Product Mommy

Take Me to the Mountains

2012-02-10T16:56:00.006-06:00

If you are anything like me, then the smell of all those artificial air freshners and soaps really do not make you happy. I love natural scents and was thrilled to find Juniper Ridge. All of Juniper Ridge products are made from the mountains and deserts of the west. They are natural and smell amazing. From room spray to soaps and even tea, you really feel like you are surrounded by beautiful mountain tops and pine trees. This is my idea of relaxation and "fresh" air. Juniper Ridge donates 10% of the proceeds of its sales to protecting wildlife.
The Room Spray we have is Cascade Glacier, which the company describes as a " mountain forest in a bottle." I could not describe it better. It smells like it did when I used to hike in the woods of New Hampshire as a child. It is a natural, clean scent. My father, an outdoor kind of guy, instantly asked where I got it and how I could get him some. My daughter says it smells like "canoeing" (something we do every summer on the river surrounded by mountains and pine trees). No artificial scent here. It does not mask odor, it eliminates it and does not overpower.

The soaps are organic and wild harvested. The Siskiyou Cedar is described as ginger, wool blanket and deep forest. My husband cannot get enough of it. After a shower, our bathroom smells amazing. My favorite is the Steep Ravine, which is notes of redwood, bay leaf, oak moss and sea mist. I feel so clean! The soaps are moisturizing and as natural as the trees they get their infusions from.

The teas are a real treat! You can choose from Douglas Fir Spring Tip or White Sage and Wild Mint. All of the teas are sustainably harvested and organic. We have the White Sage and Wild Mint. Sage and Mint are both fantastic for soothing tummy aches, aiding indigestion and promoting relaxation. I keep trying to tell my family to save some for camping, because nothing will be better than watching the river flow while sipping this tea.

Juniper Ridge takes me to the mountains and I just cannot get enough!

Yarok Haircare

2012-02-07T08:33:00.007-06:00

"Yarok" means "green" in Hebrew. It is by far the healthiest hair care I have ever had the pleasure of using. Founded by Mordechai Alvow, a full range of hair care makes a "positive impact on hair and scalp health with the least negative impact on the natural environment."

Each YAROK formula is a powerful blend of organic and all-natural botanicals that are consciously sourced and responsibly harvested. YAROK uses primarily "certified organic" ingredients. Very few hair care companies can say that every one of their products meet 100% of all vegan requirements. Even fewer can claim that their entire hair care line is free of alcohol, paraben, sulfates and cruelty to animals, and that they work beautifully, too. Yarok can say all of the above.

In fact, Yarok is has a sustainable salon and Beauty Kitchen in NYC. The labels are 80% FiberStone ®, the most environmentally friendly non-paper material available that's waterproof. Yarok =donates 3% of its annual profits to The Pachamama Alliance, a non-proift that protects over 10 million acres of rainforests in the Amazon. So basically, there is not one thing not to like about this fabulous brand.

Even better, the products are AMAZING! The Feed Your Volume Shampoo and Conditioner are fantastic for even the toughest hair. I have fine hair, my husband and daughter have thick hair, and it works perfectly for all of us. All of the styling products smell amazing (like fresh lemons). The leave-in conditioner Feed Your Ends, is great for detangling and the Feed Your Roots Mousse gives my hair fabulous body. I have to say my favorite of the styling products is definitely the Feed Your Hold Hairspray. I use this after working out, and my hair stays in place (not crunchy, but natural) and it looks so shiny. The treatments consist of Feed Your Sunshine (for before and after swimming) and Feed Your Youth (a must for dry, winter flaking scalp). My dad has psoriasis and I passed on Feed Your Youth for him to try. He is addicted now and no more embarassing flakes. Feed Your Shine, is a heavenly, herbal blend that leaves hair shiny, never greasy. I use it to tame the morning flyaways on both my daughter and my hair.

I feel so good using this brand. It is safe, and most importantly is works to give me healthy, beautiful hair.

I'm a SIGG Kid Now

2012-01-31T06:37:00.006-06:00

I found myself in a bit of a tussle with my daughter. She was looking around at school and saw juice boxes with characters on them. She wanted those fun characters, but not the juice (she has not really ever been a juice fan, thank goodness!). I send her with cold water everyday. Then SIGG came to the rescue.

SIGGSwitzerland AG is a renowned company founded in Switzerland over 100 years ago. SIGG specializes in reusable aluminum water bottles.
All SIGG bottles are 100% recyclable and contribute significantly to reducing the global carbon footprint. SIGG bottles are the the winner in consumer tests and sets the competitive pace – just as one would expect of a true original.

Each SIGG bottle can fit all of three tops they sell for them. All of them leak-proof, even with carbonated drinks.
Sportbottle top

The three-stage technology: just one turn, pull twice, put it to your mouth – ready to drink. Leak-proof in two positions. Perfect for sport activities.
Screw top
Unscrew the top, remove it and drink. Leak-proof even in the most extreme situations thanks to an integrated seal. For outdoor enthusiasts.
Bottle top
The screw top with a dirt-proof cap is absolutely leak-proof. One turn and it's ready to use. Ideal for both adults and children.

The bottles are made from a single piece of pure aluminium, no seams
And the internal coating guarantees to be taste-neutral and resistant to fruit acids and isotonic drinks according to an independent testing institute (Nehring, Germany)
Fulfills FDA requirements (Food & Drug Administration USA).

SIGG bottles come in so many different designs with a whole selection just for kids! You can choose from a 10, 13 or 20oz. bottle depending on your child's needs. My daughter loves all the funky designs and characters. She told me the other day that she now has "cool water." She specifically asks for "Hello Kitty Water" or "Fairy Princess Water." It is a win for all of us. I know I am doing something good for the environment and for her (no icky plastics and chemicals), and she gets enjoy the characters and sweetness of being a SIGG kid.

Plenty

2012-01-16T07:30:00.006-06:00

I stopped making New Year's resolutions a long time ago. I love food, so pretending I am going to exist on water and crackers is not an option. Delicious, healthy food, makes life a whole lot easier. I am head over heels for Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi. It is a cookbooks full of fabulous recipes that are all vegetable-based.

Yotam Ottolenghi is one of the most exciting new talents in the cooking world, with four fabulous, eponymous London restaurants and a weekly newspaper column that's read by foodies all over the world. Plenty is a must-have collection of 120 vegetarian recipes featuring exciting flavors and fresh combinations that will delight readers and eaters looking for a sparkling new take on vegetables. Yotam's food inspiration comes from his Mediterranean background and his unapologetic love of ingredients. Not a vegetarian himself, his approach to vegetable dishes is wholly original and innovative, based on freshness and seasonality, and drawn from the diverse food cultures represented in London. A vibrant photo accompanies every recipe in this visually stunning book. Essential for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike!

There recipes are all one better than the next. It got to the point recently when we decided to grow our own parsley and mint indoors, because Plenty has it in so many recipes that I was craving to try. I have literally been cooking my way through this book, and have not once been disappointed. I feel good after eating!

This butternut squash with lime segments and greek yogurt was so good that my daughter finished my portion before I could. We took our pumpkins from Halloween and roasted them according to another recipe, which taught my daughter not to waste and enjoy the harvest. My favorite recipe in this book has to be the Quinoa and Sourdough Bread Salad. The citrus and vinegar make the tomatoes pop and how can anyone resist quinoa?
I love showing my daughter how easy cooking and eating healthy can be. I do not believe in hiding vegetables in food to trick her. They have been a part of her diet from day one. Plenty gives so many new and delicious ways to enjoy those vegetables and cooking together.

Good and Bready

2012-01-09T09:55:00.005-06:00

I have never been that into store-bought bread. Once you have freshly-made bread, it is hard to go back. That being said, I really have to plan my day out if I want to make bread. It is a time-consuming process and sometimes my results are less than stellar. Well, until I got the West Bend Hi-Rise™ Bread Maker. Now, I am making my own bread all of the time! I even made the bread for our traditional Italian Christmas (you know it must be good when your family trusts you to make their Italian bread).

The West Bend Hi-Rise™ Bread Maker is so easy to use. It comes with everything I need. Most days, I simply pop in the ingredients and am on my way. This little baby does the rest.
Features include:

Dual knead blades provide thorough dough kneading for a lighter taste and higher rise!
Traditionally shaped, horizontal bread pan (8 3/4in x 4 3/4in)can accommodate 4 different loaf sizes; 1 lb, 1.5 lb, 2 lb, and 2.5 lb.
11 digital settings include Basic, Quick, French, Sweet, Dough, and a special customizable homemade setting.
Easy enough for beginners, but customizable for expert bakers as well. The ""homemade"" setting allows preferences to be set for kneading, rising, baking, and keeping warm.
3 level crust control: Light, Medium, and Dark.
Delayed start cycle is programmable for up to 12 hours, set it in the morning and come home to the scent of freshly baked bread.
Instruction manual includes many delicious recipes, including garlic bread, wheat bread, bagel dough, even Low Carb and Gluten-free!
Includes 2 knead blades, non-stick bread pan, measuring cup and spoon, and knead blade removal tool.

Our current favorite is a chocolate bread (from a Tesss Kiros cookbook). We love this bread, but not the time it usually takes to make this. Now I just add the ingredients to the West Bend Hi-Rise™ Bread Maker and sweet, chocolate goodness is mine with minimal work. Best of all, it makes my house smell like a bakery! I get all the accolades for the hard work that the West Bend Hi-Rise™ Bread Maker has been doing. It is so nice to know what goes into the foods you eat, and even better when making them is so simple.

Suki Saves Me

2011-12-21T07:40:00.001-06:00

When you make the switch to using natural skin and body care, you immediately notice a difference. I liken it to your body detoxing. Suddenly synthetic smells and chemicals are easier to identify and avoid. Winter is here, so we have to work extra hard to protect our delicate skin. One of my favorite lines is Suki . Suki is natural, bio dynamic & uses food grade ingredients. Their packaging is environmentally responsible, and most importantly the the products work. They are all formulated to be effective, yet gentle for people with sensitive skins and those with eczema. We fall into the eczema family in our house. Once it starts getting cold, my daughter always gets a touch of eczema somewhere. While Suki might seem like a brand just for adults, it is so gentle that I use it on my daughter.
We use the
Exfoliate Foaming Body Cleanser. It was formulated for all skin types, especially dry, eczema, dermatitis-prone & acneic skin. I use it on myself and my daughter with amazing results! Her skin is super soft and not itchy anymore.

Butter Cream Healing Salve is perfect for sealing in vital moisture and also for getting rid of rashes. It is a multi-functional, non-greasy, therapeutic balm. Formulate for those with especially dry skin, including babies. especially formulated for eczema, dermatitis, stretch marks, rough dry spots, feet & elbows. My daughter had scratched her leg and I put a coating of the Butter Cream Healing Salve. The itching, redness and scratch marks were gone overnight.
I cannot wait to try more products. Their skincare is one of the few brands that actually show results immediately, and never irritate. Go natural, go eco-friendly, go Suki.

Kitchen Carvers

2011-12-19T09:01:00.002-06:00

You may notice, I have been posting a lot more about cooking. It is truly a family sport in my house, we all pitch in. we get excited about cooking. I learned a long time ago, that in order to make cooking enjoyable and easier, we need the right tools. I am really dislike plastic, and I feel metal often scratches my cookware. I use wooden cooking tools whenever I can. My new do everything tool is the Kitchen Carvers Spurtula. The child of a spoon and spatula marriage, the Spurtula replaces your wooden spoon and spatula because it does it all. I use mine to make pancakes, and to mix my quinoa and rice to perfection. It does everything. It is American-made and so wonderful. They come in maple or cherry wood. You have to get this for your favorite cook. It is the go-to tool in our house.

B.I.C. Bands

2011-12-17T08:21:00.004-06:00

It seems that I am always running around these days. I am frantic to get my holiday things done before my daughter is home again full-time for her vacation. To add to the fun, I have taken up exercising again. That means my wavy hair goes haywire. I sometimes have mere minutes to grab something to tame my Rosanna Dana hair and get out the door. I choose BIC Bands. They actually stay in (no slipping) and keep my hair looking cute and tame. I can even exercise in them!

BIC Bands were started as a fundraiser by Sandy for her run with Team In Training. She was looking for a way to raise the necessary funds to run her first half marathon. She donated the profits to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. OVER $1000 was raised through the sale of B.I.C. Bands!
Sandy now makes B.I.C. Bands to give back to people in need.

B.I.C. Bands~ Because I Can Bands ~We raise funds because we can…for those who can’t so that one day they will!

Each month they donate from the sale of every band to a different charity.
How amazing is that?! My daughter loves her B.I.C. Band (which Sandy kindly made smaller-sized for my little one). It is is literally the only hair accessory she ever walks out of school still wearing at the end of the day. No more slipping, or frustration, and you are helping to give back. Everyone wins with B.I.C. Bands.

They also make a fabulous stocking stuffer (just saying).

Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-15T16:20:00.003-06:00

Mary was the winner of the Stockmar Modeling Wax.

Don't forget to enter to win this adorable Pitcher and Glass set from For Small Hands:
For Small Hands Glass Pitcher and Glasses Giveaway-ends 12/16

Jammin!

2011-12-15T09:11:00.000-06:00

I always find the holiday season to be a bit tricky. We have so many people whom we love and want to get them something to express that. We also have limited funds, so I like to think of homemade gifts. This holiday season, we are giving the gift of Jam, Marmalade and Jelly (oh my!).

I am not an experienced jam maker by any means, so I turned to The Blue Chair Jam Cookbook by Rachel Saunders. It has so many delicious recipes with super easy instructions.

In addition to offering more than 100 original jam, jelly, and marmalade recipes, master jam artisan Rachel Saunders shares all of her technical preserving knowledge, as well as her unique jam maker's perspective on fruit.
Rachel combines nostalgia with a modern, sustainable approach to creating fresh and vividly flavored preserves. The recipes are divided into chapters based on the seasons, and each chapter is organized by month and type of fruit.

I decided to go big or go home. My family members all love tomatoes and citrus fruits, so we made Early Girl Tomato Marmalade as gifts. The taste is amazing. I recently served it for a little gathering with some goat cheese and toast. The guest were raving and I was secretly smiling knowing they would all be getting their own jar for the holidays.

My daughter was desperate to help, so we made the tried and true Strawberry Jam together. She stirred (using our fabulous Michael Ruhlman Acacia Paddles), and I supervised. She decided we could only give a jar or two away since it was "too delicious" to give up. Our next jam making session will be the Blueberry Mint Jam. I can finally "preserve" the season.

Sweet Kisses

2011-12-13T09:50:00.004-06:00

Winter is already doing a number on my daughter and my lips. My whole family tends to get dry lips; you know the kind that leaves you looking like an old lady with leftover lip liner? Regular lip balms will now do. We look to Hurraw! to quench our parched pouts. Hurraw! started out with the intent of making the perfect lip balm. They suceeded. Hurraw! is all natural, vegan, made from premium raw, organic and fair trade ingredients. The flavors are numerous and one more yummy than the next. Hurraw! does not melt in your pocket, and it goes on like buttah! It feels like you are gliding deliciously flavored silk across your lips. This is super-important when your lips feel like they are going to fall off.

Each tube is hand mixed and individually poured. Hurraw! sources fair trade, organic, vegan and raw ingredients from reputable suppliers. Hurraw! is also Gluten Free. Their ingredients contain no GMO's and all are certified Kosher Parve.
Best of all there is are No petroleum, preservatives, artifical flavors or colors. Hurray for Hurraw!

A Colorful Cooking Day

2011-12-06T15:33:00.007-06:00

It seems that even through my best efforts to prevent it, we all have a cold. Secretly, a part of me loves just sitting back cuddling with no school run or obligations...we are sick, you know! It brings out the child in me. My daughter and I use our time together to cook things that make us feel good, and we play and have puppet shows and watch fairy tale theater. One of my favorite cookbooks is Apples for Jam by Tessa Kiros.

Tessa Kiros has circled the globe working in restaurants in Australia, Greece, Mexico, and London. Her extensive travel and multicultural background lend authenticity to more than 200 recipes, which are grouped by color and presented alongside vibrant photographs, sound cooking advice, and heartwarming anecdotes about friends, family, and the whimsies of childhood.

I adore her stories and the grouping by color is so genius. This cookbook reads almost like a diary of childhood (Tessa as a mum and a child) with such specific memories that are sure to make you smile and reminisce as well. We made the Vermicelli Soup with Tomato and Basil; it warmed our hearts and our bellies. I could not resist the little anecdote that went along with Honey Cake and Lemon Frosting (Tessa Kiros likened it to a party with Winnie the Pooh). It deliciousness was the perfect complement to an improptu tea party.

Whether you have a child, want a child, or simply loved being a child, Apples for Jam is the cookbook for you. I have it wrapped and ready to go for a few loved ones who I know will relish the cooking journey.

For Small Hands Pitcher and Glasses Giveaway

2011-12-06T08:45:00.003-06:00

Remember my recent review of For Small Hands? Lots of readers wrote in that they would love a For Small Hands giveaway. You ask, I listened. Enter for a chance to win the For Small Hands Glass Pitcher with Lid and Durable Juice Glasses, so you little one can join in the fun!

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be 18 years or older to enter. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on December 16, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. Winners will be chosen at random. I will notify the winners on December 17, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Glass Pitcher with Lid and Durable Juice Glasses will be mailed directly to you.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave comment after the post with your email.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1.Become a fan of For Small Hands on Facebook
2.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4.Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5, Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Giveaway Winners!

2011-12-02T09:48:00.002-06:00

Congrats to Anna for winning the Mohawk Valley Trading Honey!

Congrats to Clenna for winning the Le Creuset Heart Casserole!

Thanks everyone for entering. Stay tuned for more exciting giveaways, and do not forget to enter to win the Stockmar Modeling Wax from A Toy Garden.

Stockmar Modelling Beeswax set of 12-ends 12/7

The Right Tools

2011-12-02T08:14:00.003-06:00

I became a big fan of chef Michael Ruhlman after reading his fabulous book Ruhlman's Twenty: 20 Techniques 100 Recipes A Cook's Manifesto. He taught me some fundamentals of cooking that I was not aware I was really doing completely wrong. He truly believes that anyone can cook. And you know what, anyone really can.

I have also learned that the right tools are super important when trying to make the meal you want. I gave up on plastic tools (cannot bear them), and have been slowly switching to wooden and metal cooking tools. Be still my heart when I saw Ruhlman's new line of cooking tools...most specificially the Spanker and Spanky. The Spanker and Spanky are flat-edged wood paddles made of acacia wood. They are super sturdy.

The Spanker is unbeatable for stirring big pots of stewing goodness. Spanky is your all-purpose everyday tool for stirring. The flat edges lifts food off the bottom of the pot and the angled tip gets into corners of your pan.

We try to cook at home as much as possible. It is not only healthier, but really helps to bond my daughter and I. Our most recent recipe rumble was making strawberry jam. I used the Spanker and my little one used the Spank (perfectly sized for her needs). She was stirring away. I had to rush to wash them to make our homemade beef stew. Sounds crazy, but now I cannot live without them. Envy away! Or better yet, get your favorite chef these fab Acacia Wooden Paddles as the ultimate holiday treat!

For Small Hands

2011-12-01T08:37:00.004-06:00

Anyone with children knows that they love to help and do the same things we do. Children learn by watching their parents and adults and emulating their actions. That is why I cook and clean with my daughter. I learned from Montessori teachings that those seemingly simple actions are actually teaching a child about measurement, actions, and even practice for writing by simply holding a sponge. Amazing! Montessori Services was founded in 1976 to provide Montessori teachers with the tools they need to bring child-sized items to the classroom. For Small Hands was created in 2004 as their family resource catalog at the request of Montessori teachers.

For Small Hands gives parents access to many of the same child-size items children use at school, enabling children to participate in the home environment with the same ease and success they enjoy in the classroom.

We are a huge fan of the For Small Hands catalog and online shop. I find the most amazing items that my daughter can use in everyday life. The new favorites are the Glass Pitcher with Lid and the Durable Juice Glasses. They are scaled to a child's size, so your little one can get their own water, juice or milk. The feeling of independence is so special for children. For weeks before we got the set, my daughter kept arguing that she was old enough to use the family glasses. I was wary, but this set made it possible for her to feel grown-up and learn the skills you need to hold and be careful with a glass. With the holidays coming up, I cannot wait to stock up on more items that allow her to participate in family activities with ease.

Teaching Responsibility

2011-11-22T17:21:00.004-06:00

Children are always asking us to buy them something, or give them something. I was starting to see my daughter become really spoiled. I wanted her to know what earning money meant. Sure, she is young, but it is never too soon to learn. That was how I found the FisherKids Responsibility Station. It is the ingenius creation of a mom and dad who believe that responsible kids will become responsible adults. Their motto is "If I fish for you, you eat for a day. If I teach you to fish, you eat for a lifetime." See, I told you, genius! The FisherKids Responsibility Station comes with:

16" X 16" metal pegboard and hanging hardware (the pegboard allows you to hang it freely to a stud, so you place the hanging hardware in any hole of the pegboard!)
pegboard hooks
a weekly responsibility magnet and marker (this is not just chores; this is what is to be done to be an active part of the family team; there are many things we do just to help out the team, not because we will be paid for it! This is an essential lesson of the fisherkids system.)
paycheck notepad (this is enough for one year's worth of use and each week is noted with a different quote about family, responsibility, teaching, learning, wealth, charity, or saving. the goal is that families use these quotes as topics around the dinner table for some unrivaled family discussion!)
chore chooser bin
chore sticks (these are blank on one end for you to fill out the chores necessary around your house. the other end is hot-stamped with "thank you" so we are teaching the important lesson of mutual respect.)
3 vinyl money bags: give it (teal), save it (orange), spend it (yellow) (this is where the fiscal responsibility lessons occur; what is done with the money once it is honestly earned.)
parent's guide

I started by thinking about what I wanted my daughter to do in our home. Because she is little, we started with putting away her own toys and washing hands, and using a spray water bottle to help dust (a tip from the parent's guide!). She gets money for each day and chooses which money bag to put it in. It has taught her to earn some of the items she wants, and how to save for bigger things. It is also teaching her to give to a charity of her choice. This year we are saving to buy gifts for a local family in need. She is also learning to read out the chores on the stick, and there is nothing she likes better than choosing her own chore. A child is never to young to learn about helping out and giving to receive. During this holiday season, why not let your little one help out and get to purchase small gifts for family or give to a charity?

Cooking with the Littles

2011-11-21T08:04:00.003-06:00

I have always loved cooking. It relaxes me and makes me feel so good when I see my family enjoying something I made. My daughter is still little, but we have always tried to include her in some way. You would be surprised what even the littlest helpers can do. One of our favorite cookbooks is THE RIVER COTTAGE FAMILY COOKBOOK by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Fizz Carr. It is full of more than 100 recipes that can be made with and by children. It also gives kids a history lesson so they can really know where their food comes from. We try to eat local farm goods and foods and this book really brings home the importance of that. Children are always asking "why?" and it is nice to have the answer.

The latest addition to the best-selling RIVER COTTAGE cookbook series inspires the entire family to venture into the kitchen to prepare delicious, wholesome food together. THE RIVER COTTAGE FAMILY COOKBOOK features a comprehensive repertoire of more than 100 recipes and kitchen projects that cooks of all ages will enjoy: making butter, curing bacon, planting a kitchen garden, and more. This complete cookbook will show kids how quality ingredients are produced, while teaching lifelong lessons about meaningful cooking and eating.

We enjoyed making butter (who would not love shaking cream and having a dance in the kitchen). The Flapjacks (an oatmeal bar popular in the UK) is to die for. I had my daughter's teacher asking for the recipe.
Whether you are just beginning to cook with your little one, or have been doing so for years, give THE RIVER COTTAGE FAMILY COOKBOOK a chance to make it even more fun.

A Cuppa Tea

2011-11-17T14:01:00.005-06:00

I think tea was always one of those things I assumed my daughter would not like. I was so used to giving her water, until one day I noticed her sipping my herbal tea. We were on to something new. I love nothing more than a warm (sometimes cold) cup of tea. I think some of it stems from living in England for a bit, where tea is a religion. The Republic of Tea truly make the best teas I have ever had. Their entire line is so lovely. Even better, they make a whole line for little tea drinkers, aptly names Little Citizens. With delicious flavors to chose from, your child will go crazy for the Little Citizens teas.
Nothing warms a little tummy more than some tea before school, or if you little one is feeling poorly. Our personal favorite is the Strawberry Vanilla Red Tea. I have a hard time getting my daughter to limit herself to one or two cups. She is crazy for it. She likes to put whatever she does not drink in the morning into the fridge for a cool drink when she gets home. The Republic of Tea donates $1 from the sale of this tea to support Room to Read to establish libraries in underprivileged countries. The Little Citizens' Travel Cup is the perfect container for keeping tea warm, while allowing me to bring it out to her on the go. She now calls it her "morning cup". Children can enjoy the same relaxing, delicious drink of tea that we adults so covet. It really changes her mood, and gets her ready for her day.
While she sips away, mommy enjoys some Dream by the Fire with the soothing, warming flavors of vanilla and cinnamon red tea. Such a nice treat on these increasingly cold and frosty mornings.

Carefree Clothes for Girls

2011-11-16T06:44:00.005-06:00

I admit that my sewing skills could use a lot of work, but I love making things for my daughter. I had heard about a book, Carefree Clothes for Girls while looking for easy, fun patterns. I like my daughter to have a little whimsy in her clothing, but could not seem to find anything that would work for my skill set. Carefree Clothes for Girls has everything!

The twenty patterns in this book—from simple dresses with ruffled sleeves to blouses with crocheted lace and pants with sewn-on legwarmers—are of simple construction, yet full of the personality and details that little girls love.

With beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instruction, and detailed diagrams, this book offers a treasure trove of whimsical outfits for girls ages four to seven. Full-size patterns are included in four sizes so that you can make the perfect fit.

My grandmother helped me to make the Dress with Contrasting Patches. My daughter loved being able to pick the fabric. There are so many patters in this book that I am just itching to get started on.

A Toy Garden Stockmar Giveaway!

2011-11-11T15:39:00.010-06:00

One of my favorite sites to shop on is A Toy Garden. The products are all so diverse yet with the same theme of simple, creative play. I did my first review of A Toy Garden when I began this blog.
In the winter there is nothing we love more than creating in our home. When the weather keeps us in, we still have fun. The Multicolored Beeswax Candle Making Kit is a great way to keep little hands busy while creating beautiful candles for home and hearth. I adore the scent of beeswax, and these candles are easy for little hands to make. My daughter was very into the fact that she could do this all on her own (I helped cut the wick). She was so into the beeswax, that I also pulled out the Stockmar Modelling Beeswax. It is easy to warm in hands and very pliable. It never dries out! The smell is so comforting and it is very therapeutic to play with. My daughter and I discussed Fall and what it means. To her, Fall means apples. She decided to make her own little wax apple with tiny green leaf. She then used more green to make an owl.
Want to win your own Stockmar Modelling Beeswax 12 piece set? Here's How:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be 18 years or older to enter. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on December 7, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. Winners will be chosen at random. I will notify the winners on December 8, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Stockmar Modelling Beeswax set of 12 will be mailed directly to you.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave comment after the post with your email.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1.Become a fan of A Toy Garden on Facebook
2.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4.Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5, Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Le Creuset Giveaway!

2011-11-10T09:25:00.005-06:00

I love cooking with my family. From a very young age, my mother and my Nana always made us part of the cooking process. I have recipes from great-great grandmother that I still use today. I also knew from early-on that better cookware makes better meals. Le Creuset is the worldwide standard of high-performance cookware. it began when Armand Desaegher, a casting specialist, and Octave Aubecq, an enameling expert, recognized an opportunity to improve the versatility of cast iron cookware by coating it in a porcelain enamel glaze. The heat retention and even heat-distribution that Le Creuset cookware provides makes a real difference on the stove-top and in the oven. We have the Heart Casserole by Le Creuset. You get the performance and quality of cooking in Le Creuset enameled cast iron with the adorable (and romantic) heart-shapes design. Its functional 2-quart capacity allows for preparing a variety of recipes, while its heart-shaped lid still seals in heat and moisture like all Le Creuset enameled cast iron ovens. It has:

Scalloped side handles
Even heat distribution and superior heat retention for cooking on the stove top or finishing in the oven
Durable, nonreactive sand-colored interior enamel provides a smooth surface for cooking, as well as an optimal palette for food presentation
Colorful, long-lasting exterior enamel that resists chipping and cracking
A secure lid that locks in heat and moisture while cooking
Phenolic knob withstands temperatures up to 375°F

We recently made Italian Wedding Soup on our Heart Casserole. (The gorgeous Acacia Paddle is Michael Ruhlman, post to follow soon). My daughter loves the heart shape and recently told me "that means we made it with love." Truly, the best meals really are made right at home. You can win your own Heart Casserole! Here's how:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be 18 years or older to enter. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on December 1, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. Winners will be chosen at random. I will notify the winners on December 2, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Heart Casserole will be mailed directly to you.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave comment after the post with your email.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1.Become a fan of Le Creuset on Facebook
2.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4.Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5, Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Beaba Babypote

2011-11-09T07:32:00.004-06:00

From the makers of Beaba (the same people who made it impossible for you NOT to make your own baby food), comes the Beaba Babypote. I made my own baby food, which turned out to be so convenient and healthier for my daughter. I knew everything that she was eating because I had prepared it myself. My one issue was the the early toddler years. Sometimes a parent cannot hop into the back seat or stroller to feed their children, so we resort to those squeezable baby food packages. It bothered me that I had no option for allowing her to be independent while eating on the go. Of course Beaba had the solution. The Beaba Babypote is made of soft silicone, and is easy for little hands to squeeze. The removable, snap on lid keeps the spout clean. A large neck makes filling and cleaning easy. My four year old can fill it herself. You can make your own travel baby food. The Babypote is also dishwasher safe.

My daughter is now four and she really loves the squeezable fruit and applesauce you see everywhere. With the Beaba Babypote, I make my own and fill it for her. It is also a great option for smoothies on the road. The Beaba Babypote easily transitions from baby to child, and makes feeding on the go a healthy, easy snap.

Mohawk Valley Trading Company Raw Honey Giveaway

2011-11-08T06:21:00.006-06:00

Honey is one of the greatest treasures that nature has to offer. In our home honey it is a religion. We use this liquid gold in our drinks, cooking and even to help with pesky coughs. For eons, honey has been used for coughs, it is a safe alternative to over the counter cough syrup especially for children and recent studies have even shown that consuming raw honey on a daily basis actually helps with allergies. Finding the right honey is the most important bit. Taste is everything.

The Mohawk Valley Trading Company offers the highest quality organic and unprocessed natural products they can produce. Their raw honey and maple syrup are pure natural and delicious.

Their raw honey is unpasteurized, unfiltered, unprocessed, unheated, unblended and is available in 5 varieties:

Wildflower Honey
Orange Blossom Honey
Apple Blossom Honey
Buckwheat Honey
Blueberry Blossom Honey

Raw honey contains all of the pollen, live enzymes, propolis, vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, minerals, and aromatics in the same condition as they were in the hive. Our favorite is the Raw Apple Blossom Honey. It has a distinct apple-like flavor. Even better, Mohawk Valley Trading Co. lists the flowers the bees have gathered the nectar from to make the honey they sell. That means no artificial flavorings, and real pure taste. Our other faves are the Adirondack Wildflower Summer Honey and the Adirondack Wildflower Autumn Honey. The Autumn honey is fabulous on toast and the Summer honey works great in a lot of recipe favorites.

Mohawk Valley Trading Company is sponsoring a give away of one, 1# jar of their (estimated value $16.00 SHI included). Here is how to enter:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be 18 years or older to enter. No P.O. Boxes. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on November 29, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. Winners will be chosen at random. I will notify the winners on November 30, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your jar of Adirondack Wildflower Autumn Honey will be mailed directly to you.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower.Visit Mohawk Valley Trading Company website. Leave a comment & link eg. (http://tenonanatche.com/raw-buckwheat-honey.htm) to the honey you'd love to try along with your email!

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
3. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
4. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
5. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Made to Play!

2011-11-03T06:30:00.004-05:00

It must seem like I am harping on this, but winter is fast approaching. My daughter has a wonderful vivid imgination, but she does get bored, especially when we are home-bound with 14 inches of snow on the ground outside. This year, I am ready for it. I have tons of ideas and crafts planned for maximum fun. Made to Play! by Joel Henrigues is full of ideas for projects made from paper, cloth and even wood.

Overall, the projects here are meant to stimulate imagination, build confidence through success and enjoyment, and enhance the bond between family and friends through the creation of unique, artistic handmade toys and crafts.

Many if not most of the projects in Made to Play! can be done using scrap materials, which also means less waste for you. My dad and I made the Small Wooden Animals (which fit into a mint tin. I had him cut them out from a piece of scrap wood and I used a simple wood-burning tool to make their faces and spots. My daughter and I made the Animal Finger puppets together, and we had out own puppet show. We now bring the Small Wooden Animals with us on outings because they are so compact, yet provide hours of fun.
I love having more ideas in my arsenal for making everyday full of creativity and fun for my little one.

Mama K's Aromatic Play Clay

2011-11-01T15:23:00.004-05:00

Maybe some of you heard about the snow...on Halloween weekend! It was my first taste of being caught indoors, but we actually had some really fun things to do. We recently were lucky enough to get some Mama K's Aromatic Play Clay. With scents like Lavender, Geranium, Sweet Orange, Cardamom,Lemongrass, Chamomile and Bergamot, they are really a feast for the senses. Mama K's was created by Kari Erickson-Valenzuela, aka Mama L. She created her scented Play Clay for use with her own active three-year-old, Olimpia.

Avoiding the artificial ingredients and cloying fruit and soda scents seen frequently marketed to children, she came up with a product that inspires focus and creates a calming atmosphere, all while encouraging creativity.
Mama K's Play Clay is a kid-safe clay with subtle aromatherapy oils to soothe the mind. Ingredients are basic and natural: they include certified gluten free flour, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable colorants and pure essential oils.

I love that the ingredients are 100% natural and suitable for kids with Celiac and Autism Spectrum disorders. The colors themselves are really soothing and not shocking, and the feel is just perfect. They are easy to mold into whatever shapes you want. I have never been a fan of some of the play doughs and clays available, so Mama K's is perfect for me. The scents are delightful rather than artificial. My daughter was hooked from the minute she opened the Geranium play clay and she (and my husband) played for hours. Maybe I imagining things, but it did seem to soothe and calm a cranky, indoor-bound child. I think this play clay does wonders for all of her senses!

Make a Splash!

2011-10-31T13:24:00.006-05:00

Kids are notorious for loving to jump in puddles. Rain or shine, my daughter constantly asks to play outside. Usually when it is raining, I cringe and immediately say no (imagine the wet clothes, the discomfort). I think this was sparked by the absence of proper raingear in out lives. Puddlegear has made it possible for kids to go outside and enjoy the weather, rain or shine. Puddlegear is made by Abeko, and can even special-order adult raingear.

In Puddlegear, toddler and baby raingear- children can play outside feeling warm, unrestricted and dry in their PVC and Phthalate free rainwear - certified by oko - tex to be free of over 100 harmful chemicals. Puddlegear rainwear is soft and flexible, breathable, wind and water proof, safe with specific designs to keep your kids safe on the playground and in nature, very durable, flexible in all 4 seasons, and best of all it absolutely adorable and very cool! We have styles to fit every kind of player, onepiece raingear, bib rainpants, fireman rainjackets, and mitts! Great sailing raingear! Kids teachers and parents agree that when kids need to be dry - Puddlegear raingear is fantastic.

I love that you can actually get rain-proof pants, which means no more soggy pant hems! My daughter loves jumping in puddles, but is not a fan of wet hair, but she just lives in her Puddlegear now. She loves how flexible and comfortable everything is. I love the generous cut which allows the set to grow with her. We had her wear her coat and pants while apple picking in the rain (sorry not pics, my camera is not as waterproof as I thought). This fall has been one of the rainiest yet, but my baby has stayed nice and dry, and had fun!

The Rhythm of Family

2011-10-26T08:46:00.007-05:00

I have lived on the East Coast most of my life. I really love the changing of seasons, but until I had my daughter, I am not sure I really fully appreciated them. Once you have a child, you start to see the world through different eyes. Everything becomes new. Her first fall, snowfall, rainfall suddenly became special to me too. Now, we try to really mark each season, and I am always looking for new ways to do this. Perhaps one of the most beautiful and meaningful books on this subject is The Rhythm of Family by Amanda Blake Soule and Stephen Soule. This book explores living a simpler life and helping children to really enjoy spending time outdoors and enjoy the passing seasons. It is split up into the twelve months of year and each chapter begins with a lovely anecdotes, memories and thoughts by the two authors about that time of year. It helps parents and children to "live in tune with the cycles of nature."

The Rhythm of Family explores what we learn and can gain as parents and families by encouraging and experiencing creativity and nature exploration with our children, the seasons can provide us with a rhythm that brings us close to the earth, and closer to our children.

Each month also explores a nature-related activity, from ice wreaths in winter, to growing sprouts in February and even recipes for September. We were so excited about The Rhythm of Family that we have already done quite a few of the activities. We grew our own sprouts from sunflower seeds, made a postcard block, created beautiful stamp-work using parts of nature (trees, branches) and even dyed our own wool for a doll I am making with golden beets from our garden. This book has inspired so much creativity and actually has us excited for the impending cold spell because we cannot wait to make the ice wreath. We love spending the time together and exploring the ideas and activities that make the seasons and family so beautiful.

Giveaway winners!

2011-10-25T10:20:00.003-05:00

Congrats to Raelena who won the Glass Dharma $25 Gift Certificate!

Do not forget to enter:
LunchSkins set of (2)-ends 10/29

Stay tuned for exciting giveaways from A Toy Garden and Le Creuset!

Vitamin Friends Save the Day

2011-10-25T09:21:00.004-05:00

I always have the best intentions when feeding my daughter. I want her to have a healthy, well-balanced diet. I sometimes fail on this mission, so in order to make sure she gets the proper nutrition, I use vitamins. As a kid, I never took vitamins because I could not stand the taste. Thank goodness, we have come a long way. Vitamin Friends makes taking vitamins a treat and not a chore. They have something for everyone. Vitamin Friends has Calcium, vitamin D, Multi-vitamin, probiotic, vitamin C, Omega and Propolis & Echinacea supplements. There are sugar-free options and the gummie vitamins are gluten,egg, nut, wheat, corn, eggs, transfat, gelatin, preservative, artificial color, flavor and sweetener FREE! More importantly the taste of all of the different vitamins are so delicious your child will literally ask for them.

My daughter, things the ProbaYo Yogurt Bears are candy. I had to explain she could only have a certain amount per day. This from the same child I previously had to chase down to get to take anything.

I recently felt a cold coming on so I popped some of the PropoBear Propolis & Echinacea gummies. They were super yummy and they helped my body fight off the infection.

Vitamin Friends are the tough super-hero vitamins and supplements you kids need. They are the best friends a kid could have.

Microcrafts

2011-10-24T09:02:00.003-05:00

As we get closer to the winter months, I find myself searching out books about crafting and creativity. We love making things in this house from cooking to sewing and just all-around creating. I find it best to keep little idle hands busy doing something fun (it keeps them out of mischief). Microcrafts byMargaret McGuire, Alicia Kachmar, Katie Hatz, and Friends is the perfect book for our needs.

Microcrafts introduces readers to a world of miniature arts and crafts-each of the 25 projects are no larger than a spool of thread! Simple step-by-step instructions, color photographs, and hand-drawn illustrations provide everything you need to craft scraps of fabric, yarn, and recyclables into tiny treasures.

You do not have to be an advanced crafter to have a ball with this book. All you need is a dose of creativity and imagination. I love that you can literally use items you find around your house, making it eco-friendly. I made my daughter a few of the monsters and a little cat. She loves getting into the car after school and finding these little friends on her car seat. Better yet, they make the perfect traveling companions and are great playthings when you are out and about. We recently took our "gang" to the doctor's office and out to eat. All good things come in micro-packages.

Olive Juice Kids

2011-10-22T11:07:00.007-05:00

Kids clothing should always be fun and never fussy. Children are at their best when they are playing and being creative. Clothing should reflect that. I learned my lesson long ago; my daughter and I like clothing that is comfortable easy to take care of. I love easy, breezy, stylish clothing that can stand up to the toughest play. Three years ago, I got a catalog for Olive Juice, and the love affair began. Olive Juice has a full line of clothing that children can be themselves in. The gorgeous colors are bright enough to be fun, without overpowering the child, and the clothing is super-tough.
We have quite a few pieces from this fabulous line. In fact, just two days ago, my daughter took her school picture wearing an Olive Juice dress, aptly named The School Girl Dress. I love that so many of the Olive Juice pieces are unisex and that even the simplest dress can be dolled up or down depending on the day and the mood. Our favorite is the Claudette Dress. My daughter wore it to school and all-day to play. It was adorable layered over a long-sleeved shirt and a cute cardigan added extra warmth. You cannot go wrong with Olive Juice, where style, fun and fashion all come to play.

Potter's Crackers

2011-10-20T11:45:00.007-05:00

We are cracker crazy in our house. We love honey, cheese, tahini, you name it, and we love having delicious ways to serve our favorite toppings. After reading labels on supermarket crackers, I became a little discouraged. There are also only so many things I can manage with my dehydrator. On my search for delicious, healthy, tasty crackers I stumbled upon a big winner...Potter's Crackers.

Potter's Crackers are made by Potters Fine Foods LLC. The company was started by Peter Potter Weber and his mom, Nancy Potter, in 2006. Pete is a food science graduate of the University of Wisconsin and Nancy previously owned the New Glarus Bakery (New Glarus WI) for 25 years. The two of them saw the specialty cheese industry in Wisconsin exploding with exceptional cheeses and no deserving cracker to accompany them. They combined their passion for good food to make a cracker that truly delivers the flavors of Wisconsin to you.

Potter’s Crackers are handmade with whole grain, and are produced with Wisconsin milled whole-wheat flour and local milk and butter in Madison Wisconsin. Lots of their ingredients and produce come from small, local farms. Potter’s Crackers offers 10 year-round varieties of crackers and produces seasonal flavors throughout the year to reflect what is available in the local farmers’ markets.

We got to try a few of their wonderful flavors including Apple Graham, Sweet Potato Onion, Garlic & Baby Onion, Long Island Flax, and Hazelnut Graham. We will honestly never be able to eat ordinary crackers again. You can taste the love in Potter's Crackers. My favorite are the Graham crackers, and surprisingly (or maybe not), my daughter's favorite crackers are the Sweet Potato Onion and the Garlic & Baby Onion, both of which are so delicate and delicious. Forget the toppings, these crackers are too good to cover up.

Yum-Yum Bento Box

2011-10-17T09:00:00.005-05:00

I promised a post a Bento, and here it is. Yum-Yum Bento Box by Crystal Watanabe and Maki Ogawa is full of fun, easy ideas to bring your usual boring lunchbox from meh to wow! Crystal Watanabe makes bento boxes for her two preschool-aged children; her Web site “Adventures in Bento Making” is a popular forum for bento makers worldwide. Maki Ogawa is a mother whose bentos have been featured in many Asian magazines. She lives in Japan. In Japan, Bento Box lunches are a healthy lunch where mothers and fathers get to express their creativity and their love for their children. I was so intrigued, I had to get this book. It is full of easy step-by-step recipes that are so simple. I thought it would be so hard to make the fun foods I saw in the book, but they were so easy, and fun. I am intrigued by the creativeness of the adorable Bento Box Lunch designs. They really are an art-form.

Chapters include instructions for classic bento boxes and character-driven bentos (called Kyaraben), plus shopping advice, general tips and tricks, and much more. Stop wasting money on prepackaged lunches-and start making beautiful, healthy bentos!

I have to say I was pretty impressed with my first attempts. They look (almost) like the picture. I think Yum-Yum Bento Box is perfect for adults and children alike. Who could not use a little more whimsy (and healthy, fresh, food) in their lives?

I Love OBento

2011-10-12T08:10:00.007-05:00

There is really nothing worse when foods that are supposed to be nice and cold are actually warm and soggy. I generally am not a big fan of ice packs after more than one mishap where they explode, thereby contaminating the cooler. My daughter is a huge fan of cut-up apples with lemon juice on them. She asks for that for her school snack every single day. It was around this same time that I got very interested in Bento Box lunches ( more to follow on that in a few days) and I found I Love OBento. I Love OBento are the winners of the 2006 Good Design Award. They carry cooling-gel Japanese Bento Lunch Boxes. The tops are filled with insulating gel, just store the lid in the freezer overnight, then attach to your lunch in the morning. Your lunch will be kept a safe temperature for hours. The box itself is microwave and dishwasher safe, and you wash the lids by hand. All plastics are certified Lead free, BPA free and Phthalate free.

I love the bright color of the Hokkaido box we have, and am super-excited to try the Gel-Cool Plus that are made with wind-power. I feel safe with my daughter using her Hokkaido box because I know it is not full of chemicals, and I especially love that there is not way for her to get to the gel pack (as kids are known to do). Her lunch stays nice and cold, and she stays happy. It is a win-win.

Revolution Organics

2011-10-06T09:02:00.009-05:00

I often blog about how I am trying to make my life more and more chemical-free. I became a mother and realized that everything I have in our home and especially on my body could come into contact with my daughter. I use the safest things I can find on her, so why not on me? About five years ago I found out a brand of cosmetics I was using contained very harmful ingredients and even worse, they tested on animals. I was horrified! So I threw everything out and could never find multi-tasking products to replace them. This resulted in me often looking a lot pale and a lot tired. I needed something. Revolution Organics was and is that something. Revolution Organics was created by founders Melissa Shabinsky and Alexandra Zanella out of their own desire to simplify their lives and make healthy choices with their beauty products. The Revolution Organics line is USDA certified organic using only plant-based ingredients.

Each ingredient is carefully selected for their skin benefiting properties and all of our formulations combine highly concentrated blends of nourishing organic butters, oils, herbs and certified organic perfume blends to create our beautiful formulations.

My favorite part about this line is that everything is multi-tasking which means less time having to apply different products for busy moms.

The Freedom Lip Gloss is formulated with 100% natural and 85% certified organic ingredients, and is free of chemicals, mineral oil, petroleum, artificial ingredients and parabens. The colors are super-natural looking. They are so moisturizing that I use them like a lip balm.

The Lip Balm smells like oranges and vanilla is a nutrient-packed punch that boots the dry scaly lip look out the door. I wear this to bed at night.

The All-Over Skin Creme is really concentrated and rich. A little goes a long way to getting rid of rough feet and elbows. It has an uplifting citrusy smell I cannot resist.

My favorite go-to product from this line are the Freedom Glow Beauty Balms. They can be used on lips, cheeks, eyes...you name it! Each color is so natural looking, making me, but better. They are not glittery, flashy teenager makeup. These are dewy and nourish your skin rather than sitting on top of it. They really last all day. With colors Sunkissed, Bronzed and Blushed you will find one that works for you.

Come on ladies, time to clean out the makeup drawer and really commit to an organic, beautiful life.

Vegan Lunch box and Vegan Lunch Box Around the World

2011-10-04T09:03:00.008-05:00

Are you finding that your lunchbox and snack-making skills are experiencing a slump? I hear you. I really do not want to send my child with crackers or apple sauce everyday. I am on the constant search for healthy snacks and I love to cook (or not cook if I am going raw). We eat all different kinds of food, from raw, vegan to international. If it sounds good, I make it.

Vegan Lunch Box by Jennifer McCann is a fabulous book full of 130 great recipes. Vegan Lunch Box offers an amazing array of meat-free, egg-free, and dairy-free meals and snacks. They recipes are actually organized into menus so you can plan it all out, and it includes allergen-free indexes identifying wheat-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free recipes. Even the pickiest eaters will find a treat they love! We are huge fans of the Cheezy Roasted Chickpeas. My daughter brought them in for snack, and I had the teacher calling for the recipe.

I love Vegan Lunch Box, but I could not live without Vegan Lunch Box Around the World. This book has 125 recipes from across the globe. Jennifer McCann was inspired to do the book by her son’s request for sushi on the first day of school. This recipe book comes with special icons, letting you know which recipes are especially quick and easy, kid-friendly, and free of wheat, gluten, soy, and nut allergens. We have made so many dishes from this, including the Potato Salad Balls, Cinnamon-Sugar Almonds and Apple Bunnies!

I make the Cinnamon-Sugar almonds at least once a week now, and my daughter thinks the Apple Bunnies are hysterical. You do not have to be vegan to love this delicious, healthy, inspired recipes. Make lunch time fun again!

LunchSkins say bye bye Plastic...and Giveaway!

2011-10-03T15:21:00.005-05:00

It is not secret that I am not a fan of plastic bags whether for snacks, sandwiches or groceries. We just do not use them in our home if we can help it. Now that my daughter is in school and I have to pack snacks, I was trying to get creative. I use containers, but sometimes I want just a snack bag. So in my quest to make my life easier, I found LunchSkins. LunchSkins were created by moms. They were concerned when they heard more than 20 million sandwich bags from school lunches go into landfills in the US...everyday! They started 3greenmoms, the company responsible for LunchSkins. Their mission:to design a colorful, fresh alternative to the plastic baggie. LunchSkins are food-safe, dishwasher-friendly and can withstand high heat. They are made from high-quality European fabric used by patisseries and bakeries.They even found a US family-owned manufacturer nearby in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
And no more plastic baggie taste or waste!

LunchSkins donates 1% of online sales profits to the C&O Canal Trust, an organization formed to protect and restore the the historic C&O Canal near the nation's capital, a trash-free National Park. See www.canaltrust.org for more information.
3greenmoms say:

In just one year, our LunchSkins customers have taken a big bite out of landfill and ocean waste. With your purchase and use of LunchSkins, more than 12 million plastic baggies have been saved from the landfill. WOW! We’re on a mission to reduce the number of plastic baggies thrown out. Help us reach our 2011 goal of keeping 100 million plastic baggies out of landfills and waterways.

We love our LunchSkins. They are great for fruit, snacks, even subs! You name it and there is a LunchSkins for it. My daughter likes the extra bit of flair in her lunchbox and I like that it gives us the chance to have less waste.

Three Lucky Product Mommy readers are going to get a set of 2 bags each (LunchSkins will choose the patterns for you).

Enter now!

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on October 29, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. Winners will be chosen at random. I will notify the winners on October 30, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your set of (2) LunchSkins will be mailed directly to you. Three winners will be chosen!

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of LunchSkins on Facebook
2. Become a follower of LunchSkins and 3greenmoms on Twitter
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
4. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
5. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
6. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
7. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link

Livin' Spoonful for Happy Snacking

2011-09-30T07:37:00.006-05:00

I often write about trying to feed my family healthier foods. It can be a slippery slope. Now that my daughter is in school a few days a week, I am faced with snack-time. You would think this would be easy, but it always turns into a conversation the night before. My daughter is a good eater, but I also want her having something healthy. Her new obsession is crackers, crackers, crackers. She loves them with goat cheese brie (don't ask!) and with fruit spreads, and even alone. After looking at the unpronounceable ingredients on a cracker box from the market, I got to researching. I found Livin' Spoonful. Mommy and baby are happy.
Livin' Spoonful makes crackers that are gluten free and nut free. They use sprouted sunflower seeds that are naturally Gluten-Free. The sprouted sunflower seeds are packed full of vitamins and enzymes that usually get destroyed by most factory processes. This makes them very digestable. The crackers are dehydrated at very low temperatures instead of baking. Dehydrating helps to preserver the fragile enzymes and vitamins in the food.

You can even see pieces of vegetables in the crackers! Because we don’t add high heat, the ingredients don’t get chemically altered. It’s just like eating straight out of the garden!
Livin' Spoonful uses the highest quality organic ingredients available, sourced locally whenever possible. When you want exceptional flavor, you have to start with exceptionally good ingredients. Our vegetables are fresher and our carbon footprint is lower. And we’re contributing to our local economy.

They taste of these crackers really speak for themselves. With flavors like Pumpkin Pesto and even Pizza, you are sure to find a winner for your family. My daughter likes Coconut Curry the best, and I am partial to the Caraway Crisps. My husband thinks the best are the Sunny Garden Herb, he says it reminds him of being in the garden harvesting out crop rather than in an office all day. Hey whatever works right?

We have used these to replace those boxes of crackers with ingredients we cannot even pronounce. I know are bodies are thanking us.

Steiff...Years of Quality and Smiles

2011-09-29T08:26:00.008-05:00

I have a love/hate relationship with most stuffed animals and toys. I find that what I see on the shelves at the local toy stores are not the best quality and I cringe when my daughter begs for one. I still remember going to my aunt's home as a child. She had the most gorgeous stuffed bear imaginable. I always begged to play with it, and she kindly let me pretend to have a tea party with "Paddy" the bear. Paddy was a Steiff. At the time, I had no idea what that meant, but now I know it means quality and the best of the best of the plush toy world.

Steiff is the world’s oldest plush manufacturer. Steiff was in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, a seamstress who was limited to sewing with one hand due to polio. Steiff is best known as the company that invented the Teddy bear.

In 1902, Richard Steiff, a nephew of Margarete and a gifted artist/inventor, presented the idea to Margarete. At first, she was not enthusiastic. But with Richard’s persistence, she finally relented. And the rest is history.The famous “Button in Ear” trademark, introduced by Franz Steiff, another of Margarete’s nephews, in 1904, distinguishes every Steiff Teddy bear or animal.

Steiff plush are made with woven plush, while nearly 100% of the world’s output of stuffed animals is made with inexpensive knitted plush. Woven plush can be as much as 12 times more expensive than knitted plush. That’s one of the reasons Steiff products cost more, but they last so much longer! And Steiff are still made in the century-old manufacturing facility in Giengen an der Brenz, Germany using traditional hand labor.

If you have even been to an auction or antique store, you are bound to see at least one Steiff. They really last forever. We have a few and could not be happier. My daughter is partial to her Trampili Elephant (EAN 064395) (as pictured with her maniacally smiling because I agreed to let her take him to school for show-and-tell). Trampili (renamed Holly is also her bedtime pal). Her Unicorn Starly with Handbag (EAN 105052) has become the perfect accessory for play dates. My personal favorite is the Jona Teddy Bear (EAN 001055) because he brings back fond memories of Paddy and playtime as a child. He is small enough to carry around, but for now, he holds a place of pride in my daughter's dollhouse.

I truly believe that quality always outweighs quantity. I am willing to spend more money to get something I know my daughter will have forever (and maybe someday she will be making another little girl or boy very happy by letting them play with Trampili, Starly and Jona).

To get the latest Steiff news be sure to check out the Steiff Facebook page, and
join the Steiff e-mail list.

Glass Dharma Giveaway!

2011-09-28T06:59:00.006-05:00

Whether your child is a smoothie drinking kind of kid, or a "juice only please" little sprite, you probably have used a straw at some point. Unless you are in the know, that straw was probably plastic. Which I cannot understand, because if you read this blog, I have told you how much I love Glass Dharma straws. (just kidding, I am perfectly willing to tell you again).

The Glass Dharma line was created by glassblower David Leonhardt in response to the wide misuse of plastics. Glass straws do not leach toxins into your drinks. Each use of a glass straw, means one less plastic one sitting in a landfill-so think of how many plastic straws you are not using by using the glass straws for the rest of your life. They are made from borosilicate tubing which is the strongest glass commercially available. They are dishwasher and microwave safe and can be using in cold or hot drinks. They are handmade in the United States. Each type of straw comes in different sizes from sipper, to one that can be used to drink bubble tea. You can get a simple straight straw, one with glass dots to stop it from rolling, and one with a bend. And they come with a lifetime warranty against breakage! They will replace your broken straw for free! You probably will not have to worry about that since the straws are so strong. If they can make it in my home with my child, they can make it anywhere. I love the hemp straw sleeves (to take your straw with you of course) and the cleaning brushes make them even easier to clean.

The most nutrient rich (lumpy) smoothies and even bubble tea can be sipped through these luxurious straws. I always get a kick of whipping my Glass Dharma straw out when we are out on the town. I always get questions about it, and I always smile and fill the asker in on how wonderful and eco-friendly these babies are. They are a permanent fixture in our home.

I know you are practically begging to get some Glass Dharma straws huh?! Well here's how you can win a $25 Glass Dharma Gift Certificate:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on October 21, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on October 22, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Glass Dharma $25 Gift Certificate will be emailed directly to you.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Glass Dharma on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Glass Dharma on Twitter
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
4. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
5. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
6. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
7. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Brad's Raw Foods

2011-09-26T08:53:00.012-05:00

I am always looking for healthy snacks for my family. I have to admit that when it comes to choosing something to snack on, healthy does not always win. We like Brad's Raw Foods when we want a delicious snack that has that crunch without all of those bad-for-you ingredients. Brad's Raw Foods was started by Brad. He realized how unhealthy he felt and because necessity is the mother of invention, he created his own line of healthy snacks to make his raw diet even more delicious. The chips are not fried or baked and are all vegan and gluten free making them a healthy snack for the entire family. You may be skeptical...can a healthy chip really taste good? You betcha! The raw chips and raw snacks from Brad's Raw Foods are all so tasty, you can fool even the most discerning toddler into forgetting they are actually eating something healthy!
Brad Says:

My mission is to inform people, young and old, of the benefits of eating raw foods.
My chips are made from vegetables grown by local farmers in Bucks County, Pennsylvania (when available). Blended with sprouted flax seeds, buckwheat groats, and spices, my chips are rich in protein and enzymes.
The result is a wholesome chip that is both a delicious and complete food.

We are particularly partial to the Kale Chips. My daughter and I fight over who gets them. My four year old has a big thing for the Vampire Killer Leafy Kale Chips. She is a garlic aficionado, so this satisfies her needs for a snack with a kick. She actually taunts me with them, before she gobbles them so I cannot have any. We actually eat the Kale Chips in place of popcorn and crackers now.

I like to serve the Red Bell Pepper chips with homemade hummus. They are the perfect texture!

Be sure to check out Brad's Raw Foods on Facebook, and on Twitter for the latest news and flavors. Happy (healhty) snacking.

Ani's Raw Food Desserts Puts the MMMM in Healthy Eating

2011-09-22T08:06:00.007-05:00

As a parent, I feel it is my responsibility to get my child eating healthy. Does that mean we deny ourselves treats and snacks? No way! After becoming a huge fan of Ani Phyo and her delicious raw food recipes, I was super excited to find her "cookbook" Ani's Raw Food Desserts. As I said before, Ani Phyo is the queen of raw or "living food". She has proven that you can get the nutrition and taste you want out of food that is made from uncooked ingredients. I love dessert and so does my daughter, but I often find myself denying or reassigning her when she begs for more treats. I know most of what I can buy is not always healthy,and sometimes fruit alone does not hit the spot. We are in love with this book because it helps us add a lot of nutrition, but tastes so sweet your kid will not even realize how healthy it is. The recipes are easy to follow with few ingredients, so making them is easy and fun. Chef Ani’s easy-to-make sweets are wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, processed sugar-free, and cruelty-free.

We tried a few so far (and I had to remake each one because they were gone within days). The Trail Mix cookies are a great mix of almonds, nuts and dates. The added touch of cinnamon makes them a fabulous fall treat.

The Strawberry Macaroons were easy to make and my daughter loves the pink color. Because they are dehydrated that have a wonderful consistency and the dried strawberries inside give it a delicious strawberry jelly flavor.

The biggest hit are the Lemon Kreamscicles. My daughter literally begs for them. With a mix of cashew, lemon and banana, they are a nutritious vitamin-packed treat. I have to admit I cannot get enough of them either.

Ani's Raw Food Desserts is another big healthy hit for us!

Klean Kanteen Giveaway!

2011-09-20T08:42:00.004-05:00

For our family, using stainless steel bottles are just a way of life. I cringe when I see people still drinking from disposable plastic bottles. Such a waste and so bad for the environment! My favorite stainless steel bottles are all from Klean Kanteen. I have written about them before, and am so glad to be working with Klean Kanteen again. Klean Kanteen created the first food-grade stainless steel bottle on the market. Klean Kanteen® are made from high quality, 18/8, food-grade stainless steel, a metal with no harmful toxins. They are super durable and easy to clean (dishwasher safe). They use food-grade stainless steel that doesn't need to be lined with plastic or baked-on epoxy like aluminum bottles, so you'll never have to check to make sure the inside of your Klean Kanteen® is still safe and intact. No linings means no flavor retains in the bottle, so you water never tastes like the juice that might have been in it the day before.

The Klean Kanteen insulated bottles are something I tell everyone about. It keeps contents hot or cold for up to 6 hours, and iced drinks stay cold for more than 24 hours. These are no lofty claims. I left my bottle in the car overnight with water an ice inside. I got into the car the next morning and my daughter was asking (whining) for a cold drink. I handed it back and it was not only cold, it still had the ice cubes from the night before! And now the insulated bottles come in colors! My daughter uses the 16 oz. coral-colored one. She is happy she now has a Klean Kanteen like mommy. She is super-picky that her drinks should be cold and not merely cool (heavens forbid), and her Klean Kanteen insulated is heaven-sent for us. The cap is leakproof when you use theStainless Loop Cap and if we are hanging out at home wet switch to the Café Cap and convert it to a mug with a quick twist. Fabulous!

Want to win your own 16 oz. Klean Kanteen insulated in the Deep Purple color? Here's how:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on October 4, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on October 5, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Klean Kanteen Insulted Deep Purple bottle will be shipped directly to you.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Klean Kanteen on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link

Madii & Dyl

2011-09-19T08:45:00.003-05:00

If you have a child with allergies, whether food based or environmental, you deal with some tough problems. While my daughter does not have food allergies (that we know of), she definitely has environmental allergies. At nine months old we had to use a nebulizer during May because of the pollen. Each year from May-September my daughter sneezes, coughs and has itchy eyes. One year we even had to deal with eczema. I go through a lot of hit/miss with products. My main goal is to make sure she has the easiest time during allergy season and beyond. Mother of two, Jackie, was dealing with the same issues. Her children had allergies and she could not find good cleansing flannels and pillows for her children. She (smartly) decided to create her own.

Madii & Dyl sells Cleansing Flannels that both sensitive adults and children can use. They also carry three different sizes of Luxe Latex Pillows.

Made from 100% certified organic latex our pillows contain no chemicals, are hypoallergenic and naturally resistant to dust mites, mildew and bacteria. Designed for comfort, its softness, support and innovative design makes it the superior choice in children's bedding. All pillows come with polyester pillow protector and pure cotton pillow case.

Because the pillows are 100% pure latex, they naturally resist dust mites, mildew and bacteria, so your little ones do not have to suffer while they sleep. They can be washed, and they keep shape so they last! They come in size 3+ months, 18+ months and 4+ years.

Maybe it is just me, but in the first week of my daughter using the Mini Me (4+ years pillow), I notice a dramatic decline in her coughing and generally better sleep. Children need more sleep than adults, and the better quality sleep, the better quality of life (for everyone). Two thumbs-up Maddi & Dyl!

Giveaway Winners!

2011-09-19T08:39:00.002-05:00

Congrats to Mercedes for winning the Infotone Facial Mist!

Congrats to Aura for winning the Envirosax of choice!

Stay tuned for giveaways from Glass Dharma and Klean Kanteen!

C is for Cookie and Allergy-Friendly Treats for Me!

2011-09-15T08:53:00.006-05:00

My daughter recently started school. We went to orientation and they announced that though they wanted parents to send snacks, they must be nut-free. Now if you have no food allergies in your home, you probably have a ton of snacks with either wheat, egg, dairy or nuts in them. Lots of snack items list right on the box that the food was prepared in a facility where they might have come into contact with nuts. What to do? Thankfully, I have been a fan of Enjoy Life products for some time now. All of their items are allergy-friendly, meaning NO wheat/gluten, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish or shellfish--the allergens that account for 90% of all food allergic reactions in the United States. Enjoy Life products are also made without casein, potato, sesame and sulfites.

Packing the snack/lunch box just got a little easier. When your child is in school he/she might not have allergies but their schoolmates may. It is your responsibility to make sure everyone is safe. I know my daughter loves her snacks, and sometimes fruit does not hit the spot the way a delicious cookie can. Thanks to Enjoy Life, I can pack her delicious Crunchy Cookies. With flavors like Chocolate Chip, Double Chocolate Chip, Sugar Crisp and Vanilla Honey Graham, there is something for everyone. These are my go-to cookies for school, outings and we snacked on them all summer at the beach. My personal favorite (being the chocolate lover I am), are the Double Chocolate Chip. I like to being my day with the Double Chocolate Crunch from Enjoy Life (a delicious granola/chocolate treat) and end it with one of these delicious cookies.

If you do not like buying cookies, and want to make your own allergy-friendly cookies and treats, be sure to check out Enjoy Life's Chocolate Baking items. I use the Mega Chunks to make completely allergy-friendly chocolate cupcakes!

Eating allergy-friendly has never been so delicious!

Crocodile Creek Takes a Peek into the Mind of a Child

2011-09-12T08:51:00.011-05:00

Crocodile Creek has been a staple brand in our house since we brought home our daughter. We use their place mats, puzzles and even balls. It was not until recently that we were in the market for a backpack. My daughter started school, and I was pretty uninspired by all of the licensed character items out there. We have them in our home, sure, but I like to avoid certain licensed characters when possible. They feel too over-done and I wanted to make her first day of school a little special.

We happened to take a stroll through a local shop and saw the Crocodile Creek line of backpacks and lunch boxes. My daughter was immediately pulled to the super-unique princess backpack. This was not the usual deal. I saw her eyes light up. She even said "I bet no one will have this backpack mama." She loved that this princess was so special and different from everything we had seen. I loved that is was a BPA, PVC and phthalate-free backpack. It was a match made in heaven. It was like Crocodile Creek designed it just for her. Of course we had to grab the lunch box too (it is also BPA, PVC and phthalate-free). My baby got her fairy tale theme. I love the durable quality of all Crocodile Creek products, and these items are the best! I love how special they are.

I think her first day of school photo really speaks for itself. She is beyond thrilled, and so am I.

Kleynimals

2011-09-09T08:35:00.005-05:00

I often see frazzled, busy parents handing their babies and kids their kids to play with. It never fails to make me cringe a bit. Keys can contain lead, and also tons of dirt, particles and germs from your hands. Then there are the sharp edges which could hurt your baby. Of course you can give them another teether, but lets face it, babies are drawn to those shiny, clinky-clanky keys. Kleynimals is the solution. Kleynimals are non-toxic animal keys that come in their own muslin storage bag. The animals faces are adorable, and there are no rough edges.

Kleynimals are made out of Food Grade Stainless Steel so they look, and feel like the real thing. Stainless steel is safe (your forks and spoons you put in your mouth everyday are the same thing, and because it is so easy to clean hospitals and labs use stainless steel. No need to worry about BPA or phthalates. Kleynimals are made in the U.S.. Best part...Kleynimals are dishwasher safe and will not rust. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and the average stainless steel product contains over 50% recycled material.

Kleynimals are win for everyone. My nephew loves gnawing them, and my daughter actually likes to pretend she is using real keys. Mommy tip: remember how they tell you to put a spoon in the freezer to cool a teething babies gums? Well use Kleynimals the same way! Mommy inventors are the best!

Nicobella

2011-09-01T20:26:00.004-05:00

My baby is starting school soon. It will her first time away from me, and I am getting more and more stressed as the days go on. Whether your children are in school or not, being a mom or dad is pretty stressful. I cope with my stress by baking and cooking and keeping my garden in order. Oh, who am I kidding. My "secret stress buster" is a good piece of chocolate. I have learned that in order to be a good mom, I need to be a healthy mom. I try to make healthy and natural foods. I buy organic and I love raw foods. I think my chocolate (addiction) love should be the same. Nicobella is a line of vegan organic dark chocolates. Nichole Dandrea, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist makes delicious concoctions and treats using the best Fair Trade and sustainable products.

By replacing the cream and sugar*, that is typically in the ganache center, with vegan natural ingredients and infusing each truffle with super rich antioxidant foods, such as blueberries, green tea, sunflower seed butter, and pumpkin, there is finally something available for the health conscious individual that is lower in fat and sugar AND good for the body.

I tried the Truffle Sampler and fell in love with these delicious treats. My favorites were the Pumpkin Chai and Blueberry Almond. I was able to release a long day of stress in one delicious bite. And best of all, I did not feel even one bit guilty!

Agape & Zoe Naturals

2011-08-30T09:19:00.004-05:00

It was around the same time that I became a mother, that I could not longer stand the smell of synthetic fragrance. I know that making the switch to natural items and bodycare can be a tough one. It is hard to find scents and formulations you really like. I found Agape & Zoe while looking for a new signature, natural scent.

Agape & Zoe Naturals was founded when the owner/founder, Patricia Malemes, realized there were no natural perfumes or scents that pleased her and none that created and evoked the kind of emotion and feelings that her old perfumes did.

Agape & Zoe Naturals founder Patricia Malemes created a line of natural, safe, non-toxic, phthalate-free scents. You can find everything from solid scents, deodorants, candles, perfumes and colognes. My personal favorites are Faith (a blend of vanilla and tangy grapefruit) and Green (a blend of cucumber, mint and orange). My daughter is partial to Repose (a blend of lavender and vanilla). My husband even made the switch to Aftos, the men's cologne ( notes of juniper berry, lavender, the unique spicy scent of vetiver and bergamot). The scents contain organic grain alcohol and essential oils. I think they smell different on everyone who uses them (which I love!). I plan on picking up a few of the sampler sets for my friends. I think this is also the perfect way to introduce teenagers to fragrance, because everything is so light, gentle and natural.

These fragrances are as unique as their wearers, and as beautiful as nature wants you to be.

Shiny Mama

2011-08-25T08:20:00.006-05:00

As we are coming up on the weekend, I am pretty excited because Mommy and Daddy are getting a night out. It happens very rarely...I mean very rarely. I like to try and look my best when going out, but as I have mentioned, I am kind of lazy about putting in too much work. I am constantly on the search for a product to give me that extra pop! Shiny Mama is a fab line of products designed to make you glitter and glow. Think you cannot pull of glitter, gleam and shimmer? Think again. Shiny Mama was created by NYC superstar Yana Chupenko, the original "Shiny Mama".

The products are super user-friendly and subtle enough for even the shyest mum. I usually use one product from the line each time I go out so the sparkle is not overwhelming, but leaves everyone wondering where my glow comes from. The Shimmer All can be used as blush, lipstick, shadow or all-over powder. The sponge component in the cap makes it easy to get the perfect application. I use this as a brow highlighter, and BAM! I instantly look like I have actually slept. Shimmer All is a grown-up glow.

The Gleam All comes in a double-ended pencil (with included sharpener) and allows you to apply Sunray or Frost wherever you need it. It is paraben free. It looks amazing in the corners of you eyes and as liner.

If you usually shy away from sparkles, gleam and shimmer, give Shiny Mama a try and it will bring a little sparkle to your world.

If you want to receive 30% off your order email sales@shinymamabeauty.com with ‘shiny rocks’ in subject- let Shiny Mama know what products and amounts you want to order and Shiny Mama will bill you via Paypal with an invoice 30% off total order- and only pay $4.95 for shipping (Priority USPS).

Pure Beauty by Terra Firma Cosmetics

2011-08-24T08:41:00.005-05:00

When you first become a mama, the thought of putting on makeup or even having a shower seems daunting. Eventually you get a handle on your new life and suddenly you want to feel and look human again. Then you worry (or at least I did), about what is really in those products you slap on your body and face. I purged everything after researching what was safe and what was not. Thankfully, cosmetics companies have listened up and we have options. Pure Beauty by Terra Firma Cosmetics has you covered from skincare to body care and cosmetics that are safe. It is a one-stop super shop for all things pretty and more importantly safe.

Their commitment to the ethical compact they've signed with SAFECOSMETICS to provide beauty care products free of potentially harmful ingredients is reflected in
their formulations.

The cosmetics are Paraben free and free of potentially carcinogenic and toxic ingredients such as Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, Petroleum and other harmful preservatives and additives such as lead. I use the Tickled Pink Tinted Lip Balm. It gives me a pop of pink and brightens up my whole face. I am super lazy about makeup, so this is a quick, easy pick-me-up.

I am also gaga for their Toasted Almond Body Butter from the Body Cravings line, which is free from Parabens, Synthetic Fragrance. It is nice and light, yet surprisingly moisturizing and it smells...well come on Toasted Almond, how could it not smell delicious?!

I am huge fan of the Pure Beauty by Terra Firma Cosmetics, and I cannot wait to try more!

ConservingNow with Children (plus Giveaway!)

2011-08-23T09:47:00.005-05:00

I am a huge fan of ConservingNow. I use my set of Envirosax bags every single day. I love that ConservingNow is dedicated to teaching our children about conserving the earth by taking small steps. They hope that in 10 years from now, plastic bags will be obsolete, and everyone will be using reusable bags. Their website is full of ways parents, teachers and the community can help children achieve this goal and the goal of making our earth a safe, healthy place to be.

ConservingNow has helpful car window static clinks that all of you readers can get for free! by clicking on the ConvservingNow link on the right side bar of this blog, or by going here. We have ours on our car, and I never forget to take my bags in with me. ConservingNow has tons of options for reusable bags, from their cotton canvas totes to Envirosax.

The newest set is a great way to get kids to really want to join in on the fun. The Envirosax Sesame Street set will soon become your child's favorite way to get help the earth while hauling all their goodies around. I am not usually a huge fan of licenses characters, but I always make the exception for Sesame Street. I love the message of acceptance and love that Sesame Street has always taught children. My daughter uses her set everyday. She reminds me to take the Cookie Monster bag to the food store (because "he is hungry"). She uses big bird for her library books, and Elmo is her favorite beach bag. My personal favorite was that she needed to use Oscar the Grouch because she was in a "bad mood" the other day. Kids young and old alike will go crazy for this fabulous set.

To celebrate this newest addition to the ConservingNow reusable bag battle on waste, enter to win an Envirosax bag of choice:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on September 12, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on September 13, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Envirosax will be mailed directly from ConservingNow.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of ConservingNow on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

One Lucky Duck

2011-08-19T07:41:00.005-05:00

One Lucky Duck.com is an online boutique where you’ll find the best raw vegan snacks, that are handmade in small batches at NYC’s best raw vegan restaurant, Pure Food and Wine. I have been dying to go to Pure Food and Wine, so getting their treats sent to my door is the next best thing. One Lucky Duck.com offers you everything from ingredients, supplements and everything you need for and organic lifestyle.

One Lucky Duck.com was founded in July 2005 by Sarma Melngailis, the co-creator of the raw,
vegan and organic Manhattan restaurant Pure Food and Wine, and co-author of Raw
Food Real World (Harper Collins, July 2005) and Living Raw Food (Harper
Collins, May 2009). Sarma started One Lucky Duck to help bring the raw, vegan and
organic lifestyle out of the underground and into the mainstream.

We got a few of the raw food goodies. The Striped Cinnamon Squares put old sugar cookies to shame. They are delicious and use nutritious raw almond flour and other raw ingredients so you never feel guilty eating them.

The Blonde Macaroons and the Chocolate Macaroons are so light and delicious that they have sparked a family debate over which is the best. I am torn between both sides.

If you are just thinking about going raw, or want a way to have a yummy healthy treat, you have to check out the goodies at One Lucky Duck.com. You will feel like one lucky foodie!

Infotone Face Mist

2011-08-16T09:29:00.006-05:00

Companies like AquaLiv are changing the way we care for our bodies and skin. They are a company that uses science and nature, rather than chemicals. AquaLiv are

...committed to advancing science while strictly following the blueprint provided to us by Mother Nature. We wish to feed and heal the world without altering her genetics, using chemical herbicides/pesticides, or creating toxic drugs that manage one condition while creating another. We hope you agree with our philosophy.

The Infotone Face Mist is an example of their dedication to helping you feel and look your best...naturally. The Inforton Face Mist contains a non-toxic and 100% natural mineral clay ceramic ball that features AquaLiv’s BioT™ Bioinformation Technology. The BioT™ Ceramic enhances water with the qualities of several skin-activating compounds. So simple, beautiful, clean water is turned into a powerful tonic. When you mist it on your face it encourages hydration and clear, glowing skin.

Researchers observed improved hydration, suppleness, firmness, and texture and reduced dryness, oxidation, wrinkles, skin pigmentation, and blemishes.

No other misters on the market use the BioT™ Bioinformation Technology. Infotone is really the only one of its kind. It is the greenest cosmetic available.

I store mine in the fridge for a cooling spray after washing my face. It leaves skin moisturized, which you would not expect from water (which usually leave skin feeling tight). I love that when my bottle runs out, I can refill it with water from home for up to one year! That is a savings this mommy cannot argue with. It really does do everything they say. My skin goes crazy from the use of sunscreen, and blemishes usually abound. I have been using Infotone after swimming and sunbathing, and not blemish yet.

Nature and Science working together is a beautiful thing!

Want to win a bottle of Infotone?
Here's how:
Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US and Canada readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on September 8, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on September 9, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Infotone Face Mist will be mailed directly from Aqualiv.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Infotone on Facebook
2.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Stephen Joseph

2011-08-14T20:53:00.010-05:00

Are you sick of the hundreds of children's items out there with the same old characters? Me too! I love certain children's characters (like the Sesame St. gang), but if I had to see one more princess backpack while shopping for my pre-k kid, I might have gone nuts. I was thrilled when I found Stephen Joseph products. The entire line has the perfect amount of whimsy and fun that kids love, while also allowing your child to be unique.

What began as a small company started by Alexandra "Alix" Buckley when she started making fabric frames to earn a little extra Christmas money and turned into Alexandra and Company, has sparked Stephen Joseph.

Their Beach Totes are perfect for a fabulous day of summertime fun. The netted bags come with beach toys and allow for easy clean-up because the sand stays on the beach where it belongs.

The Bottle Buddies are a fun way to make sure your child has their water with them. It fits perfectly around our reusable stainless steel bottles, and my daughter even uses hers as a purse when the mood strikes.

The wallets are a great way to get kids to learn about money and save their pennies. My daughter even brings her saved money with her and is learning how to contribute to get the things she wants. They are also wonderful for children bringing lunch money to school, or carrying identification. They velcro shut and there is a spot for everything.

My favorite item we own is the Quilted Backpack. It is super soft and my daughter is over-the-moon for the monkey design she chose. It is the perfect size for her pre-k school days, and even for traveling. The style is unique, just like her.
Stephen Joseph has everything you and your child need for all areas of being a kid. They bring a smile to your face, and the quality cannot be surpassed.

Giveaway Winners!

2011-08-09T17:02:00.001-05:00

Erin won the Cream Perfume Company product of choice giveaway.

Andi won the Corolle Bebe Amour giveaway.

Congrats winners!

Smiling Tree Toys

2011-08-09T09:50:00.006-05:00

Children have the most incredible imagination. With simple blocks, they can turn your living room into a safari, NYC, even a jungle. I am always preaching about the value of heirloom toys for good reason. I love watching my daughter play with the wooden village I had as a kid. We strike a balance in our home, and our daughter often combines her wooden and plastic toys to have 2x the fun!

A new favorite in our home is the helicopter from Smiling Tree Toys. Parents, Justin and Kathleen began their toy-making business in 2010 when they returned to the U.S. after serving two years with the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa. They now call rural southwestern Minnesota home, and enjoy nothing more than creating toys for your family and theirs. Smiling Tree Toys donates to the Peace Corps international youth projects for every toy sold. They use gorgeous maple and finish projects with organic flaxseed oil and local beeswax. They have everything from wooden vehicles to teething toys and blocks.

My daughter really digs her helicopter. I cannot get her to sit still long enough to even snap the picture. All of my attempts look like blurs because as she explained to me, "I am trying to fly my friend to the moon." The quality is outstanding and knowing these pieces are handmade makes them all the more special.

Paddywhack Lane

2011-08-04T09:53:00.005-05:00

I am constantly telling my little girl that she can be whatever she wants. Her dreams change daily from ballerina to firegirl, to astronaut. We encourage her to play with costumes and let her imagination run wild. In the new book The Costume Trunk by Bob Fuller, we meet the children of Paddywhack Lane. During Courtney's birthday party, the gang find a key and a magic trunk where all of their dreams can come true. They can wish to be whatever they want, and through a little bit of magic and imagination, their wishes are granted.

I love the theme that if you just believe, you can become whatever you want. It is such an amazingly positive message to send to children. I also love that this message is delivered in a fun, imaginative way. Better yet, your child will not only fall in love with the book, but the fun characters too! You can visit Paddywhack Lane and let your child choose their favorite friend and become part of the fun. The Paddywhack Lane playsets and accessories are a great way to really bring the book to life. My daughter is a fan of Ella's Ballerina studio. We had a hard time choosing just one character to play with.

88 Orange

2011-08-01T19:15:00.006-05:00

West Coast natives are always bragging about the delicious scent of the orange groves. I am an East Coast girl and I always thought, "how can that compare with the fragrance of an East Coast ocean?" Well 88 Orange made me a believer. 88 Orange is a California-based company that specializes in deliciously scented clothing (yes, really) and a home and body line that is to die for. 88 Orange is named for the perfect size orange, and the packaging features the founder's grandfather and great aunt standing in front of their own orange grove in Orange Park Acres, California in 1928.

I cannot even begin to describe the delicious, fresh summery orange blossom fragrance of the products. It has top notes of citronella and tangerine with a heart of orange blossoms and water lily and a base of neroli and lilac. We have the 88 Orange Body Butter which is super moisturizing with a rich shea butter base. It smells amazing, and really embodies the bright fresh feel of summer. It makes your skin so smooth and people will be stopping to ask what you are wearing (it happened three times in one night to me).

The Fabric Softener is a great way to add this soon-to-be classic scent to your clothing. I especially go gaga for the smell it leaves on our beach and pool towels. It makes getting out of the water a treat instead of a chore. It leaves your laundry room smelling like a little slice of heaven.

Love the vintage packaging, adore the scent...and I finally get why West Coast natives are so enchanted with Orange Groves and 88 Orange.

Kahina Giving Beauty

2011-07-25T20:06:00.005-05:00

I take skincare pretty seriously. I know I did some damage to my skin during my teenage years when I let my pale skin burn. Now I wear at least a 30 spf and make sure to keep my face covered. I still get pink cheeks and dry skin. I kept reading about the amazing properties found in argan oil. Argan oil has high concentrations of nutrients like highly potent antioxidants. Argan oil neutralizes free radicals, reduces inflammation, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and protects the skin from harsh environmental factors. It is as natural as you can get, and your skin absorbs it, so you never get that greasy residue some moisturizers leave.

I found Kahina Giving Beauty during my search for the purest argan oil. Berber Women of Morocco have been using argan oil for years to protect their skin the desert. Kahina is named for a Berber queen and prophetess who reigned in Morocco circa 700 CE. Kahina is a heroine to Berber women. Kahina Giving Beauty was founded by Katharine Phillips L’Heureux after a trip to Morocco where she discovered the effectiveness of pure argan oil. Kahina Giving Beauty is aptly names as it gives back 25% of the profits from the sale of Kahina Giving Beauty products to support initiatives to help these women. The entire site for Kahina is based around educating the consumer to the uses and sustainability of Kahina-Giving Beauty.

Berber women extract the oil from the nut of the argan tree. These women actually reside in North Africa in the among the argan forests. Kahina Giving Beauty is helping these women in the argan cooperatives by providing them with their first chance at economic and social freedom. Many of them are learning to read and write for the first time through literacy programs provided by the cooperatives. Kahina Giving Beauty packaging is actually decorated with the signatures of some of the Berber women. I find that so touching and beautiful.

The products are fantastic. I use the Facial Lotion morning and night. It is so light-weight with a very light pleasant smell. My skin drinks this up! I noticed a marked difference in skin tightness and dryness.

My other skin treat is the 100% Organic Argan Oil. A need the tiniest amount at night to help soothe my pink cheeks. My hands have become softer just from applying it at night. I also used it on my daughter's arm where she had a scare and it seems to be disappearing. I was skeptical using an oil, but this is just a dream. You have to try argan oil! You can even use it in your hair to tame frizziness.

I love everything about the Kahina Giving Beauty company. They are giving back to an amazing group of women, and bringing jobs and education. And I cannot complain about the gorgeous and soft skin they have given me.

Janet Waddell Haircare

2011-07-22T09:54:00.005-05:00

Summer does a number on my hair. I spend most of my time either swimming or gardening and I get scorched ends from the sun and chlorine. My usual haircare routine was not cutting it. Then an angel came and lead me to Janet Waddell. Janet Waddell ran the LA Vidal Sassoon Salon and worked with renowned stylist John Barrett, as his Education Director and Senior Stylist in his Bergdorf Goodman location. Allure Magazine named her best haircutter NYC and Esquire Magazine credited her as best Men’s hair expert. She (thankfully) decided to launch her own salon and fabulous haircare line. The secret to the line: Emu Oil. Emu Oil that is naturally sourced; a magical potion used by Australian Aborigines for over 2,000 years.

Her shampoo is aptly named gorgeous. It is Paraben free and uses 100% natural and botanical ingredients. I am wild about the scent (a delicious citrus, I describe as a a fizzy orange lime). Usually shampoos feel like they are stripping my hair, but this shampoo gives me body, shine and a softness beyond compare.

The conditioner is called flawless. The Emu Oil makes it ultra-moisturizing and the added grapeseed has powerful antioxidant effects. Like the shampoo, the delicious scent is the perfect summertime pick-me-up. What baffles me is how she got a conditioner to work just as well on thick lush hair as on my own fine hair. It is not too heavy, leaves the right amount of moisture and leaves no greasy residue.

The genius hair balm is my secret weapon. Whether I am going straight or curly, it makes it happen without weighing it down, without a greasy or oily look. My husband, daughter and I all use it to style and we really do think Janet Waddell is a genius for creating this.

I love that the whole line is Paraben free and uses natural and botanical ingredients. Now I am planning my visit to her salon in NYC because I cannot get enough of Janet Waddell...she has saved my summer hair.

Navitas Naturals

2011-07-20T17:11:00.006-05:00

I am always looking for ways to add more healthy foods to our lives. You all know about our love of smoothies and seeds etc. I am also trying to work with more "green companies" to provide us with the products we use. Navitas Naturals is a company based in Marin County, California that provides certified organic functional foods. The “Navitas” in the name is the Latin word for energy. The foods are all free of additives, trans fats and are always as pure as can be. Navitas Naturals says:

Our company is committed to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. We source our premium functional foods through direct partnerships with farming communities around the world. An essential part of our mission is to create economic opportunities among indigenous people in developing countries, and our support of native agriculture helps expand development of global organic farming practices.

We got a few products to try. We loved every single one. The Goldenberries are nutritionally packed with anti-inflammatory bioflavonoids, vitamins A and C, and protein. They are 100% pure are certified organic, kosher, gluten-free, vegan, and raw. They do not contain any added sugar or preservatives. My daughter loved the sweet and sour taste. We did not even get the chance to bake with them because she ate them right out of the bag for snack.

The Maqui Powder, made from ground Maqui berries offers more antioxidants than any discovered fruit.

Recent studies have demonstrated the nutrition in maqui berries can support a wide variety of bodily functions, including brain performance, heart health, liver strength, anticancer activity and – as the Machupe Indians likely know – overall longevity.

We added ours to smoothies, and even sprinkled on to oatmeal for a tart delicious treat!

We also are known to have a little bit of sweet tooth (just a little one), so the Organic Superfood Chocolate Kit . The kit came with cacao butter, cacao powder and even cacao nibs: a synergistic combination of exciting power ingredients that's packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, essential minerals, and is sugar and dairy free. We decided to use a chocolate mold we had for crafts. My daughter was very into helping to melt the cacao butter and mixing in the powder. I loved the delicious crunch added by the cacao nibs. Hands down, this one was a winner!

We now have a new "go-to" for healthy treats.

Back to the Roots

2011-07-12T19:56:00.004-05:00

We have our own garden, we try to buy local, but growing any plants indoors has not always gone well for me. I tend to overwater my outdoor garden and underwater whatever I have planted indoors. Ooops!

I read about Back to the Roots while looking for a cool way to grow something indoors that my daughter could do with me. She is three, and she loves having something to take care of. Back to the Roots was founded by Alejandro Velez & Nikhil Arora during their last semester at UC Berkeley in 2009. They were inspired by the idea of turning waste into fresh local food, so they grew oyster mushrooms on recycled coffee grounds. The created the Grow-Your-Own Mushroom Garden. By the end of 2011 they hope to collect, divert and reuse 1 million lbs of coffee grounds from Peet's Coffee & Tea. They have sustained 10 urban school & community gardens by donating BTTRs premium soil amendment.

The Grow-Your-Own Mushroom Garden is literally one of the coolest things I have ever seen. The kit comes with packed coffee ground soil and you simply pop open one side of the box, cut-away the packing and spritz with the included mister two times a day. We had mushrooms (pictured above) in 7 days! My daughter was thrilled to bits, and she loved that she could help (she was in charge of misting it). Even better, you can get 2-4 crops from one package, and they sell refills! The mushrooms were super tasty with some garlic and olive oil. Finally, a plant that survived our home.

These kits are so perfect for children because they are 100% safe and sustainable. I plan on buying some for my daughter's school to use in the fall. We are crazy for this fabulous company!

Hello, Dolly! (Corolle Doll Giveaway!)

2011-07-11T20:58:00.006-05:00

Every little girl and boy has had that favorite item, whether a blanket or doll. We have lots of cloth dolls for my daughter, and she has a great time playing mommy, but she wanted something different. When a cousin recently had a baby, my daughter was after me for a "real baby doll". I finally figured out that that meant a vinyl baby doll. My baby doll was named Zachary, and he was a Corolle baby doll. I knew my daughter would be thrilled with a Corolle doll because they are so real-looking, and because they really are heirloom quality (I also adore the delicious vanilla scent). Corolle dolls come in all shapes and sizes, as they have for over 30 years. Corolle dolls are made for children to bond with.

Our first Corolle doll was the Bebe Do. This adorable soft-bodied baby doll comes complete with its own feeding bottle and soft bunny. It also comes with a book that teaches little girls how to take care of their dolls like a "real mommy". She measures 14 inches, so she is a good size. Her soft body makes her so cuddly, and she is really the perfect size for little girls and their first larger baby doll. Bebe Do has logged a lot of time in my daughter's carriage and cradle.

For "little mamas" that want an even more realistic "baby", the Corolle Bebe Amour is perfect! Bebe Amour is the size of a real 3-month old baby. She has a soft body and sleeping eyes. You can actually use your child's onesies (or even a younger siblings clothing) to dress this doll. It is amazing how real she does feel.

I love that Corolle fosters a child's creativity by giving them these objects of love. Children learn to bond, care for a childhood friend, and make memories to last a lifetime. I love watching my daughter respond to her doll's imagined "needs". Bebe Amour and Bebe Do run the gamut from tired, to hungry to playing. No batteries, no flashing lights, just childhood fun!

Want to get a Bebe Amour for your little one? Here's how:
Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US and Canada readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on August 6, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on August 7, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Bebe Amour will be mailed directly from Corolle.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Corolle on Facebook
2.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Holztiger Brings Back Imagination

2011-07-10T09:57:00.012-05:00

We definitely have a mixture of toys in our home. I try to buy lots of wooden items, and toys that allow my daughter to really use her creativity. That means toys that are not battery-operated with flashing lights. Holztiger is the perfect collection of handcrafted wooden toys made in Europe. They have every kind of figure you could imagine, from animals to fairytale figures. They are made from either solid beech or maple hardwood from sustainable forests and are hand-painted with water-based paints and have a water-based clear coat on top so they are moisture proof for little hands and mouths. They edges are always nicely rounds with no rough spots, so even younger children can safely play.

We got the Snow White and Seven Dwarves. My daughter spent a whole day giving them a live concert and then acting out one of her favorite bedtime tales. The quality of these figures is really amazing. They are sturdy enough to stand-up to even the toughest child, but the detailing is so fine. I look forward to adding to our collection (and watching them become an heirloom toy).

2011-07-10T09:57:00.009-05:00

Eating is an Adventure

2011-07-01T17:32:00.003-05:00

Lauren Child is one of my all-time favorite children's book author and illustrator. Her fantastic drawings and collage style books are always favorites with children as well. The Charlie and Lola series of books are based on a brother, Charlie, and his little sister, Lola. Charlie and Lola deal with everyday life in fun ways that children relate to. Most of Lauren Child's books are like this. No fantasy here, just pure hilarious fun! One of our favorites is Charlie and Lola's I Will Never NOT EVER Eat a Tomato Pop-Up Book . Lola announces everything she will not eat (and most especially tomatoes). Charlie cleverly disguises these foods by making them fun. Carrots become "orange twiglets from Jupiter" and tomatoes become "moonsquirters." Suddenly Lola is eating all of those foods she claimed to dislike.

This book is perfect for picky eaters and parents. It gave me a few ideas to convince my little eater that food can be fun with a little imagination. We loved the original of this book, and the pop-up is even better because children really get to interact with this creative, imaginative book. Eating will never be the same again!

Cream Perfume Company Giveaway!

2011-06-29T20:49:00.005-05:00

I am not into heavy scents, especially in the summer. However, I like to smell nice (who doesn't?). When I found the Cream Perfume Company, I knew it would be a match made in deliciously scented heaven. The Cream Perfume Company works with renowned perfumers and local artisans in Grasse, France to create:

premium nature identical oil blends, ECOCERT certified organic essentials, absolutes and pure plant and fruit extracts. Our perfumes are all phthalate free and contain no sulfates, petro-chemicals, synthetic dyes, triclosan, GMO, PPG, MEA, DEA, TEA or formaldehyde donors. Our products are cruelty free.

Additionally, our body lotions are vegan, wheat and gluten free, contain no glycol, parabens, sulfates, phthalates or silicones.

The products come in eco-friendly (and travel friendly) containers. The wood they use is recycled, and sturdy enough to cart around with you all day. We tried the Apricot Cream Perfume and the Mango Cream Perfume. The Apricot is a blend of black currant, apricot, green notes, lilly of the valley and raspberry with jasmine, sandalwood and musk. It is my favorite summer scent. The Mango is mango and cassis balanced with jasmin and candy sugar accord with sandalwood, musk and vanilla. The Mango is romantic and warm on me (a nice dinner out fragrance). We also got to try the Mandarin Body Lotion which really moisturizes and has a delicious woody orange scent.

The Cream Perfume Company is pocket-book and environmentally friendly. And best of all...you get to smell amazing! Want to win one product of your choice from The Cream Perfume Company? Here's how:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US and Canada readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on July 25, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on July 26, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Cream Perfume Company product of choice will be mailed to you directly from The Cream Perfume Company.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
3. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
4. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
5. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Priti NYC

2011-06-27T20:33:00.005-05:00

Painting my nails is one of the small things I do as a quick pick-me-up. I have always loved how relaxing it is. When I got pregnant with my daughter I packed it all away. I was so careful with everything I put on or into my body. We tried using "kid-friendly" paints, but they all chipped immediately and did not seem worth the effort. Then we found Priti NYC. Priti NYC was launched in 2005 in an effort to go green by creator Kim D'Amato.

Priti NYC polishes are all completely non-toxic and made without toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DHB) and formaldehyde- all known carcinogenic ingredients. The luxury polishes are fast drying, chip resistant, contain a UV inhibitor, and are extremely durable and glossy. They are also completely safe for use on children and moms-to-be. Available in over 100 different shades including metallics, mattes, bright neons, rich darks, classic nudes, and everything in between, limited color selection due to ecological restraints has officially become a thing of the past.

Priti NYC now has a soy nail polish removed, recycled glass nail file and even polishes for little ones (the Priti Princess nail polish collection, inspired by D'Amato's 9 yr. old daughter). They are 100% cruelty-free and 100% vegan.

We gave these polishes a go and love them! My daughter and I have had it on for a full week (it lasted through gardening with no gloves, cleaning and beach days). The soy remover is fabulous and works better than those chemical ones. We got to try the Soy Nail Polish Remover Wipes and are truly converted. I am really in awe of the 2 in 1 Top & Base Coat, I usually find them too thick, but this one is great and really prolongs your manicure and pedicure. Priti NYC even has a way for you to recycle your nail polish bottles. What's not to love?! Priti NYC polishes are Priti fabulous!

Belle & Boo

2011-06-23T16:27:00.003-05:00

Hop through the fields and burrows...run through wet meadows...take a dreamy ride on the tube and meet Belle & Boo. Belle & Boo are a delightful girl and her bunny from the fabulously creative mind and hand of Mandy, an extraordinary Etsy seller. Everything from prints, wall stickers, bags, tape, wrapping paper and even an activity book fill the Belle & Boo shop. Mandy and Kate, two gals from England bring you the most delightful characters that warm your heart and home. I found them while looking for some decor for my daughter's room. I am a full-fledged Belle & Boo follower now. The drawings are so delightful and really capture the essence of childhood moments. I got the print (pictured at top) "I grew this for you." I am in love! We were going to hang it in our office area, but I selfishly feel the need to see it at all times, so family room it is. I plan on scooping up many more prints in the future and my daughter is dying for a wall sticker. I say I am going to get the activity book for my daughter, but we all know it is most definitely for me (and maybe I will let her play too).

do T do, Delicious Treats for You

2011-06-20T20:11:00.004-05:00

I love hard candies! I always feel a bit bad eating candy, but when I was pregnant, hard candy helped me through some very long morning sickness-filled days. I have read about dietary approved essential oils being used in candies, but did not really know where to find them. I figure I use essential oils on my skin, hair etc. so consuming them could be pretty amazing. do T Do is a fabulous Etsy seller that has wonderful concoctions using essential oils. do T do says:

DōTERRA (CPTG) Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils represent the safest, purest, and most beneficial essential oils available today. They are gently and skillfully distilled from plants that have been patiently harvested at the perfect moment by experienced growers from around the world for ideal extract composition and efficacy.

These DoTERRA Drops and Sneaky Suckers are Dietary Approved Essentials Oils! I DO NOT use artificial candy oils or preservatives.

So what do they taste like...pure deliciousness. We got to try the lemon, lavender, peppermint and Slim and Sassy doTerra drops. My daughter was a huge fan of the lavender, which surprised me. We also love eating lavender and lemon together. I actually really love the Slim and Sassy. The Slim and Sassy contain cinnamon, grapefruit, lemon, peppermint and ginger oils so they were perfect for curbing my appetite as cinnamon is a natural appetite suppressant. I cannot wait to get more! I also dig the fact that these delicious drops are all handmade fresh upon purchase.

Boil Me Up Some Pasta, Nice and Hot!

2011-06-16T20:42:00.007-05:00

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola is one of the classic children's books of all time. Since I was little, I was delighted by the tale of Strega Nona ("witch grandmother") and her magic pasta pot that could boil pasta with a few magic words. I was equally enchanted when her helper Big Anthony tries to use the magic pasta pot with disastrous and hilarious results. Tomie dePaola's illustrations are charming and fun. When I had my daughter, it was one of the first books I bought. We enjoy reading it so. My daughter also loves it because my maternal family is Italian and my daughter and her Great-Nona spend a lot of time together cooking delicious pasta dishes and family meals. My daughter even named her "pretend" cat Strega Nona.
We read it so much, but as is often the case with storybook characters, unless she is imagining it, she could not really act out the Strega Nona story. Until I found Etsy seller, Crunchy Family Rising. Crunchy Family Rising is a fabulous Etsy shop full of wooden handmade goods. I found the Strega Nona playset and am over the moon with how beautiful it is. This hand-carved set is made from poplar and then woodburned and hand-painted with non-toxic watercolor paints. It is finished with a homemade beeswax.

My daughter has not stopped playing with this (as evidenced by the uncooked pasta surrounding the set). We all think it is fabulous, and it is currently at our kitchen table where she plays with it before and after dinner. Crystal, the creator of all of the toys in the Crunchy Family Rising shop said:

I'm inspired, in a large part, by my two children. They're so creative and their imaginations have no limits. I love to listen to them play while I'm working and they don't think I'm paying attention. Some of my creations have been requests from the kids, and some items are things that remind me of their personalities. I started making toys because I wanted to be able to provide my daughter and son with beautiful toys made of natural materials, but couldn't afford to buy them. My husband encouraged me to sell my creations, and now I'm pleased to offer handcrafted, natural toys that other families will enjoy as much as mine has.

Her work is meticulous and so well-done that it truly is a work of art. I cannot wait to get more items from Crunchy Family Rising. For now we are cooking away with Strega Nona.

Visit Crunchy Family Rising and get 10% off with code: gratitude.

Wildly Affordable Organic

2011-06-15T20:18:00.003-05:00

In our home we try to buy and eat organic foods whenever possible. Sometimes that is easy, like planting our own garden and using all organic matter to grow it etc. A lot of people assume that "organic" is synonymous with "expensive". I was one of those people for a long time. I had to learn how to make organic work for our home. Wildly Affordable Organic by Linda Watson is the perfect book for those wanting to eat organically but scared of the cost. Watson shows readers how to eat organic for $5 a day. This includes food plans and recipe ideas. Watson advises to use your fridge and freezer and stretch your pennies by not throwing extras away. She even has a list of items that do not need to be "organic" and those that should always be organic. Her ideas are easy to follow and fun! Watson advises cooking from scratch and buying locally from farmer's markets (plus your fruit and vegetables are always fresher that way). We took a lot of her advice and put it into practice.

Just tonight we feasted on her Greek Potato Salad (pictured) and we have enough for lunch tomorrow for our whole family. I find myself going back to this book again and again, and you will too. If eating organic seems cost prohibitive, Linda Watson is there to show you that anyone can do it.

KinderGlo Giveaway!

2011-06-14T21:04:00.008-05:00

I think it is a built-in thing with children to have certain fears. Darkness seems to be a big one. When my daughter started sleeping in her own room, she was very adamant that a light be left on at night. The large overheard light in her room, was a bit much, even dimmed. I was looking for a night light that would help her feel comfortable. KingerGlo is a series of adorable LED night lights that bathe the room in soft light. They are non-toxic durable little characters for your children to keep right in bed with them (or carry on trips to the bathroom). The charger powers the night lights for 8-10 hours, and you can choose color settings and put it on a 30 minute timer or leave it on all night. We got the Quarter Moon and we love it! My daughter feels safe and she is really into the different colors she can choose (each night she chooses a different color she wants her moon to be). If you want to receive $5 off of any of the night lights on the KingerGlo website, use code: ZX0I4GG3XN13. Want to win one for your tiny tot? Here's how:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US and Canada readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on July 6, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on July 7, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your KinderGlo night light of choice (any available style) will be mailed directly from KingerGlo.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
3. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
4. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
5. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

The Candied Flower

2011-06-13T17:27:00.008-05:00

I am and have always been a bit of a sugar fiend. In order to not eat an entire box of chocolates, I often stick to hard candies and lollipops (always brushing right afterwards...hee, hee). I limit the sugar my daughter has, but I also allow her the occasional lollipop or candy because I never want her to be the kid who goes sugar and candy crazy because she never got to have it. I am picky, and that is why I am always on the search for yummy candy treats that are handmade.

The Candied Flower is an Etsy shop where you will definitely find something delicious. Aymee of The Candied Flower makes all of her own lollipops, cookie and cupcake treats. She was inspired by the Victorians who often put flowers into their treats. Each lollipop we got was a true work of art. The Candied Flower says:

Every single flower we crystallize is either organically grown in our garden or sourced from reputable and local purveyors of organic flowers. We guarantee that every one of our blooms is also free of harmful chemicals, and pesticides.

My favorite flavor was definitely the Coconut Pansy, while my daughter was delighted by the Ginger Lollipop (which coincidentally also settled her stomach when she had a little to much salad). The Candied Flower has gorgeous presentation and is the perfect way to satisfy this sweet tooth. Handmade really is better!

E is for Ethics and E is for Environment

2011-06-11T10:48:00.007-05:00

Books are a big deal in our home. We read numerous stories every night. My daughter loves discussing what we read. Author, Ian James Corlett wrote two amazing books about important subjects we all want to teach our children about: ethics and the environment. E is for Ethics sprung from Ian James Corlett's own conversations he had with his children after dinner. He decided to create Elliot and Lucy, fun characters to help explain ethics to children through 26 stories. E is for Ethics is a great way to spark conversation. There are helpful questions at the end of each story (better yet the stories are quick and simple enough for even the tiniest little ones to understand). They cover everything from acceptance to how to deal with people who are "different". In this world where bullying continues to be a persistent problem, having these conversations and hearing these stories could be one way in making children understand how to treat one another with respect.

E is for Environment brings back Elliot and Lucy with 26 stories that teach little ones to be eco-conscious. Elliot and Lucy learn to shut the water off while brushing their teeth, bring reusable bags to stores, and even simple things like shutting off lights. My daughter loves the conversations these books spark. She was pretty excited to know she was doing the right thing by reminding daddy to bring reusable bags.

Children will love Lucy and Elliot because they will relate to them. I love that they encourage parent-child dialogue and best of all I love the positive messages in both books.

Bungalow 360 Bags

2011-06-03T16:35:00.006-05:00

I consider myself a connoisseur of two things: bags and lip balm. I know what I like and I love nothing more than finding quality items. Bungalow 360 was created by Susie Pusch. What started as a handmade small bag and accessory company is now sold in over 2000 stores. The bags and all of the prints are designed by Susie and her husband Franz.

The prints are so fun and each bag has as much character as its owner. We have a few and I cannot get enough.
The Isabella Pocket Bag in the Giraffe print is a big hit. My daughter grabbed it the minute it came out of the box. It is 100% natural cotton canvas with pockets for everything. It easily fits over the shoulder, zips closed and holds more than you can imagine. I am in love!

The Weekend Travel Bag has front and side-zip pockets to store drinks/snacks/you name it! The interior is super roomy and perfect for sleepovers, traveling and a day at the beach. We got the groovy Hummingbird print with peace signs and bright red flowers.

If you want smaller items, Bungalow 360 has what you need. The coated canvas line has everything from deliciously cute wallets like the Sweetpea on pictured to cosmetic bags. The Coated Canvas Wallet is Vegan and super easy to keep clean with a waterproof coating on it. I love the kitschy Sweetpea flower print. I also love the numerous pockets for all of my cards, and the separate spaces for checks, cash, and change. The Funky Flower Coated Canvas Makeup bag is perfect for carting my sunscreen, lip balms and whatever we need. I am getting one to store my items in the car too.

I love all of the Bungalow 360 prints and each bag and accessory comes in numerous print styles for you. This is bag heaven. Better yet, these bags will last long and are easy to keep clean. I love that they are eco-friendly and vegan friendly.

Giveaway Winners!

2011-06-02T17:10:00.001-05:00

Marysa is the winner of the ImagiPlay Pozimals Kangroo.

Julie is the winner of the Earth Mama Angel Baby Calm & Clean Hand to Toe Wash.

Congrats winners!

Do not forget to enter to win the following:
ConservingNow Envirosax Bag-ends 6/9

Green to Grow Sippy and Formula Stacker with Seashell Lids-ends 6/16

Clek Gives a Boost to Car Rides

2011-06-02T16:51:00.007-05:00

Buying a car seat can be a daunting process. You usually need an infant seat, then a regular car seat then a booster. It does not leave a lot of room for children who grow quite fast, and because of age requirements are often too young to be in a booster, but are barely fitting into their regular car seats. Clek helped make this whole transition easier for our family. Clek purchases 100% of their materials from North American suppliers, including the final assembly of all Clek products. Clek contributes to non-profit organizations aimed at helping children who live below the poverty line. They always think about the environment and how to diminish their impact on the earth. We were a match made in heaven.

Their booster seats are top of the line for safety and style. Consumer reports ranks them as the best in safety. We have the Clek oobr. Unlike most boosters it has a fullback that can be removed to grow with your child. Therefore, you can use this booster from age 3. As your child grows, you can remove the back to have a regular booster seat. The oobr also has LATCH installation. Most boosters lack the LATCH installation which means if there is not child sitting on the seat, it slides all over the car. I also find it gives me piece of mind to know my child is in a seat that is secured. The oobr reclines up to 12 degrees, and has an adjustable head restraint with protective EPS foam. It was engineered with front, rear and side impact in mind. There are belt guides to help positioning of the seat belt on your child's hips and shoulders. There is also a Magnesium Back Frame that contains the torso during a side impact collision and protects against vehicle intrusion.

This is an amazing booster seat. We knew we wanted to move my daughter out of her regular 5 point harness seat and into a booster because she was too tall, and her legs were getting bruised from the belt being too tight. I also knew we needed something with a back, and LATCH installation. My options were all down to one seat which had it all....the Clek oobr. Instead of having to get two more car seats, I could get this one, and simply remove the back as she gets older. She is super comfy in the seat with plenty of room. The Drink-thingy by Clek attaches easily for her to always have her water bottle with her. The cushioning on the seat can be easily removed and washed. I had my husband time me while I installed it, and it was very simple and quick! I cannot recommend this seat enough. We are finally done with the fight of why she needs a seat and how comfortable she is. She actually fell asleep in the seat, which may not sound like a big deal to you, but it is. My daughter has not napped since she was two...she resists them, until now.

I was lucky enough to ask Clek Founder, Chris Lumley, his inspiration for creating the Clek line, and why he added the LATCH system. Click here to read that interview.

Just Combing Through

2011-05-26T20:00:00.004-05:00

If any of you have children with long hair, curly hair, hair in general...then you know how hard it is to get a brush through those baby locks. Young children have beautiful hair but it can be a bear to comb. I try to use natural products to care for my daughter, and detangler is no exception. I found Babo Botanicals while doing research to find a pleasant-smelling, effective detangler. Babo Botanicals is the first-ever nature-based line of children's products that specifically targets different types of hair, scalp and skin needs of children. Founded by Kate Solomon, a hair care industry veteran, after having her own child. She realized children have different hair care needs, and the line has something for everyone from dry,tangled, or unruly hair, to extra-sensitive, lice prevention and cradle cap. Solomon worked with botanists at an organic farm in upstate New York to create the Babo Botanicals line. The line is named after her sons "security bunny", Babo (how cute is that?!). The formulas are all 100% plant-based. The products are all:
*sulfate and tear free
*free of artificial fragrances and colors
*free of parabens, phthalates and chemical preservatives
*Formaldehyde-free
*Silicone and alcohol free
*1,4-dioxane free
*allergy nute oils and mineral oil free
*Vegan-soy and dairy free
*Biodegradable
*color-safe (so mom's can use them too)
*Allergy, dermatologist and clinically tested
*Hypoallergenic
*All packaging is recyclable

We got to try two of the conditioning sprays and loved them! The Berry Primrose Instantly Smooth Detangler smells like fresh-picked berries. It is a blend of Certified Organic Nutri-Soothe™ rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants combined with Chamomile, Watercress, Kudzu and Calendula. It really does the trick with keeping away frizz and is perfect for getting the tangles right out. My daughter actually lets us brush her hair now. I even use it on my curly hair and to liven up dry hair and it works beautifully.

The Cucumber Aloe Vera UV Sport Conditioning Spray has plant-based conditioners that help combat UV damage and dryness, and UV Filter Wild Pansey helps resist effects of chlorine, salt and sun while organic Aloe Vera and Cucumber revitalize and replenish moisture. We use this before swim lessons and after and even to protect our tresses on the beach. I love the fresh cucumber scent of this one. This is especially helpful for mommies who want to protect colored hair.

We are huge fans of this line. The scents are kid-friendly and fun (no boring old lavender here), and the formulas are safe. Take a peek a the bottles of product in your bathroom...and make the switch to something safe, and good for your child and your family!

Fueling our day

2011-05-25T21:03:00.002-05:00

Fuel is a line of on-the-go BPA free products from the Trudeau Corporation. There are containers in every size you could imagine, drinking bottles and even on-the-go utensils. The colors are fun and catchy. We got the Fuel Duo SS Thermal Food Container. It is made from high grade 18/8 (304) Stainless Steel. The 2 part lid becomes a dry snack container, with your moist food in the stainless steel bottom. It even comes with a handy foldable spoon. This is the perfect way to pack nutritious lunches for your children. I have taken a very part-time job, but whenever my mom is watching my daughter, I pack her a nutritious lunch to avoid what I call "Nana's house snacking." I love sending soups in fall, winter and early spring. The Duo SS Thermal Food Container keeps it nice and warm for up to five hours. We have also used it to keep some salads cool. I love the convenience and how earth-friendly it is. My daughter "allowed" her father to take it to work the other day with his homemade chili. This makes is easy to "Fuel" our lifestyle.

Green To Grow Giveaway!

2011-05-20T09:33:00.005-05:00

Naturally, Green to Grow was started when a man became a father. Michael Ritterbrown, the President of Green to Grow had a child and realized he wanted to protect his child from the harsh chemicals in bottles and other baby gear. Green to Grow began by making a line of bisphenol A-free plastic baby bottles and now Green to Grow makes everything from bottles to cups and clothing for children. We are out of the bottle stage in our home, but after reading such wonderful things about this brand, I was super excited to try some of the new products they have launched.

The new Eco-system Sippy Trainer Cup is a great way to transition from bottles to a sippy cup. It is adorably decorate with a cheery seahorse. It is:

Independently tested for quality and safety

Made from recyclable polypropylene plastic (#5)

Free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, and lead

Sold as a single unit with seahorse design

Compatible with sippy spout and sippy handle

Soft spout eases transition from baby bottle to sippy

Complies with EN 14350 and CPSIA

We let our little nephew give it a go, and no only did he not spill, but we loved the cover to keep it safe from germs during our outings. This was a definite winner.

The Ecosystem Formula Stacker is great way to travel with either formula or snacks for your kids. It comes with two 4 oz containers, a pouring spout for powdered formula or snacks, and a lid. Ideal for toting and storing formula and snacks vertically. Purchase a pair of Seashell Lids and convert your formula stacker to two individual 4 oz snack containers!

Independently tested for quality and safety

Made from recyclable polypropylene plastic (#5)

Free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, and lead

Compatible with seashell lids

Sold as single unit with blue whale design

Complies with EN 14350 and CPSIA

We never used formula, but these were perfect for traveling with snacks. The seashell lids are perfect for summer! I love that they were able to separate into two separate snack containers which made traveling with dried strawberries much easier. My daughter is a big fan of the ocean-themed design.

Want to win your own Ecosystem Sippy Trainer Cup and Ecosystem Formula Stacker with Seashell Lids? Green to Grow is giving away this wonderful set to one lucky Product Mommy reader.

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on June 16, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on June 17, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Green to Grow Ecosystem Sippy Trainer Cup and Formula Stacker with Seashell lids will be mailed directly from Green to Grow.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Green to Grow on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

PlasmaCar = Active Fun!

2011-05-17T07:33:00.005-05:00

It drives me nuts when I see children riding along in their battery-operated cars and trucks. Whatever happened to good old active play? In my determined plan to not allow my child to play that way, I went searching for a toy that would really get her attention, and offer something a little different than a typical bicycle or big wheel. I found PlasmaCar. This award-winning toy has become a favorite of parents everywhere, and for good reason. It is fun!

It's design requires no batteries, pedals, gears, or electrical parts to propel the car; you simply turn the steering wheel, and away you go! The PlasmaCar harnesses the natural forces of inertia, centrifugal force and friction.
Quiet, inexpensive, and providing limitless playability, the PlasmaCar is truly a unique toy that can reach exhilarating, but kid-friendly, speeds of up to 10 km/hour (6 mph).

The PlasmaCar can support up to 220 pounds! My daughter loves propelling herself around in it. During a recent vacation week I watched my nephews also join in on the fun. From ages 10 to 3, they all had a ball using the PlasmaCar. I loved watching them be active and get their hearts pumping, without even knowing it because they were having so much fun. What more could a mom or dad ask for? I have to admit, it looked so fun, I also gave it a whirl and it was just as good as it looked. If your are sick of batter-operated "lazy" toys for kids, run to get a PlasmaCar and watch the fun ensue.

Giveaway Winners

2011-05-15T15:09:00.002-05:00

Marysa is the winner of the SmartKnit Seamless Socks.

Angie is the winner of the Elegant Rose Boutique Giveaway.

Liz is the winner of the EO products.

Remember to enter these exciting giveaways:

Ani's Raw Food Essentials Recipe Book-ends 5/16

ImagiPlay Pozimals Kangaroo-ends 5/25

Earth Mama Angel Baby Calm & Clean Hand to Toe Wash-ends 5/29

ConservingNow Envirosax Bag-ends 6/9

ConservingNow Envirosax Giveaway!

2011-05-15T14:56:00.004-05:00

Ever start using a product and think to yourself "How did I ever live without this?". That was a moment I recently had when I was using my Envirosax from ConservingNow. ConservingNow is dedicated to teaching our children about conserving the earth by taking small steps. They hope that in 10 years from now, plastic bags will be obsolete, and everyone will be using reusable bags. Their website is full of ways parents, teachers and the community can help children achieve this goal and the goal of making our earth a safe, healthy place to be.

You may be using reusable bags, or like me, forgetting them in your car and cursing in the shop. ConservingNow has helpful car window static clinks that all of you readers can get for free! by clicking on the ConvservingNow link on the right side bar of this blog, or by going here. We have ours on our car, and it is a huge reminder as I unbuckle my child to get her out of the car for errands to bring my reusable bag(s) with me. ConservingNow has tons of options for reusable bags, from their cotton canvas totes to Envirosax.

We got the Envirosax from ConservingNow, and I cannot live without them. We got the 5-in-1 pouch which has five bags in a small pouch you can easily carry with you everywhere. I used all five bags in a "day of the life of Product Mommy." We began at Whole foods, which filled two bags in a snap. I used another bag for our huge haul of library books. The fourth bag was filled with clothing a cousin gave me for my daughter. The fifth bag was perfect for hauling leftovers from a fabulous dinner. I made sure to unpack them when I got home and put them all into my handbag for use the next day. I find myself reaching for an Envirosax every single day. They are so roomy and go easily over my shoulder, so I can get my toddler and my items into the house with ease. We even use an Envirosax to carry all the loot from and Easter Egg hunt. I am never without them, so when I think "shoot, I forgot my resuable bags," wherever I am, I reach into my handbag and they are there!

Want to win an Envirosax? ConservingNow is offering one lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win one Envirosax bag in their choice of pattern. And don't forget to get your free car window static cling to remind you to always bring your reusable bags.

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on June 9, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on June 10, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Envirosax will be mailed directly from ConservingNow.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of ConservingNow on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Petunia Pickle Bottom Keeps Product Mommy Organized

2011-05-09T17:54:00.005-05:00

Petunia Pickle Bottom is synonymous with style for moms, dads and babies. Their diaper bags fly off the shelves because they are functional, stylish and best of all...they do not look like your typical diaper bags. Fashionable Diaper bags?, you ask? Yes! Petunia Pickle Bottom has pretty much single-handedly changed how new mommas are toting their gear around town. The new Sashay Satchel is no exception. It can be a satchel or converted to a backpack diaper bag with ease. The Sashay Satchel makes it easy to also go from diaper bag to your everything bag. This baby is so roomy...and so stylish!

The Sashay Satchel is:
Made from Certified Organic Cotton
Converts to backpack with clever pockets for storage when straps are not in use
Large front magazine pocket with internal cell phone pocket
Four internal bottle pockets, large organizational pockets, zipper pouch and key clip
Removable and wipe-able changing pad
PPB Monogrammed wipes case
Dimensions: 13.25 X 15 X 5.5 in.

Best of all, you look like one hip momma! I am obsessed with my Sashay Satchel. I no longer need to carry diapers for my little one, but I use it as my handbag. I do not know the term "pack lightly". Everything I think I may need comes with me, and best of all, it fits with ease into this bag. The design is so modern and chic. I keep getting approached about who made my bag. Petunia Pickle Bottom owners simply smile and nod with the knowledge that I too am in on the secret. I am obsessed with the easy to wipe coated bottom of the bag, and even happier with the fact that I can carry everything this Mama needs.

Cooking together with Waldorf Books

2011-05-03T10:37:00.006-05:00

Waldorf education is all about fostering artistic creativity in children. Children have vivid imaginations that are all too easily stunted with the use of battery-operated toys and junk food. I incorporate a lot of the Waldorf teaching skills into our lives. I was intrigued when I learned about some Waldorf Cook books sold at Steiner Books . Each one is filled with fun and easy recipes to make healthy snacks and meals for your children. All Waldorf classrooms spend some of their day making breads, soups and snacks. These not only teach children to eat healthy, but also teach them measurements, listening and following directions. The Waldorf diet is full of fruits, vegetables and grains. We had a ball trying some of these delicious recipes.

The Waldorf Kindergarten Snack Book has recipes from Waldorf schools all over the country. We made a delicious vegetable soup and some honey-wheat rolls to go with it.

The Waldorf Book of Breads got me baking with my little helper. We decided to make hot cross buns in honor of Easter. It was pretty simple and my little one had a ball kneading the dough and measuring ingredients. We also are super excited to have found a recipe for rolls that we once enjoyed at a Waldorf outing.

The Waldorf Book of Soups is chock full of nourishing and healthy soups for your little ones. It is a great way to add vegetables and grains to your and your children's diets. We made a Tomato Chick Pea soup that was so delicious, we found ourselves going back for seconds and even packing it for lunch the next day.

I love the whimsical drawings that accompany the recipes in these books, and my daughter loves sharing the time with me. Cooking together is a great way to bond and keep little fingers busy. The fact that is sneaks some learning in there is just the cherry on top.

ABC...Come Meet The Waldorf Alphabet Book

2011-04-30T10:08:00.005-05:00

Learning the Alphabet is daunting for children. We expect them to understand that a symbol represents a sound, and then linking them to create a word. Often, children memorize the symbols and sounds but have no true understanding as to what it all means. Waldorf principle tells us that when teaching any subject, to integrate intellectual development with artistic creativity and practical skill. This comes from developmental psychology of linking cognitive development, emotional intelligence and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. Children are currently being taught to read and write so early without these important connections being made. Often children are wrongly diagnosed with learning disorders, when it was simply a matter of the time and way it was taught to them. Steiner Books has a large collection of Waldorf Books to help you in this process.

In the Waldorf Alphabet Book, words, symbols and art are linked. The pictures come alive and do the "reading" for them. Each page in the Waldorf Alphabet Book is filled with pictures that relate to that letter, but in a drastically different manner than the simple "A is for Apple."

In the "M" page pictured, your see mermaids making up the letter "M" and then the moon with mountains and monkeys. It becomes a visceral and emotional experience for the child.

My daughter knows her letters, but certain ones were giving her trouble. I did not want her to just "memorize", but to understand. We looked through the entire Waldorf Alphabet Book and she was intrigued and charmed by each picture. Even better, because the pictures told a story, we had conversations about each one. The pictures translated in her mind to letters, making it easier for her to understand. She was learning through art. I have since been recommending this book to friends and family. Learning should never be stressful, and maybe if we learn to better understand the minds of our children, we can help them flourish as adults.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Giveaway!

2011-04-27T17:57:00.002-05:00

Earth Mama Angel Baby is one of my favorite companies. Earth Mama Angel Baby has been a staple in our house from the minute we were lucky to try their products. We are devoted users of both the Angel Baby Shampoo & Body Wash as well as the Angel Baby Lotion. I will not use anything else on my daughter. It is because of what Earth Mama Angel Baby products do not contain (toxins!) that make them the best there is. When I learned they were coming out with three new Hand to Toe washes, I was eager to try one out. We need calm in our life, so I told Earth Mama Angel Baby we would love to try the Calm& Clean Hand to Toe Wash.

First, it has naturally germ fighting organic Lavender and Vanilla pure essential oils which makes the smell...well come on, you can imagine how good it is. The pure castile soap formula means there’s no need for artificial preservatives, foaming agents, emulsifiers or antibacterial pesticides. What this delightful wash does not contain makes it even better! There are:

• No petrochemicals, petroleum or petroleum byproducts
• No 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde, or phthalates
• No sodium lauryl sulfate, cocomidopropyl betaine or other synthetic foaming agents or surfactants
• No artificial preservatives, parabens, phenoxyethanol, Quaternium-15 etc.
• No artificial emulsifiers

So each bathtime, my little girl tells me which wash she wants to use. And she smells mmmmm, mmmmm good. Want to get in on the bath time fun? Well Earth Mama Angel Baby is generously offering one Product Mommy reader a chance to win a full-sized bottle of Calm & Clean Hand to Toe Wash. And for those wanting to try the product right now, use code "HandtoToe20" for 20% off all three of the new soaps.

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on May 29, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on May 30, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Earth Mama Angel Baby Calm & Clean Hand to Toe Wash will be mailed directly from Earth Mama Angel Baby.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Earth Mama Angel Baby on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Giveaway Winners!

2011-04-23T20:47:00.002-05:00

Katie won the Eddie Bauer Canvas Bag

Angela won the Green Toys Pizza Parlor

Do not forget to enter these giveaways:

Elegant Rose Boutique body butter, lip balm, soap sample-ends 5/3

SmartKnit Kids Seamless Sensitivity Socks-ends 5/5

EO Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Bubble Bath-ends 5/11

Ani's Raw Food Essentials Recipe Book-ends 5/16

ImagiPlay Pozimals Kangaroo-ends 5/25

It's Stacking Up!

2011-04-23T11:05:00.002-05:00

Blocks are quite simply the best way for your child to learn early hand-eye coordination, stacking, counting etc. I was not into most of the blocks I see in stores. They are simply too plain and not eye-catching enough for my busy toddler. Of course I went searching on my favorite site Etsy.com and found Stack by Stackblocks. Michelle, the creator of Stack was candid about her reasons for getting into making these time-honored traditional, yet fun toys. She told me:

I've always love making handmade gifts for friends and family. And since I've been blessed with lots of both and they, in turn, have been blessed with lots of children I seem to always bee looking for new ideas. But it was when my daughter was around 6 months old and I started looking for classic wooden blocks for her to play with that I realized there wasn't a whole lot out there. At least nothing that caught my eye. So I decided to make her some myself. Then I made some for her playmate, and some for a friends newborn, and so on and so on until it seemed the natural next step to open a shop. :)

As for why blocks and the designs. Blocks are basic yet completely versatile. I like that they go through multiple levels of a child's development. From the visual sensory of the colors and shapes on the blocks & learning how to grasp them in their cute chubby hands all the way to learning to match pictures, spell basic words, craft puzzles, and of course stack them high. I look for colors and designs that I'm drawn to and I pass them through my quality control department (aka my little girl) to make sure they're both parent and child approved. I honestly think I enjoy the blocks as much as she does!

We got the woodland set and are really loving them. I am happy to have them out around the house as the pictures on each block face are just beautiful. My daughter uses them to make different scenes for her dolls, and we used them the other day for a counting exercise. I recently had a friend bemoaning the decoration process of a nursery. She claimed there was nothing decorative, yet useful for a new baby. I lead her right to Stack! The blocks are safe, non-toxic, colorful and fun! And dear readers, if you shop now and use the code "ProductMommy" you will receive 10% off your Stack order!

ImagiPlay Giveaway!

2011-04-22T21:12:00.004-05:00

I have been buying my daughter ImagiPLAY products since she was old enough to clutch a rattle. The toys really have grown with her. All ImagiPlay toys have earth-inspired themes (animals, plants etc.) and really spark your children's creative imaginations.

ImagiPLay toys use only materials and processes that are earth friendly. All of ImagiPLAY's toys are made from eco-friendly materials, with plantation-grown rubberwood being a favorite. When they cannot use rubberwood the toy is made from wood from managed forests. ImagiPLAY's factories are placed close to the neighborhoods where its craftsmen live so that the majority of them can walk or ride their bikes to work each day, enabling its craftsmen to maintain quality relationships with their own children while they make toys for others.

Our newest ImagiPLAY toy is the Tumblin Tree EcoBalancing Game. Children (and adults) take turns "growing" the tree by adding leaves and branches onto the trunk. The trunk can be adjusted to be very steady, or very wobbly. Whoever causes the tree to tumble, has to pick up the pieces. The first player to get all of their pieces on the tree, wins! It is made from all natural, manged forest basswood. We have a ball with this game. It is fantastic for hand-eye coordination. My daughter actually begs us to make it harder. I love that we are "growing" a tree. It makes a great centerpiece for teaching children about growth of trees and also how and why leaves fall. I also like that my daughter learns that if she causes the pieces to come off, she needs to help clean them up as part of the game.

ImagiPLAY wanted Product Mommy readers to be able to join the toy fun! ImagiPlay is giving away one Pozimal Kangaroom http://www.imagiplay.com/productsdetail2.php?id=240&name=Pozimals%20Kangaroo. Pozimals are the perfect toy to take around with you to keep your little ones occupied as they move the pieces to create their animal (perfect for a Dr.'s office).

Here is how to win:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on May 25, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on May 26, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your ImagiPLAY Pozimals Kangaroo will be mailed directly from Product Mommy.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of ImagiPLAY on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Basq(ing) in the Glory of Motherhood

2011-04-19T09:49:00.004-05:00

I remember when I was pregnant. I used every product there was to avoid the dreaded stretch marks. Well, I did not win that battle. My stomach still bears those battle wounds. I actually had a nurse in recovery look at my stomach stretch marks and ask me if I had gained more than the "allowed" amount (actually I stayed under the "allowed" amount). Let me tell you, her comment did loads for my self-confidence. I wish I had known about Basq.

Basq was started by two friends who wanted to bring natural and effective skincare and bodycare to women going through changes from hormonal to pregnancy to just plain being a woman in today's world. (Yes, even non-preggos get stretch marks). The Basq line is award-winning for a reason. The line is paraben, phthalate and allergen free, and they do not test on animals. The products are safe to use during pregnancy, and best of all they work. I test drove a few items from the line and was suitably impressed.

The Advanced Stretch Mark Butter uses clinically Proven Ingredients, Essential Oils known for scar prevention, and rich Butters. Darutoside and Algisium C are powerful ingredients proven in clinical testing to combat and repair stretch marks by regenerating elastin fibers. Shea and Jojoba butters provide rich, creamy nourishment to stretched skin with a buttery texture women love. Borage, Rosehip and Grapeseed Oil work with the skin's natural hydrating process to fortify skin and deliver skin strengthening essential fatty acids deep within the dermis layer. These oils were specifically selected for their ability to prevent scar formation. It absorbs instantly. I used it for a week, and saw results on stretch marks that are over three years old!

The Energizing Body Lotion is super cooling. It is an energizing blend of Green Tea, Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Eucalyptus and Lavender provides head to toe relief and incredibly soft skin. The plant derived formula eases body aches while the energizing aroma and cooling tingle give an instant mental boost. Reduces swelling in the feet and legs, soothes aching back and shoulders and cools the body from "hot flashes." I remember that at the end of my pregnancy I would sit all-night with my feet in ice-cold water. I was commuting, and my dogs were barking. My lower back and feet felt the heat. I would have done anything for this product. I have been on a get-fit kick, and this Body Lotion is put to good use. I love the way it smells, and better yet, the way it feels. It really cools me down, and the tingle takes the body stress away.

And if you need to relax the Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy is the way to go. It has a delicious Lavender and Pear scent that relaxes your body and mind. It can be used on your pulse points, for a facial steam, in the bath or for a relaxing massage. I cannot get enough of the scent.

Basq really has captured what is important to women, and is a line made by women for women. We have enough to worry about, why not make our lives a little easier?!

All Together Now

2011-04-14T07:15:00.005-05:00

I have always really believed that families eating together makes a difference in the way we interact with each other. Whenever possible, I make sure my husband, daughter and myself sit down for a family meal. It brings us closer together and I believe, it helps establish a strong family unit. As my daughter grows, I am mindful that I let her use what she deems "grown-up" items to eat and drink with. This means pottery, ceramic, glass. I have been trying to use as little plastic as possible. Because we instituted this so early, she is careful and more delicate with her surroundings. I was on a search for some pottery pieces to include in our meals, ones that I want to eventually pass on to my daughter someday. I was searching Etsy when I found Mudlark Pottery. I was struck by figures of children and adults painted on quite a few piece of Mudlark Pottery. They reminded me so much of my beloved author and illustrator Maurice Sendak. I immediately contacted their creator.

Laurie, the creator of Mudlark is a New England momma. She was a research assistant for Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, and a naturalist on the Dolphin Fleet Whalewatches leading trips to see humpback and finbacks on Stellwagen Bank. After having her children, she became a part-time freelance science writer and full-time stay at home mother. She instilled an appreciation of art into her children from an early age. She told me, "(art) is a fundamental part of our identity as a family." Laurie started making pottery a few years ago, filling up her shelves with her beautiful, inspired creations. I asked Laurie what inspired what she calls her "Happy People Pots" (the pieces I mentioned with the little figures), and what she wrote me back really touched me:

"

The pieces that I call “Happy People Pots” are especially precious to my family, because these characters are based on the little guys that my kids and I have drawn since they were little. I draw them, Thea draws them. I think long ago these characters started out somewhat thinner and taller and older, but over time they have gotten rounder and younger—and I like the idea of everyone in jammies. Jammies are always a good fashion choice.

Look closely and you will see these characters are not actually always “happy”. Their faces and stances generally express many of the daily, lovely, sometimes challenging emotions of family life. Sometimes these folks are a little bewildered, a little annoyed, a little scared. Other times they are joyous. They hold hands, they sing and they dance.

These characters represent family in the broadest sense—they are big and little people together, parents and children hugging each other, sharing, protecting each other. Sometimes the little ones are straining away from the big ones, wanting to head out in the opposite direction. Sometimes the big ones aren’t quite paying as much attention as they should. But always, there should be a warm connection somewhere. I know that’s a lot to fit into a simple cup or a bowl, but I have a lot of fun trying."

We got the Family bowl. Each of Laurie's special little figures surround this wonderful piece. I think there was a little magic in there as well. We use this bowl almost every night. Whether filled with brussel sprouts (yes, kids eat them), or vegetable barley soup. My daughter is completely enthralled with the figures, and has taken to naming some of them. What really awed me, was that before Laurie even told me that the "Happy People Pots" where adults and children alike, my daughter instinctively knew who the "momma" and "daddy" figures were. Of course she has pegged herself as the joyful little girl. This piece will definitely (hopefully) be on her table someday, where she gets to have her family eating and enjoying together. Laurie has certainly accomplished her goal of that "warm connection". I am having big trouble deciding which piece to get next.

Ani Phyo Raw Food Essentials Recipe Book Giveaway!

2011-04-12T08:10:00.010-05:00

Ani Phyo's newest recipe book Ani's Raw Food Essentials is dedicated to children. Her raw food diet has changed her life and left her feeling healthier and more energetic, something we all want for ourselves and our children. Ani Phyo is the queen of raw or "living food". She has proven that you can get the nutrition and taste you want out of food that is made from uncooked ingredients. Skeptical? Don't be. I began skeptical, thinking I would never get my family to eat raw. I received Ani's Raw Food Essentials, and set out on a mission to prove that food was not only delicious, but something even the pickiest little ones would eat. It was not only fun to make these delicious recipes, my daughter loved them!!!! I decided to give you all a sneak peak at just some of the many recipes we have tried and loved. The recipes are super easy to follow.

We started with a Basic Green Smoothie. It was filled with fruit, water and...kale. Of course you could use whatever greens you wanted, but I decided go big, or go home. My daughter drank two full cups of it. She also told me it was the best thing she ever had. I was shocked, but encouraged. My mission was working.

We made Almond Mylk and used it on our cereals, and even to drink by itself. It was yummy and great for someone like me, who really dislikes regular milk. It was the perfect add-in for smoothies too.

The Apple-Nut Porridge was a huge hit! Both my daughter and I are not huge fans of regular oatmeal. It always seems to make me feel tired and overly full. This fruit based porridge was so good, I would eat it for desert! The flax was a great source of fiber and omega's. We all fought over the last helping.

The Avocado-Pistachio Pesto is like heaven. It is so creamy and delicious. My meat-eating husband gobbled it down. We used it on kelp noodles and it was the perfect decadent meal. I not a fan of regular pesto (too oily for me), but this was just divine.

My daughter fell in love with the Chickenless Burger. It is dehydrated at 104 degrees and looks just like a real burger. The coconut adds some texture. She had eaten one the night before, and as I packed a picnic the next morning she specifically requested "the delicious burger from last night" (thank goodness, I had saved one). It was not only healthy, but super tasty. I am looking forward to our garden this summer so I can experiment with tomato toppings.

We finished off our day with some delicious Cookies made with Almond meal, Agave Syrup, Goji Berries, Chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds. Because it was a hot day, I also whipped up some Basic Banana Ice Kream.

There has yet to be a recipe in this book I do not like. If the pics of the food look good, imagine how it tasted?! So I bet you are drooling and wishing you had Ani's Raw Food Essentials. Well the publisher, Da Capo is offering a very lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win a copy!

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on May 16, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on May 17, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your copy of Ani's Raw Food Essentials will be mailed directly from the publisher.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Ani Phyo on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

EO Coconut & Vanilla Product Giveaway!

2011-04-11T09:52:00.007-05:00

I can feel the spring and summer coming. I love the scents and feel of warm weather. That also means getting my skin into condition to actually be showing. I know I say it over and over, but I am strongly influenced by scent. If something does not smell good, I have trouble wanting to use it. I also like my body care to be "clean" meaning no sulfates, parabens etc.
EO is a company that makes products that fit my picky requirements. EO® is family owned and operated. EO makes Certified Organic personal care products using the highest grade natural and certified organic ingredients. There are no synthetic colors, fragrances or harsh chemicals in their products. They use environmentally friendly packaging to ship their products. EO uses the most amazing essential oils and synergistic herbs. I have used many of their products over the years. My new favorites are the Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine line.

The EO® Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine Shower Gel contains papaya Enzymes, Mango Enzymes and Antioxidants with Jojoba to promote skin balance and softness. The Coconut Oil Cleansing Complex gently cleanses without drying. Glycerin, Allantoin, and Panthenol, natural humectants and moisturizers, hydrate and nurture skin. It smells AMAZING! and works so well. It leaves a nice clean scent that is so natural. I have actually been using it to get my mind in a "summer" frame of mind. I forgot to lotion one day, and my skin was still super-soft.

The Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine Body Lotion contains calendula, white tea and white tea with mango seed butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E. It is a trip to an Island in the bottle. It pairs well with the shower gel. I am prone to dry skin patches and this really did the trick.

The Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine Bubble Bath is the perfect way to relax at the end of the day. It has a natural coconut cleanser which allows it to bubble and foam without stripping your skin of vital moisture. A little goes a long way to helping me relax.

So how can you enjoy EO Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine products? Well, look no further. EO is generously offering one lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win EO Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine Shower Gel, Body Wash and Bubble Bath! How can you resist?!

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on May 10, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on May 11, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your EO Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine products will be mailed to you directly from EO.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of EO on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

SmartKnit Kids Giveaway

2011-04-07T08:32:00.005-05:00

Every morning in my house as we all get dressed to face the day, my daughter ends up shouting from her room. Her daily refrain is "Mama, come fix my socks." Turns out I am not the only mother who goes through this. Those little seams on socks are frustrating for little ones. Whether they are just learning to dress themselves, and are not getting the seam on the toe exactly right, or they have sensitivities, socks can be the cause of distress. Well, stress no more. SmartKnit Kids seamless socks to the rescue.

The SmartKnit Kids seamless socks really have no seams. They are knit "like a cocoon" so there are no areas to cause discomfort. Because they have no heel, children can put their own socks on and they last longer, because the no-heel design means children do not grow out of them as fast. They are made from Corespun and Lycra yarn and are form-fitting so they will not get wrinkly and bunch like traditional socks. The SmartKnit Seamless socks are also non-binding. They have a Halo Top™ that keeps the socks up, but does not have those elastic bands on top like conventional socks (you know the bands that leave markings on your child's legs and ankles), so they eliminate that irritation. The fibers wick away moisture to prevent smelly feet.

I put the SmartKnit Seamless socks to the ultimate test. I made my daughter put them on herself. She argued, wary of socks in general. I prodded and she put them on with ease. Better yet, she did not complain and ask me to fix them. We went to the playground and spent the whole day with no bunching, no fixing, and no whining. At night, her feet were nice and dry and no elastic marks. They really worked!

If you go through the sock madness, you have to try these. SmartKnit Kids is going to send a lucky Product Mommy reader a pair of SmartKnit Kids Seamless socks in your choice of color and size.

Here is how you enter:

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on May 5, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on May 61, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your SmartKnit Kids Seamless Socks will be mailed directly from SmartKnit Kids.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
3. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
4. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
5. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)