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

I have to be honest that I don't eat as much fruit as I should. I'm very picky with my fruit as I like mostly berries and citrus fruit. Although I could stand to eat more of those too. I love vegetables but I'm not sure if I eat enough of those either. As my son snacks on tomatoes and bananas and such, I'm not a fan of them. I know it's a shame. That's why I need a little help in getting what my body needs on a regular basis.

I saw that Tropical Traditions had Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens so I thought I'd give it a chance. I'd never tried a greens drink before so I was very curious.

From TropicalTraditions.com:

Antioxidant Natural Greens contains 2600mg Organic Flax & Organic Flax Lignans per serving, rich in ALA Omega 3.

Antioxidant Natural Greens provides dark green plants, herbs, spices, natural food concentrates, and nutritious fruits and vegetables to help meet your daily requirements.

All natural - no preservatives or MSG.

The Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens comes in both Mint and Berry. I decided to try the Berry without Licorice. I have to say that it took me a little bit to get used to the idea of a greens drink but my husband took to it right away. He took his first couple of gulps and said, "This tastes GREAT!" His doctor told him to get some Omega 3 in his diet to raise his good cholesterol so I suggested he try the greens drink too. Little did I know that he was going to be drinking more of it than me. I drink one glass a day and he drinks two. Since he likes the Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens that much I let him roll with it.

At first, I thought I would need a blender or a special shaker to make this greens drink but it is so much more simple than that. It comes in powdered form and contains a scoop. All I have to do is add one scoop of the greens to 8 ounces of water. I prefer to stir again half way through drinking because it does start to settle a tiny bit. Not a lot but a little. Since I despise taking anything in pill form, it's much easier to drink this than taking a dietary supplement pill.

WIN IT!!!

One lucky Mommy Is Green reader will win their choice of
Tropical Traditions Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens.

To Enter:

1. Visit Tropical Traditions then come back and tell me another product you'd really like to try. This is mandatory and must be done before the extra entries count.

Extra Entries (The mandatory entry must be completed first before any of these count. Please create a separate comment for each extra entry):

2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)

3. Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions Sales Newsletter. (2 Entries)

4. Follow both @Troptraditions and @mommyisgreen on Twitter. Leave your Twitter ID in comment. (1 Entry)

5. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. You can do this once daily. Put a link to your tweet in a comment here (click the date/time on the bottom left of your tweet to get link). You can copy and paste: “Win Tropical Traditions Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens from @Troptraditions & @mommyisgreen http://tinyurl.com/38vwaxu #giveaway” (1 Entry Per Day)

6. Add the Mommy Is Green button to your sidebar. ( 2 Entries)

7. Subscribe to Mommy Is Green through email. (2 Entries)

8. Comment on any non-giveaway blog post on Mommy Is Green. (1 Entry)

9. Enter another Mommy Is Green Giveaway. (1 Entry)

10. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Mommy Is Green and Tropical Traditions. Leave a comment with your web site address. (3 Entries)

This giveaway has been extended to August 17, 2010 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. & Canada only who are 18 years of age or older.

Congratulations to the winner, #117...409cope!

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. See Terms Of Use for more information.

11:23 AM | 132 comments | Read more...

My Organic Facial Care Routine

Recently, my friend Brianne from Mommy's Time asked me about a good organic facial cream. I shared with her all the details of my facial care routine in an email and it gave me the idea to share the details right here too. Here's what I use:

Facial Scrub - Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

I use a facial scrub before I wash my face. I used to do this the other way around. Now, I figure if I slough dead skin cells off to reveal fresh skin, wouldn't my fresh skin benefit the most from a cleansing after than before? The Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser is obviously a cleanser too but I use it as more of a scrub two to three times a week. It has sugar in it which is a good exfoliator for me. When you use it, the sugar dissolves and the product turns into a foaming cleanser. I still feel the need to use another cleanser after anyway because sugar on my face doesn't seem deeply cleansing to me. Unless it's a night that I'm feeling pretty lazy and I don't want to cleanse. Then I just let it go. But if it's during the day and I'm putting makeup on later, I feel the need to use another cleanser after.

EWG 's Skin Deep: Cosmetics Safety Database has most of this products ingredients listed as organic (rather than natural) but it is not listed that way on their web site or the box it came in. I need more clarification. It works well and has a great lemongrass scent but once I'm done with the jar I'm going to experiment with making my own sugar scrub. Update: I did make my own sugar scrub. Find the DIY recipe HERE.

Facial Cleanser - Yoreganics Organic Facial Soap Bar

I just started using this facial bar last week. I have it in Sweet Honey. It smells so good! The honey and clove scent brings me back to fall, my favorite season. I like this bar because it is made with USDA certified organic ingredients and has a nice, gentle foam.

**Update: Facial Bar no longer sold.**

Facial Lotion - Miessence Balancing Moisturiser

This facial lotion isn't greasy and does a very good job of moisturizing. I especially like to use it right before I apply makeup since it rubs in well does not leave my skin feeling oily.

Toner/Acne Treatment - Brittanie's Thyme Organic Acne Treament

When I use this as as toner, I can see the dirt from my face come off onto the cotton ball. It doesn't clear my blemishes right away but it is quite the toner. What I love about it is that it only has three ingredients (organic witch hazel, organic tea tree essential oil, organic lavender essential oil) and is USDA certified organic.

**Update: Now called Organic Blemish Toner**

Eye Makeup Remover - Brittanie's Thyme Organic Sweet Almond Skin Care Oil with Vitamin E

I couldn't be happier with the way this removes eye makeup. I also use this product as a night time moisturizer sometimes since oil dissolves oil and helps remove blackheads. I don't follow the Oil Cleansing Method really but I believe using oil occasionally at night helps. I cleanse my face in the morning and I'm good to go.

©MommyIsGreen.net - DO NOT COPY text or images.

1:45 PM | 6 comments | Read more...

Green Party Goods: Eco-Cupcake Stand Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

I check every item I'm interested in purchasing to make sure it is eco-friendly. I think it's great to have greener options and I choose those first. One area where I'm happy to see eco-friendly products is party supplies. Green Party Goods offers products such as cupcake liners, goodie boxes, garland, tablecloths, plates, and more. All of their products meet at least one of these criteria: recycled, re-usable, biodegradable, sustainable, or organic. A wonderful product that Green Party Goods has to offer is the Eco-Cupcake Stand.

From GreenPartyGoods.com:

Have your cupcakes and display them too. We all know that the cupcake is basically an icing delivery vehicle, and the Eco-Cupcake Stand was designed to ensure ample space between each tier for frosting and a topper. Cupcakes have taken center stage as an economical, convenient, creative, alternative to the wedding cake. The challenge was to find a way to display cupcakes elegantly. Enter the Eco-Cupcake Stand: a reusable, recyclable cupcake tower designed by us, made from two-sided, coated recycled sturdy corrugated cardboard, so it can be wiped clean, stored - ready for reassembly and redecoration at another event. Our Mini Stands are ideal for a smaller venue. Great for cupcakes, desserts, tea sandwiches, sushi or as display shelves.

The Eco-Cupcake Stand can be decorated however you'd like. It can be as simple as a little bit of ribbon around the edges or as elaborate as beading and flowers. If you are thinking that cardboard cannot be elegant, take a look at the photo below. It's all about how you want your stand to look. Plus, don't forget that your cupcakes will look absolutely fabulous and will add the best touch!

I had a cupcake stand at my wedding reception instead of a full wedding cake. We had a very small cake to cut into but everyone was served their own individual cupcake. We wanted something different and unique so cupcakes were perfect. If you're looking to really specialize your cupcakes, Green Party Goods carries Cupcake Wraps. Many are made of recycled paper and they come in plenty of designs.

The Eco-Cupcake Stand is great for any event. Whether it's a birthday party, baby shower, or school event you will be cutting down on waste since this product can be wiped off and reused. For smaller family parties I like my Mini Polka Dot Eco-Cupcake Stand (shown up top). It holds up to 50+ cupcakes. The cupcakes sure do fly in my family. I always need to make as many as possible. The polka dot design on my stand is very fun too. I love making cupcakes so having a cute, functional way to display them is even better. The stand is simple to assemble and easy to wipe clean in minutes. It's perfect for my party needs!

WIN IT!!!

One lucky Mommy Is Green reader will win an
Eco-Cupcake Stand.

To Enter:

1. Visit Green Party Goods then come back and tell me another product you'd really like to try. This is mandatory and must be done before the extra entries count.

Extra Entries (The mandatory entry must be completed first before any of these count. Please create a separate comment for each extra entry):

2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)

3. If you are a fan of Green Party Goods on Facebook let me know. (1 Entry)

4. Follow @mommyisgreen on Twitter. Leave your Twitter ID in comment. (1 Entry)

5. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. You can do this once daily. Put a link to your tweet in a comment here (click the date/time on the bottom left of your tweet to get link). You can copy and paste: “Win an Eco-Cupcake Stand from Green Party Goods! @mommyisgreen http://tinyurl.com/26fj4bp #giveaway” (1 Entry Per Day)

6. Add the Mommy Is Green button to your sidebar. ( 2 Entries)

7. Subscribe to Mommy Is Green through email. (2 Entries)

8. Comment on any non-giveaway blog post at Mommy Is Green. (1 Entry)

9. Enter another Mommy Is Green giveaway. (1 Entry)

10. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Mommy Is Green and Green Party Goods. Leave a comment with your web site address. (3 Entries)

This giveaway will end on August 5, 2010 at 11:59 ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only who are 18 years of age or older.

Congratulations to the winner, #159...Penny W!

I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I was provided with a Round and Mini Eco-Cupcake Stand at no cost for review. The opinions expressed here are my own. Please see Terms of Use for more information.

©MommyIsGreen.net - DO NOT COPY text or images.

9:25 PM | 212 comments | Read more...

Inspired By Finn Teething Necklace Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

I'm trying to choose more natural alternatives for every aspect of my family's life. Especially, for the needs of my son. With so many recalls on baby/children's medicine an alternative option for teething relief is a must. I've come across a great natural option. It's an amber teething necklace from Inspired By Finn.

From www.InspiredByFinn.com:

Among other things, amber is a natural analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-inflammatory. When amber is worn on the skin, the warmth of the skin releases trace amounts of healing oils on the skin. Commonly known as "teething jewelry," baltic amber has been a natural and traditional European remedy for teething discomfort for hundreds of years.

When my son is teething he bites everything, of course, and is not himself at all. I needed something to help the poor little guy with his pain. He has been wearing his amber teething necklace from Inspired By Finn (the same one shown above) and I'm happy to report that he is no longer biting everything in sight. I'm not sure if he's just had a lull in teething or if the necklace is working wonders but either way I'm very happy with the necklace. It makes me feel better knowing I have an alternative to giving my son medication.

My son is also very happy with the necklace himself. I take it off for sleeping and when he realizes he's not wearing it after waking up, he always asks for it. It looks completely adorable on him too!

Inspired By Finn also offers bracelets and anklets for teething relief, as well as hazelwood necklaces for acid reflux, ulcers, skin problems, arthritis, migraines, and constipation. Some women even use the hazelwood jewelry as a remedy for heartburn and nausea during pregnancy. If you wet the hazelwood and put it back on it is supposed to be a great help. I'm all for natural remedies and wearing jewelry couldn't be easier. If you keep it on all of the time there's nothing to remember.

I'm so glad Inspired By Finn has adult jewelry too. When I visited the south of France several years ago I bought a Baltic amber pendant for my stepmother. Later on, I wished that I had purchased one for myself because amber jewelry is so very beautiful. Good thing Inspired By Finn carries Baltic amber jewelry because now I have a chance to get some beautiful amber for myself!

Another reason I like Inspired By Finn so much is because their jewelry is lead-free and phthalate-free! It meets all US CPSIA guidelines for children's jewelry. Some of their necklaces feature clasps but they are made with sterling silver so they do not contain lead. Now that's jewelry my family and I can wear!

BUY IT!

TO SAVE 20% on an order at www.InspiredByFinn.com, join them by clicking the "Like" button toward the top of their Facebook "Wall" tab.

TO SAVE 25%, click on the "Like" button + use the "Suggest to Friends" link near the top left of their "Wall" tab to suggest this page to your Facebook friends.

The discount code is entered/applied during checkout, and the discount is given off of prices on their website - www.InspiredByFinn.com

The codes to use once you have completed the criteria above -

To save 20%: FB20
To save 25%: FB25

WIN IT!!!

One lucky Mommy Is Green reader will win
their choice of round bead, chip, or disc style
Amber Teething Necklace from Inspired By Finn
up to 16 inches that is in stock.

To Enter:

1. Visit Inspired By Finn then come back and tell me your favorite piece of jewelry from their site. This is mandatory and must be done before the extra entries count.

Extra Entries (The mandatory entry must be completed first before any of these count. Please create a separate comment for each extra entry):

2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)

3. Follow @mommyisgreen on Twitter. Leave your Twitter ID in comment. (1 Entry)

4. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. You can do this once daily. Put a link to your tweet in a comment here (click the date/time on the bottom left of your tweet to get link). You can copy and paste: “Win an Inspired By Finn Teething Necklace! @mommyisgreen http://tinyurl.com/39uclnx #giveaway” (1 Entry Per Day)

5. If you are a fan of Inspired By Finn on Facebook let me know. (1 Entry)

6. If you are a fan of Mommy Is Green on Facebook let me know. (1 Entry)

7. Add the Mommy Is Green button to your sidebar. ( 2 Entries)

8. Subscribe to Mommy Is Green through email. (2 Entries)

9. Comment on any non-giveaway blog post at Mommy Is Green. (1 Entry)

10. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Mommy Is Green and Inspired By Finn. Leave a comment with your web site address. (3 Entries)

This giveaway will end on August 3, 2010 at 11:59 ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. & Canada only who are 18 years of age or older.

Congratulations to the winner, #67...Erin!

I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I was provided with an Amber Teething Necklace at no cost for review. The opinions expressed here are my own. Please see Terms of Use for more information.

12:21 PM | 195 comments | Read more...

My Blogiversary? Oh Yeah...Now I Remember

It's my blogiversary and it took a couple of days to dawn on me. My son has been sick with an ear infection and fever. So I've been focusing mostly on him this week. I remembered about a month ago that I was about to hit one year of blogging. At that point, it was too early for a post but I thought for sure I would remember when the time came. Oops!

Anyway, my very first blog post was on July 13, 2009. I wrote about finding safer items for pregnancy. I was no longer pregnant but wanted to let others know that there were safer options out there. My post was very short, but still, it was a start. I had no idea then that my blog would turn into what it is now and that I'd still be blogging.

I have learned so much about going green over the last year. I have changed things like my cleaners, food, home fragrance, recycling methods, etc. I feel like I've grown a lot in just a year. I couldn't be happier and plan to continue on the same path of learning.

One of the most important things I've done right here is make some great bloggy friends. So many bloggers out there are very supportive and are willing to help when asked. No one starts out knowing everything so we often rely on the advice of others. I've been fortunate enough to meet some really nice and helpful people. Sometimes I even have other bloggers ask me questions about blogging. It surprises the heck out of me that they'd want my opinion but I'm always more than happy to help if I know the answer.

Thank you to everyone that has supported my blog in some way. Here's to another great year!

6:13 PM | 8 comments | Read more...

The Willow Store: Sprout Change One-Size Organic Cloth Diaper Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

For some time I had been contemplating using cloth diapers. I had switched to organic cotton baby wipes but hadn't yet tried cloth diapers. I knew I wanted to ditch the disposables for a more eco-friendly option. I wasn't sure exactly what went into disposable diapers and I sure didn't feel good about them sitting in a landfill. One day I saw the Sprout Change One-Size Organic Diaper from The Willow Store. It seriously grabbed my attention and I knew I had to try it.

Here's what comes with the Sprout Change One-Size Organic Diaper:

1 Shell (Reversible - choose your favorite two colors in one shell!)
1 Sleeve in Organic Cotton
1 Inside in Organic Hemp/Cotton Fleece

The first thing that grabbed my attention was that the diaper fits 5 to 40 lbs. Since I'm a little later with the cloth diapering that is very important to me. I need a diaper big enough for my toddler, yet small enough to use on our next baby when the time comes. It is simple to adjust the size of the diaper shell. I just turn the reversible diaper shell inside out and adjust the internal elastic with the attached button. All of the elastic is on the inside so it doesn't pinch. Once I have the shell sized I don't have to worry about it again until my son grows. The waterproof shell can be reused and all I have to do is swap out the wet sleeve and inside for a clean set. That makes it so easy on me!

As soon as this diaper arrived in the mail I was instantly impressed. The shell, sleeve, and insides are of such quality! I couldn't stop looking at the diaper and feeling the fabrics. I didn't expect a diaper to be so nice. Photos are always great but you have to see this diaper in person.

So the next step was to see how well the diaper worked for my son. Well, I have to report that it worked GREAT! The Sprout Change diaper is very absorbent. We had no leaks during naps or overnight. I'm very impressed with this because we always had to put my son in overnights when it came to disposable diapers. Even with frequent changes my son would always leak out of most of them. My son was also very comfortable in his cloth diaper during play time. He didn't mind the change and even seemed happy to have his new diaper on.

So what's the verdict on cloth diapering for me? I'm officially a cloth diapering mama! I even loved the Sprout Change Organic Diaper so much that my mother purchased a Sprout Change Organic Starter Kit for me! I'm very excited about this eco-friendly change. I couldn't be happier!

The Willow Store has so much more in addition to cloth diapers. They carry diaper accessories, feminine pads, panty liners, pillows, nursing pads, baby gear, bags, etc. Their site is definitely worth checking out. If you're like me and you're looking for eco-friendly and organic products that are Made in the USA, The Willow Store is definitely the place to shop!

Special thanks to The Willow Store for helping me get my cloth diaper start!

WIN IT!!!

One lucky Mommy Is Green reader will win a
Sprout Change One-Size Organic Cloth Diaper
from The Willow Store.

To Enter:

1. Visit The Willow Store then come back and tell me the diaper color you would choose and another product you'd really like to try. This is mandatory and must be done before the extra entries count.

Extra Entries (The mandatory entry must be completed first before any of these count. Please create a separate comment for each extra entry):

2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)

3. Follow both @TheWillowStore and @mommyisgreen on Twitter. Leave your Twitter ID in comment. (1 Entry)

4. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. You can do this once daily. Put a link to your tweet in a comment here (click the date/time on the bottom left of your tweet to get link). You can copy and paste: “Win a Sprout Change One-Size Organic Cloth Diaper from @TheWillowStore & @mommyisgreen http://tinyurl.com/29qyejr
#giveaway” (1 Entry Per Day)

5. If you are a fan of The Willow Store on Facebook let me know. (1 Entry)

6. Add the Mommy Is Green button to your sidebar. ( 2 Entries)

7. Sign up for The Willow Store newsletter. (2 Entries)

8. Subscribe to Mommy Is Green through email. (2 Entries)

9. Comment on any non-giveaway blog post at Mommy Is Green. (1 Entry)

10. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Mommy Is Green and The Willow Store. Leave a comment with your web site address. (3 Entries)

This giveaway will end on August 2, 2010 at 11:59 ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. & Canada only who are 18 years of age or older.

Congratulations to the winner, #180...Aurelie!

I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I was provided with a Sprout Change One-Size Organic Cloth Diaper at no cost for review. The opinions expressed here are my own. Please see Terms of Use for more information.

6:07 PM | 350 comments | Read more...

Orglamix Organic Mineral Makeup Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

I like to wear makeup when I go out. There's no doubt about that. But what concerns me is what is in most brands of makeup, such as parabens, phthalates, etc. Since makeup is something that goes directly on my skin and stays there for hours, I need to make sure that I'm wearing the safest makeup possible. A brand that offers safer organic makeup is Orglamix.

Orglamix makeup is made without nano particles, bismuth oxychloride, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, or parabens. It is also PETA approved. The Orglamix Etsy Shop offers pure mineral makeup for face, eyes, and cheeks. They have a wide range of colors so there is something for everyone. Whether you like color that is subtle or something that is more bold you will find what you are looking for.

I have fairly light skin so I usually choose pink colors for my eyes. I tried Orglamix Opal (shown above) for one of my eye color choices. In it's container the Opal eye color certainly does look like an opal with purple/pink that shimmers in the light. I'd say more purple than pink though. When direct light shines on my eyelids the color is brought out so much. I can totally see why this color is called Opal. It sparkles just like the gem would in light. If you're looking for a color that won't be overwhelming yet you'd like a little pop, this is a good color.

The other Orglamix eye shadow I chose was Midnight. I chose this color because I wanted to try it as an eyeliner. I wet my eyeliner brush a bit and worked some of the eye color until it was of eyeliner consistency. I then applied a line of eye color along my lids with no problem. I almost always wear eyeliner so I'm glad this worked for me.

I also tried the Pink Pepper blush. The Pink Pepper color was just right for my complexion. I only use a little bit of blush on my cheeks because of my fair skin. What I love about mineral makeup is that I can tap out as little or as much makeup as I want to put on my brush. And if I want more it's easy to add another layer. This is especially important for me with blush.

Besides eye and cheek color, Orglamix offers foundation, color corrector, glow, and eco makeup brushes! If you're not sure where to start regarding color, Orglamix has Starter Kits. I find that very helpful. Especially, if you're not sure which colors would go best with your complexion or you'd like to try a bit of everything.

WIN IT!!!

One lucky Mommy Is Green reader will win their choice of any
three colors from Orglamix Pure Organic Mineral Eye, Blush, Glow, Foundation, or Color Corrector.

To Enter:

1. Visit Orglamix then come back and tell me your favorite color blush or eyeshadow. This is mandatory and must be done before the extra entries count.

Extra Entries (The mandatory entry must be completed first before any of these count. Please create a separate comment for each extra entry):

2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)

3. Follow the Orglamix blog, Haute Beauty, through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)

4. Follow both @hautebeauty and @mommyisgreen on Twitter. Leave your Twitter ID in comment. (1 Entry for following both)

5. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. You can do this once daily. Put a link to your tweet in a comment here (click the date/time on the bottom left of your tweet to get link). You can copy and paste: “Win Orglamix Organic Mineral Makeup! @mommyisgreen http://tinyurl.com/36hakfr #Orglamix #giveaway” (1 Entry Per Day)

6. If you are a fan of Orglamix on Facebook let me know. (1 Entry)

7. Add the Mommy Is Green button to your sidebar. (2 Entries)

8. Subscribe to Mommy Is Green through email and confirm. (2 Entries)

9. Comment on any non-giveaway blog post at Mommy Is Green. (1 Entry)

10. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Mommy Is Green and Orglamix. Leave a comment with your web site address. (3 Entries)

This giveaway will end on July 28, 2010 at 11:59 ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only who are 18 years of age or older.

Congratulations to the winner, #150...mrssquigg!

I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I was provided with the three products mentioned above at no cost for review. The opinions expressed here are my own. Please see Terms of Use for more information.

6:49 PM | 240 comments | Read more...

Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama Body Wash Review

When I was pregnant I searched for a safe, non-toxic pregnancy body wash but didn't come up with much. Now, pregnant women have a great choice thanks to Earth Mama Angel Baby. It's Happy Mama Body Wash! Even though I am not pregnant right now I had to check this body wash out because I know it's only a matter of time before hubby and I decide it's time for baby number two and I like to be prepared. Plus, I'm always looking for a safe, organic body wash for everyday use. I figure if it's safe enough for pregnancy it's something I'd want to use daily!

From EarthMamaAngelBaby.com:

Happy mamas mean happy babies! Earth Mama Angel Baby’s exhilarating new body wash is safe for pregnancy and ideal for noses that are sensitive from morning sickness. And since Earth Mama Angel Baby products are formulated to be safe for pregnancy they are safe, and perfect, for the entire family. With fresh Ginger to combat queasiness, Happy Mama Body Wash is USDA Certified Made With Organic ingredients, including zangy organic Lime and organic Pink Grapefruit essential oils to give spirits a lift, in a naturally safe organic olive oil castile soap base. No harsh detergents and zero toxins mean it's safe for pregnant women and the whole family.

You know how if you're planning on getting pregnant your doctor has you start prenatal vitamins to build up folic acid, etc? Well, toxins can build up in your system from the products you use daily too. I feel that it is important to get a good routine of using products everyday that are non-toxic. Especially, for use during pregnancy but for our everyday health as well. That's why I love to use the Happy Mama Body Wash.

The body wash comes in a foaming pump. I just pump some into my scrubby and it lathers up nicely. It is not drying and leaves my skin soft without the feeling of residue. I don't like it when I have to continually rinse to get body wash off. I don't have to worry about that with the Happy Mama Body Wash. As a plus, this body wash is for the whole family. Even my husband uses it!

With it's great Pink Grapefruit & Ginger scent, Happy Mama Body Wash is a must for pregnancy. Ginger is supposed to be wonderful for easing sick stomachs. I'd also recommend coupling the body wash with Organic Morning Wellness Tea for extra comfort. Earth Mama Angel Baby has fantastic pregnancy products, as well as more for mama during postpartum and breastfeeding.

Earth Mama Angel Baby offers coupons!
Get one for $1 off Happy Mama Body Wash

Find Earth Mama Angel Baby on their Blog, Twitter, and Facebook!

I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I was provided with Happy Mama Body Wash at no cost for review. The opinions expressed here are my own. Please see Terms of Use for more information.

10:00 PM | 0 comments | Read more...

Wordless Wednesday: Ready to Go Parasailing?

I was on a boat in Lake George, NY over the weekend. We passed by some people getting ready to go parasailing. I think it's something I would like to try.

12:00 AM | 7 comments | Read more...

Softlips PURE 100% Natural Lip Care Line Review & Giveaway (CLOSED)

If you're like me, you use something on your lips everyday. Whether it's something with color or something without, it's a must. I personally use some kind of clear lip balm everyday while at home and something with a bit of color for going out. I have pale skin so I need a little color sometimes to brighten up my face. The new Softlips PURE 100% Natural Lip Care Line has something for everyone. The best part is that the line is:

Free of preservatives
Free of phthalates
Free of sulfates
Free of parabens
Free of mineral oil
Free of gluten
Free of animal by-products
Not tested on animals

My favorite product from the Softlips PURE line is their USDA Certified Organic Lip Conditioner. The lip conditioners come in Pomegranate, Peppermint, Acai Berry, Papaya, and Chai Tea. If you've been looking for USDA certified organic lip balm but are having trouble finding it when you are out and about, you can find the Softlips products at Target! The organic lip conditioners leave my lips smooth and fruity. My personal favorite is the Acai Berry flavor. I also like the slim stick that they come in. The lip conditioners are especially convenient. I always need a lip balm for at home and in my purse. The new design doesn't take up a lot of space so this one is perfect for my purse.

If you have very dry lips, another option is the Softlips PURE 100% Natural Lip Butter. It comes in a tube applicator and provides SPF 15 protection. Some of the ingredients are zinc oxide, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and beeswax. It does not leave your lips feeling sticky like other similar products and I find that a big plus! If you need exfoliation for your lips, you should try the Softlips PURE 100% Natural Lip Polish with Organic Coconut Flakes and Sugar. I have really been finding this product helpful. My lips flake and peel a little sometimes and they don't always look good when I apply color because of this. That's why the lip polish is so great for me. Plus, it smells heavenly of coconut!

When I need a little bit of color the Softlips PURE 100% Natural Lip Tints & Lip Glosses with SPF 15 are great! I'm not a lipstick wearer but I do like a small amount of color. I usually use a tint but I have to say I like this lip gloss too. The Lip Tint comes in a thin stick applicator and provides more of a sheer coverage. The Lip Gloss comes in a tube applicator and has natural, glossy coverage. They both come in these three colors: Shell Pink, Natural Honesty, and Coral Charm. I adore the Shell Pink for the tint and the Coral Charm for the gloss. Those are the colors that work best with my skin tone.

All of these products are packaged on a recyclable card printed with vegetable-based inks. If you're starting out going green, or you've already been on your way, an easy choice is the Softlips PURE 100% Natural Lip Care Line (prices range from around $2.99 to $5.99).

WIN IT!!!

One lucky Mommy Is Green reader will win a set of the new
Softlips PURE 100% Natural Lip Care Line.

To Enter:

1. Visit Softlips then come back and tell me the flavor you'd most like to try. This is mandatory and must be done before the extra entries count.

Extra Entries (The mandatory entry must be completed first before any of these count. Please create a separate comment for each extra entry):

2. Follow me through Google Friend Connect. (1 Entry)

3. Follow both @ILoveSoftlips and @mommyisgreen on Twitter. Leave your Twitter ID in comment. (1 Entry)

4. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. You can do this once daily. Put a link to your tweet in a comment here (click the date/time on the bottom left of your tweet to get link). You can copy and paste: “Win the New Softlips PURE 100% Natural Lip Care Line! @mommyisgreen http://tinyurl.com/35d76su #giveaway” (1 Entry Per Day)

5. If you are a fan of Softlips on Facebook let me know. (1 Entry)

6. Add the Mommy Is Green button to your sidebar. ( 2 Entries)

7. Subscribe to Mommy Is Green through email. (2 Entries)

8. Comment on any non-giveaway blog post at Mommy Is Green. (1 Entry)

9. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to Mommy Is Green and Softlips. Leave a comment with your web site address. (3 Entries)

This giveaway will end on July 21, 2010 at 11:59 ET. Winner will be drawn via random.org. Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and they will have 48 hours to reply before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only who are 18 years of age or older.

Congratulations to the winner, #126...ELLExVISION!

I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post. I was provided with the Softlips PURE 100% Natural Lip Care Line at no cost for review. The opinions expressed here are my own. Please see Terms of Use for more information.

10:54 AM | 262 comments | Read more...