July 31, 2012

Ultimate Babywearing {Giveaway Event} $815 ~ 8 WINNERS #UltimateBabywearing Ends 8/14

 

 

Welcome to the Ultimate Babywearing Giveaway Event, hosted by Happy Mothering and Green Moms Media. As part of this event, we’re giving away 8 baby carriers! That means that 8 different people will each win a baby carrier to help keep your baby close to you! How exciting is that? 8 winner’s means great odds of winning!

 

Our fabulous babywearing sponsors will be providing the following carriers to our winners:

 

Baby K’tan Breeze Carrier {$59.95 value; US entries only}

The Baby K’tan Carrier is a ready-to-wear wrap; all the same benefits without all the wrapping! The Breeze carrier features 50% cotton and 50% mesh to make babywearing cooler in the summer. Read Happy Mothering’s review here.

 

Balboa Baby Adjustable Sling {$60 value; US/CAN entries only}

This comfortable sling was designed in conjunction with Dr. William Sears and is designed for babies that weigh up to 25 pounds. It features a padded strap and heavy-duty nylon rings to make it comfortable and easy to adjust. Read Happy Mothering’s review here.

 

Beco Gemini Carrier {$130 value; US/CAN entries only}

The Beco Gemini Carrier is a made in the USA from organic cotton. It is very comfortably padded, and can be used in the back carry, hip carry and front carry (inward and outward facing) positions with babies and toddlers ranging from 7-35 pounds. Read Happy Mothering’s review here.

 

Boba 3G Carrier {$120 value; US entries only}

The Boba 3G is a comfortable soft structured carrier made from 100% cotton. It has a removable hood and plenty of storage. It can be used with babies and toddlers ranging from 7 to 45 pounds, and requires no additional insert for infants. Read Happy Mothering’s review here.

 

Catbird Baby Mei Tai Carrier {$89 value; US/CAN entries only}

The Catbird Baby Mei Tai Carrier features a beautifully simple design, with no buckles, straps or wrapping required. It has wide padded straps, a small hood and can be used with babies from 8 to 40 pounds in multiple carrying positions. Read Happy Mothering’s review here.

 

ERGObaby Performance Carrier with Cargo Pack {$163 value; US/CAN entries only}

The ERGObaby Performance carrier is designed for people who love outdoors activities, but don’t want to leave the kids behind (7-45 pound weight limit). It features a mesh lining and high-performance Ripstop water-repellant polyester on the exterior. The Cargo Pack accessory ensures you have plenty of extra storage space for long hikes. Read Happy Mothering’s review here.

 

Moby Wrap, Sponsored by Thanks Mama {$44.95 value; Worldwide entries}

The Moby Wrap is a versatile, 100% cotton babywearing option that uses your entire back, as well as your shoulders, to carry the weight of your baby. This carrier is being sponsored by Thanks Mama, a family owned cloth diapering and natural parenting store based in Boston, MA. Read Happy Mothering’s review here.

 

Onya Baby Carrier {$149 value; US/CAN entries only}

The Onya Baby Carrier is the only babywearing option that allows you to wear your baby not only on your front and back – but also allows you to convert nearly any adult chair into a safe seat for your baby! It can be used with children up to 45 pounds. Read Happy Mothering’s review here.

 

Are you ready for your chance to win one of these awesome baby carriers? Simply complete the Rafflecopter form below. The more entries you complete, the more chances you’ll have to win!

 

Please note: you’ll see this giveaway posted on a number of blogs. Please only enter on one blog. Thanks and good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

This contest will run through August 14, 2012 at 9:01 pm PST (August 15, 2012 at 12:01 am EST). The winners will be chosen the following day and announced on Happy Mothering and the participating blogs once winners have been confirmed (all entries will be verified). Worldwide entries welcome (each sponsor has individual country requirements). Must be 18 years or older to win. The sponsors provided me with free samples of these products to review, and I was under no obligation to review them 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. Facebook is in no way affiliated with this contest. Please note that Happy Mothering, Green Moms Media, the Ultimate Babywearing Giveaway Event and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prize and in a timely manner. We will contact the sponsor regarding your prize(s). The sponsors, in most cases, are shipping their items to you directly. I will make every effort to assist you obtaining your prize. If there is an issue with a sponsor, please notify the blog you won a prize from within 4-6 weeks for assistance, after that we may be unable to assist you.

 

Posted by at 9:01 pm 10 Comments

Filed Under: Baby · Tagged With: , carrier

July 31, 2012

Back “Pack” To School With Green Supplies {Giveaway Event} Ends 8/22

 

 

Welcome to the Back “Pack” To School With Green Supplies Giveaway Event hosted by Mama to 4 Blessings. Special thank you to Green Apple Supply for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway!

 

 

As parents: Stephanie and Robert Tobor, founders of Green Apple Supply want the best for our kids. And as global citizens, they were faced with the responsibility to care for our planet, and each other. They began as an endeavor to feed our family natural, organic foods has grown into a much larger enterprise. Learning about potential dangers to children, and the planet, in cleaning supplies, household goods, office supplies…everywhere. The worsening state of our environment, climate change, and increasing levels of toxins showing up in children’s blood work combined to create a great passion for exposing our family to only the cleanest, most wholesome products.  When they had inquired as to why individuals were choosing traditional products rather than opting for eco-friendly versions, typically given one of two answers:

 

1. Green products are too expensive.
2. There are too many choices, and some are not effective.

 

This was the beginning of Green Apple Supply! By utilizing economies of scale, wholesale purchasing power, and personal product experience, their endeavor to make it easier for anyone to purchase Earth-friendly products. Keeping overhead low and this is a non-profit effort. Products are sold as close to cost as we can, while still keeping the lights on. Why? Because we think it’s the right thing to do.

 

Green Apple Supply is generously allowing me to give one reader a backpack filled with green supplies to start their back to school “green”!

 

Starting with a Bighorn Backpack – The rugged and durable Bighorn backpack has all the essential components for the modern individual, with the additional bonus of being made of RPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate) water bottles. Recycle, reduce, reuse has never looked this good.

 

Made from recycled PET bottles!
Constructed of Repreve® RPET materials
420D polyester ripstop and 600D polyester
non-toxic dyes & materials and reflective piping
dual side pockets with ergo-padded shoulder straps
internal organizer pocket and moisture wicking mesh back
Sells for $32.50

 

 

And inside the backpack one winner will receive:

 

2 packs (12 i n each pack) of Graphite Pencils – $1.75 each
2 packs of Banana Paper (8.5″ X 11″)- $2.50 each 
Made from 80% post-consumer waste paper / 20% banana leaf fibers. Water-based inks.
Acid-free and bleach-free paper.
1 (2 qty) Glue Stick Blister Pack – $4.75 each
Almond Scented Glue Stick is non-toxic, non-solvent, and acid free. Best of all it smells like marzipan, an almond-based.
1 box of 64 Prang Soy Crayons – $3.50 each
Made from a unique soybean oil formulation. Our crayons are made from 100% renewable resources and do not include paraffin wax.
1 box of Ecolorgy Washable Markers (8 pack) – $2.75 each
Non-toxic washable markers made in the USA from 25% recycled plastic. Duplex tips draw thick or thin lines and if they start to dry out, rejuvenate them by dipping the tip in water.
20 pack of eraser pencil caps $1.25 each
1 Recycled Plastic Ruler – $1.00 each
1 Twin Pencil Sharpener – $1.75 each
Made from a minimum of 50% post-consumer polystyrene.
1 TerraCycle 3-ring Binder Pencil Case – Honest Kids- $2.50 each
Made from up-cycled Honest Kids drink pouches
Qty 2 2-Pocket Portfolio Folders – $.75 each
Fully biodegrade
1 Set ChicoBag- Snack Time re PETe, Set of 3 Colors – $11.50
Each Snack Time set includes three reusable snack and sandwich bags that feature a fold-over, hook-and-loop closure system that expands to fit a full-size sandwich, or folds over for smaller snack items. The bags feature a food-safe, water and stain resistant liner that makes for easy cleaning.
Qty 1 Dually Lunch Tote/Backpack Combo – $17.50 each
Water resistant natural cotton exterior & interior
Attached cooler bag is insulated with a BPA-free liner, so it’s safe for your kids
Adjustable, padded shoulder straps for extra comfort
Recycled plastic components, Hand wash, line dry
Easy, durable velcro closure for little hands
Zipper pocket in main pocket for change or keepsakes
Special name tag on inner flap
Non-toxic and lead-free, conforms to U.S. standards

 

 

Giveaway ends on August 22nd at 11:59 PM.
Open to US residents only. Ages 18+.

 

Please use the rafflecopter form below
to enter to win, daily entry available by tweeting!

…  Continue Reading…

Posted by at 9:00 pm 13 Comments

Filed Under: Kids · Tagged With: backpack, school

July 29, 2012

Sow Good Baby Wash {Review} ~ Just For Baby {Giveaway Hop} #Just4BabyHop Ends 8/10

 

 

Welcome to the Just For Baby Giveaway Hop. This Giveaway Hop is hosted by Fabulous Finds and Mama Chocolate. This Giveaway Hop features everything under the sun you’ll need for baby. Be sure to visit each blog from the linky below and enter for your chance to win some really amazing prizes! This event will end on August 10th at 11: 59pm EST.

 

At Brittleby’s Corner, 2 winners have the chance to win baby wash from Sow Good!

 

My kids like to get dirty, which means frequent baths! I met up with Sow Good at the NPA Marketplace in Las Vegas last month. Their products are all NPA certified, which means that to earn the NPA seal, they had to demonstrate that their products met the requirements of natural ingredients, safety, responsibility and sustainability. Sow Good carries products for men, women, and baby.

 

We believe it’s true that you reap what you sow. So we’ve made the choice to sow good. Good for you and good for the world we share. Please join us in our mission to sow good. We love what we do and we hope that you will be as passionate about our products as we are!

 

Natural Body Wash & Shampoo - Gentle Fragrance Free 16.9 fl. oz / e 500 mL

Sow Good Baby washes are available in both unscented and lightly scented. The fragrance is made with natural oils. They are both a wash and a shampoo in one. The baby washes are free of Sulfates, Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Petrochemicals, Gluten, Artificial Colors and Formaldehyde Releasing Agents. They are tear free, hypoallergenic, pH skin compatible for babies, vegan, biodegradable and not tested on animals. There are quite a few ingredients in their baby wash, but to my knowledge, don’t contain any of the super bad ones. You can see every product’s ingredient list on their website. Sow Good products are all made in the USA.

 

Natural Body Wash & Shampoo - Gentle Scent - 16.9 fl. oz / e 500 mL

I have used both of these washes on my kids. The lightly scented is very lightly scented! The wash works really well, especially in my son’s short hair. My daughter’s hair is thin and long, so it is a little harder to lather. It took me a while, but I finally figured out how much wash to use and how to rub it through her hair. You can also use this for bubble bath. Sow Good Baby truly does clean my kids and leaves them clean and free of left behind chemicals.

 

You can buy all Sow Good products online. The Baby Wash & Shampoo are valued at $12.99 each.

 

Overall, I like using Sow Good Baby on my kids. I have a bottle of their women’s 3 in 1 shampoo, shower and bath gel that I need to try out… stay tuned because you will have a chance to win some mid-August!

 

Connect with Sow Good on their website, , and .

 

Sow Good will be giving two winners each a chance to try out both of their Baby Wash & Shampoos, a $26 value. Enter below on the rafflecopter form for your chance to win. Open to US & CANADA. Giveaway ends 8/10. Don’t forget to check out all the other blogs below and enter their baby giveaways. Good Luck!

…  Continue Reading…

Posted by at 9:01 pm 96 Comments

Filed Under: Bath and Body, Made in the USA · Tagged With: baby wash, natural

July 27, 2012

Do you Chia?

 

 

Have you ever used chia? I have used it in a few recipes, as well as an egg substitute. Chia contains ALA, alpha-linolenic acid, which is an Omega-3 essential fatty acid that supports heart health and fiber which supports normal functioning of the digestive tract. Chia seeds are easily digestible and don’t have to be ground.

 

A suggested serving is 1 tablespoon a day. One way to make sure you get this is to add Chia to iced tea or any other drink. Place 1 tablespoon chia seeds in 1/3 cup water and let sit for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. That’s it! Just add it to juice or tea and enjoy. It took me a while to get used to it, they kind of taste like tiny boba. I have learned to just swallow instead of chew on the seeds.

 

 

 

Do you chia?

Posted by at 4:10 pm 8 Comments

Filed Under: Kitchen, Recipes ·

July 27, 2012

Wildwood SoapWorks Organic Healing Balm {Review}

 

 

I have had so many great feedback about Wildwood SoapWorks! I know those of you that have won have sent me wonderful emails about your experiences with their products.

 

This week I am reviewing their healing balm. The balm is made of organic extra virgin olive oil, natural beeswax, organic virgin hemp seed oil, goldenseal powder, myrrh powder, echinacea powder, calendula, tea tree essential oil, high altitude Bulgarian lavender essential oil, natural vitamin E, and rosemary oleoresin extract. Everyone has a form as healing ointment in their home with their first aid kit. Wildwood SoapWorks’ Healing Balm is an all natural healing balm unlike other ointments. This balm is meant to soothe irritated, painful or itchy skin, as well as heal cuts and scrapes. It can also be used on burns, cold sores, and bug bites! It is small enough that you can take it with you everywhere you go.

 

My kids are at that age where every microscopic cut and scrape needs ointment! :) I use this ointment on ALL of their cuts and scrapes, especially the bad ones! I have also used this ointment on my own scrapes and cuts. I used this on my leg when I fell off my bike and scraped up by ankle and knee. Once my wounds were cleaned I applied the balm and kept reapplying as they healed. My knee healed up quick, but my ankle took a while longer. The balm was very soothing on my skin, especially during the itchy healing phase. I haven’t tried the balm on cold sores or burns, but when I get them I will use this for sure.

 

I am a big fan of all Wildwood SoapWorks products! If you are in the market for great organic personal care items, check them out! If you are interested in seeing my past reviews for their company, go HERE.

 

Wildwood SoapWorks is currently offering free shipping on any order over $25! Take advantage of this great deal!

 

Connect with Wildwood SoapWorks on their website, and .

 

Thank you to Wildwood SoapWorks for providing the products mentioned in this post for review. Although I received these products at no charge, all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

 

Posted by at 9:25 am 5 Comments

Filed Under: Bath and Body, Health, Made in the USA · Tagged With: healing balm, ointment

July 26, 2012

EcoSTORE USA Shampoo & Conditioner {Review}

 

I am continually on the search for sulfate free natural hair care. EcoSTORE USA carries a line of 3 in 1 Shampoos and Conditioners that are moisturizing, volumizing and color safe. They come in three different scents: Honey & Almond, Pear, and Cucumber. They are plant and mineral based with natural oil ingredients and no harmful chemicals. Their hair care is sulfate, paraben, and 1,4 dioxane free, as well as free of artificial dyes or fragrances.

 

 

 

I have been using this shampoo and conditioner combo for about a week now and I absolutely love it! I chose the Honey & Almond scent because I am a sucker for that sweet smell! The scent is not overpowering either, so my husband can use it and not worry that he is going to smell like a girl! It took me a little while to get used to the shampoo because it doesn’t get sudsy, therefore making it a little harder to lather and rub throughout my hair. The more I use it though, the better I get at using the right amount and getting it to spread throughout my hair. I have been riding my bike every morning so I have to wash my hair everyday, except for the rare occasion. This past week I was able to go a day without washing (no bike riding) and was able to see how my hair would hold up without a wash. (Before riding my bike every morning, I used to wash my hair every other day.) My hair was not greasy and could very well pass as freshly washed hair, in my opinion. I am now a huge fan of ecoSTORE USA sulfate free shampoo and conditioner! I think next time I will try the Pear scent. :)

 

 

 

 

You can buy these hair care products on their online store along with soap, baby care items, household cleaners and pet care items. The shampoo and conditioner are only $6.50 each! I think this is a great price for what you get.

 

Connect with ecoSTORE USA on their website, and .

 

Thank you to ecoSTORE USA for providing the products mentioned in this post for review. Although I received these products at no charge, all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Posted by at 3:33 pm 5 Comments

Filed Under: Bath and Body · Tagged With: conditioner, hair, , sulfate free

July 22, 2012

Kiss Naturals Lip Blam Making Kit

 

I love that there are more and more companies that provide ready to go crafts that are all inclusive. One company that has been around for a while is Kiss Naturals, created in Canada. Kiss Naturals provides everything you need to make a DIY craft made with all natural ingredients. They provide kits for both adults and children including soap, lip balm, bath fizzies, solid perfume, lip gloss, and even a dog paw moisturizing kit! These kits come with everything you need to make these all natural personal care products. You will never find any fillers, additives, dyes or synthetics in their kits. You can buy just one kit, or get combo kits, and just recently party kits were added so that you can bring this DIY craft to your next gathering or give your kids something to do with their friends over the summer! Kiss Naturals also provides instructional videos for every kit on their website.

…  Continue Reading…

Posted by at 9:01 pm 46 Comments

Filed Under: Bath and Body, Kids, Play · Tagged With: craft, DIY, lip balm

July 22, 2012

Nasopure Nasal Wash {Review/Giveaway} Ends 8/2

 

Do you ever have those days where your nose feels irritated? Or do you suffer from allergies, sinus issues, or frequent colds? I have been riding my bike every morning, and when I am done, my nose feels like it is full of dust and debris. Nasopure is a nasal wash that can clear out mucus and debris. It can be used daily! All it takes is some warm water and a salt packet.

 

Saline nasal washings have been used for centuries to maintain clear nasal passages. The process can be referred to as rinsing, irrigation, douching or lavage, but we like to call it what it is: nasal washing. Nasopure is today’s ideal nasal wash. Dr. Hana, a board certified pediatrician with over 2.5 decades of experience in helping both children and adult patients with nasal, sinus and ear problems caused by colds, allergies, infections and exposure to pollution. She has seen first hand how the regular use of a saline nasal wash can soothe, moisturize, and help keep the nose, sinuses and ears clear, clean and healthy. Allergists, family doctors, otolaryngologists, pediatricians and scientists have found this procedure safe and effective. Evidence shows when done correctly, nasal washing can remove irritants, particles and debris keeping the passages clear while moisturizing and soothing irritated membranes. We truly believe anyone can benefit from washing their nose every day. Dr. Hana is on a mission to inform, educate and enlighten people all over the world on the benefits of nasal washing. The ultimate goal is to reduce medication use, and avoid the cost and side effects of these drugs. As a company, our goal is you help you feel better and breathe easier, naturally.

 

I met Dr. Hana at the NPA Marketplace in Las Vegas last month. She gave my husband and I some Nasopure Bottles and salt packets along with her book. Nasopure is not like the Neti Pot for many reasons. It is patented to allow perfect control of pressure and flow of the solution. You can keep your head straight, without bending or twisting your neck. Also, children as young as 2 years old can use it. A mixed solution can be used in the shower or over the sink and only 1 to 2 oz of solution needs to be used for a wash. The bottle, with the mixed solution, can be left on your counter for multiple uses (I never knew this before! I always thought that what you mixed you used…so glad to know this now!).

 

The nose is the body’s filter, protecting you from disease. By using Nasopure you can help many common health problems including allergies, nasal congestion, sinus issues, ear dysfunction, sore throat, coughs, post nasal drip, asthma, snoring, exposure to pollution.

 

I read Dr. Hana’s book Clearing the Air One Nose at a Time, and it is chalk full of useful information. You may be thinking, “How can someone write a book on nose washing?”, but trust me, this book is very informative about the nose and everything that is connected to it. There is an overview of the nose, and how it affects your whole body, even your moods. There is even a couple pages dedicated to helping you teach your child how to blow there nose! My kids are 3 & 4 and no matter what my husband or I do, our kids would rather suck up all their boogers instead of blowing them out! :) Dr. Hana also advises you how to teach your kids to use Nasopure, according to their age.

 

In the past I have used the Neti Pot and Squeeze Bottle, both require that you tilt your head. I like the squeeze bottle better, which is probably why I really like Nasopure. The fact that I can keep my head in a normal position and still get great pressure makes this the go to bottle.  I still haven’t committed to using this everyday, and part of me thinks I should be, considering that I ride my bike on a daily basis. I think using Nasopure would help my sinuses feel better.

 

Connect with Nasopure on their website, and .

 

One winner is going to receive a Nasopure Gift Kit (1 8oz bottle, 1 4oz bottle and 20 salt packets) pictured above, and a copy of Dr. Hana’s book Clearing the Air One Nose at a Time. The value of this giveaway is $38. This giveaway is open to US/CANADA and ends on 8/2. Good Luck!

…  Continue Reading…

Posted by at 8:22 am 5 Comments

Filed Under: Health · Tagged With: nose wash

July 18, 2012

Mexican Quinoa Salad {Recipe}

 

 

Ingredients

3/4 cup uncooked quinoa

1 1/2 cups water (or chicken or vegetable broth)

Dash of garlic powder

Dash of ground cumin

Dash of salt

Dash of freshly ground black pepper

1 cup frozen sweet white corn

1 15-ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed

Handful of chopped cilantro

Handful of grape or cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

Green Salsa (optional)

Avocado (optional)

 

Add the quinoa to a pot and cover with water/broth. Stir in spices. Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes (or until all the liquid is absorbed). When the quinoa is done, throw in the frozen corn and black beans and cover for about 5 minutes. After, add in remainder of the ingredients (into pot or transfer to a bowl), mix well, then serve and top with additional cilantro if desired. You can also eat it with tortilla chips or add them on top!

 

If you would like it a little spicier, you can add a dash cayenne pepper when making the quinoa. I also like to add some fresh lemon juice right before I eat the salad!

 

Enjoy!

 

If you are looking for more salad recipes check out the Summer Salad Linky on my blog. I am also linking up to  Coping with Frugality and Delicious Dish Tuesday, check out all the recipes linked up there as well!

Posted by at 3:15 pm 4 Comments

Filed Under: Food & Drink, Recipes · Tagged With: cilantro, mexican, quinoa

July 15, 2012

Kale Summer Salad Recipe

 

kale salad 571
 

I am on a salad kick right now! When it is too hot to cook or bake, creative salads can be the main course! I currently eat a salad everyday for lunch and sometimes for dinner too! I get on a certain salad kick and eat the same salad everyday for a week or two, but then I want something different!

 

…  Continue Reading…

Posted by at 9:05 pm 11 Comments

Filed Under: Recipes · Tagged With: kale, salad

« Older Posts