Clean Water for Your Family

With all the different water options and filtration systems available, it can be confusing and difficult to decide what the safest, cleanest option is for your family.  Bottled waters range from “perfectly safe” to “no better than tap” to “unsafe for the environment”. In some cities tap water is deemed safe while in others it is said to be polluted with chemicals and possible bacteria. It is important to know where your water comes from and to take the necessary precautions to ensure it is as clean as possible. (You can visit http://water.epa.gov/ for all the latest water facts and information.) Luckily, this does not have to be an expensive task!

I was recently given the opportunity to check out the CamelBak Relay. This water filtration pitcher can deliver freshly filtered water 10x faster than the leading competitor.  It also does a more thorough job. It’s unique design allows it to filter as you fill the pitcher and then again as you pour yourself a glass of water.  Testing shows that 97% of chlorine, taste and odor is removed. The pitcher holds up to 10 cups of water and is designed to be space-saving, fitting inside most refrigerator doors. The lid is very secure with latches that lock on the sides, making it spill-proof.  I really like that the filter is made of plant-based activated carbon and that the pitcher is BPA free and dishwasher safe. Best of all, the Relay Fresh Filter lasts up to 4 months! That is twice as long as the leading competitor. It has a reminder dial on the top of the lid so you know what month you have to change it out.  For only $36.99, the CamelBak Relay is a great value for the price. Not to mention, you will save money and the planet by getting yourself a reusable water bottle…plus you’ll end up drinking more water. It’s a win-win! You can find the CamelBak Relay at Target, Amazon.com or CamelBak.com.

Final Ecocentric Mom Review

 

Yes, sadly, this will be my last Ecocentric Mom review. I have had such a great time being a part of the expert blogger team and receiving goodies to review and share with you, but my time has come to move on. This past year was a very busy one and after some R&R this Summer, I’ve realized the need to slow down a bit. With a new school year around the corner, I am looking forward to new projects and responsibilities. However, the focus on my priorities and time management will be much clearer. Family comes first and Ecocentric Mom has played a big role for me in making sure I do not forget that.

As a busy mom it can be difficult to find the time to ensure you are providing your family (and yourself!) with the healthiest and safest options. That’s where Ecocentric Mom subscription boxes can help. Every other month you will get a box of organic, natural and healthy products right at your doorstep. You can discover and learn about some of the healthiest snacks, safest bath products and cosmetics, and so much more.

Being a Birth and Postpartum Doula, I want to make sure I keep up-to-date with what’s out there for new moms and little ones too. So, without further ado, check out the great products I received in my July/August “Mom-to-Be” Ecocentric Mom Box…..

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Cream Foundation ~ this has become one of my favorite make-up lines thanks to Ecocentric Mom. I’ve tried their lipstick and glosses and love them. While I’m not a foundation fan, this stuff works great….super lightweight, all-natural and contains SPF-28. I received a 3 pack travel size worth $1.40.

Savannah Red Lip Balm ~ this balm comes in a variety of flavors. I received the Beautiful Sugar and love how it smells. Best of all, the natural and organic ingredients leave my lips feeling so soft. One tube of lip balm sells for $2.99. I also received a 20% online discount code.

Bears Beauty Belly Balm ~ This organic skincare line will be a great recommendation for my doula clients. Hand-made, chemical free and made with organic hemp oil, this vegan belly balm is a safe choice for your baby. I received a travel size balm worth $1.50 and a 15% online discount code.

Bathtime Baby Hair & Body Wash ~ Another great recommendation for my doula clients, this baby skincare line is free of parabens, glycols, petroleum, sulfates, fragrances, dyes, and all that toxic stuff that can be harsh and damaging to your baby’s delicate skin. It is made with organic plant and fruit extracts, nourishing vitamins, antioxidants, and other ingredients that are safe and gentle and care for your little one. Bathtime Baby is also made in the U.S.A., is vegan and comes in BPA & Phthalate free packaging. I received a 3 oz. bottle which sells for $7.50, along with a 20% online discount code.

Water Wipes All-Natural Baby Wipes ~ This is the second time I receive Water Wipes in my Ecocentric Mom Box…but I’m not complaining! In fact, they are the brand I recommend the most. These are truly the purest baby wipes ever…made with 99.9% water and just a drop of fruit extract. I received a 10 wipe travel pack which sells for 99 cents. They can now be found at most major retailers, including walgreens.com and diapers.com.

Happy Baby Meal Time Board Book ~ This adorable book would make a great gift for any new mom and baby, especially when it is time to introduce solid foods to your little one. The bright pictures and clever words will keep baby entertained and expose him or her to meal time fun and reading. The board book sells for $9.95.

eInvite Sample Personalized Cards & Stationery ~ I received 5 sample fold top cards and a 20% online discount code which introduced me to eInvite.com. The site offers a great line of personalized stationery. You will find baby related stationary, like shower invitations and birth announcements, all customizable and all made in the USA. Visit http://www.einvite.com for more info.

AROMAFLAGE Botanical Fragrance & Insect Repellent ~ Now that I’m back on the East Coast for the end of Summer and its humidity, I will definitely be putting this to use to keep those pesky mosquitoes away. It is free of synthetic fragrances, parabens and other toxic chemicals. The cedar wood, vanilla, citrus and Vitamin E combination even make it smell good, unlike most natural insect repellents. I received a travel size sample worth $3.75.

The Natural Suburban Spices and Teas ~ I received a sample of “Summer Herb Garden Savory Spice”, as well as “Need a Little Sunshine in my Day Tea.” While I have not used either yet, I love that they are handcrafted, all-organic blends. I also received a 20% online discount code.

Yogavive Apple Chips ~ Last, but certainly not least (considering I opened these first!), I received a regular bag of chocolate flavored apple chips. Not sure if it was the chocolate or the Yoga that caught my attention first. Regardless, this healthy snack is made with USDA certified organic Fuji apples and are 100% fat free…tasty too! A bag sells for $4.49.

There you have it…another box of great finds, thanks to Ecocentric Mom. If you are thinking of signing up for a subscription box service, I highly recommend you give them a try. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

For more information and to subscribe visit the Ecocentric Mom website.

DIY Summer Spruce-Up

As my vacation comes to an end, I already feel the anxiety of getting back to a dusty home and the back-to-school craze.  I’ve been a student and a teacher practically my whole life, making September a  month of new beginnings for me. Now with a school aged child the end of Summer and beginning of Fall continues to be my New Year and Spring Cleaning rolled into one.  I like to call it time for my “Summer Spruce-Up.”

Last Fall I began experimenting with several different homemade cleaner recipes. After much trial and error I found that all you really need is water, baking soda, vinegar and your favorite essential oil for scent. So as you clean out those rooms and closets to prepare for a new school year and scrub those floors after a Summer of trekking in pool water and mud, consider making your own eco-friendly household cleaners. This step-by-step easy guide to making your own cleaners from www.brightnest.com will help save you money and protect your family and the environment from toxins and chemicals found in conventional cleaning brands.

Plastic-Free with PackSack

A few weeks ago I shared an infographic and my thoughts on the use of plastic bags. (To read: Click Here.) So when I learned about PackSack, I knew I had to check out and share. The PackSack is a reusable, eco-friendly bag that is great for anything from grocery shopping to day outings. The company just started up in San Diego, CA and is making big moves to encourage the ban of plastic bags that too often end up in our oceans.

 

I love my PackSack. It is made of durable material and holds a lot…up to 45 lbs! The best part is that it rolls up and scrunches into a convenient little pouch that you can fit into your pocket. You can easily store a few in your glove compartment, which sure beats remembering to bring along big totes or paper bags. They even have their own draw string, making it so easy to carry around and store….

The PackSack line comes in a variety of colors and is very inexpensive.  You can order them online or find a retailer near you by visiting their website: www.thePackSack.com. They make being green so easy and fun….I highly recommend them!

You can also get more info by checking out the PackSack YouTube channel, following them on Twitter, their Facebook page, Instagram and Pinterest.

 

Debest for Baby

As a Certified Birth Doula, I am always on the look out for the latest and greatest for mom and baby. When I was recently asked to check out the Debest line of naturally colored baby garments, I couldn’t resist. I received the adorable “Ruffles in Bloom” 2-piece set pictured above and was immediately impressed by the quality. The material is soft and durable to the touch.

A baby’s skin is so sensitive that it is important to consider not just what products you use on their skin, but the dyes and materials in their clothing and bedding as well. The naturally colored cotton in Debest baby garments is organically grown, making it softer to the skin than conventional white cotton. It is also free from harmful chemicals and dyes commonly used in production. With Debest you can protect your baby’s skin and health, while helping to protect the environment.

Over the years I have made an effort to look for organic baby clothing and products to recommend to clients or when shopping for little ones. One thing I’ve noticed is that naturally colored and organic baby clothes tend to lack in variety and style. This is where Debest impressed me even more. I love the colors and flowered pattern of the outfit above. Their other selections are just as cute and stylish. You will find short and long-sleeve options, two-piece sets, sleepers, and blankets in different patterns and styles for girls and boys. Prices and shipping costs are very reasonable and when you sign-up you’ll receive 25% off your first purchase! Whether you’re shopping for a unique gift or buying clothes for your little one, I highly recommend Debest. Your baby deserves only the best!

More Good News! I’ve got an exclusive discount code for TLGP readers…

Purchase $50 or more and receive an extra $10 off. Just enter GREENMAMA10 at check out. Offer expires on 7/15/2014.

For more info and to shop the Debest line visit their WEBSITE,

Follow them on TWITTER, FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST.

 

Plastic-Free Bags

 

 

Lately I have been very conscientious of the plastic we use in our home, particularly plastic bags. Plastic grocery bags and sandwich-snack bags are some of the biggest culprits contributing to waste and putting our health, animals and planet in danger. Several stores in certain areas of the country have done away with plastic grocery bags. This effort alone is a good start and a strong statement, but it’s still not enough. I do my part to take reusable bags to the store and pack lunches, snacks and leftovers in reusable containers. There are many great alternatives now that make it convenient and cost effective for us all to do our part to minimize the use of plastic bags. This infographic from ECO SNACKBAG is an eye-opening breakdown of just how much of an impact you can really make by making the switch to eco-friendly options. Make every day Earth Day!

Spa Day with ESSIO

In my March/April Ecocentric Mom Discovery Box, I received a $10 gift card for ESSIO, the world’s first aromatherapy diffuser for the shower. After the past few busy and hectic weeks I’ve had, I was more than excited and willing when they asked me to sample and review their kit for my blog. ESSIO is such a simple, but unique and effective concept. It is also so easy to use! The kit comes with three different scents and they are very simple to install.  The attachment arm simply clips onto your shower head pipe…no tools required. You then take your favorite aromatherapy pod and snap it into place, making sure it falls under the water stream. Just turn on the water and let ESSIO begin to diffuse the rejuvenating essential oils into your shower. It’s such a great way to truly relax and unwind. It is especially great for those of us who are not able to indulge in a nice, long bath. With ESSIO, you can get the same benefits in a short shower.

The starter kit comes with three scents to choose from. The orange pod is called Breathe and consists of Cedarwood Atlas, Peppermint, Lemon, and Eucalyptus. It helps to decongest, clear your sinuses, and clear your mind. It has a very light scent, but I definitely could feel the benefits of the decongestion…especially since we are in full Spring allergy mode over on the East Coast!  The green pod is called Unwind and consists of Orange Sweet, Bergamot, Petitgrain, Lavender, Patchouli, and Vetiver. The Patchouli scent was a bit on the strong side, which I didn’t mind, but my husband was not a fan.  The pink pod is called Passion. It consists of Lavender, Orange Sweet, Palmarosa, Clove, Patchouli, and Cinnamon. Designed to awaken desire and sensuality, this was my favorite of the three. I love the scent and my skin definitely felt radiant after using it. In fact, all three aromatherapy pods left my skin feeling soft and revitalized at the same time. It was such an added bonus to my shower.  During days filled with crazy schedules, it really is great to come home and unwind with an ESSIO Aromatherapy Shower.  It’s like having a spa day in a just a few minutes. BEST of all, ESSIO is made with 100% Organic Essential Oils. I highly recommend adding this to your beauty and skin care regimen, or just regular every day routine.

ESSIO has been featured in People Magazine and the Wall Street Journal among other media outlets. To learn more about their products and order your own start kit, visit the ESSIO Website, or follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

March and April Goodies for Mom

I’ve been enjoying some great new products the past couple of weeks, thanks to my Ecocentric Mom Discovery Box. Every other month I anticipate what new and useful products I’m going to find. With Mother’s Day coming up next month, you should really consider gifting yourself or a special mom in your life a subscription to Ecocentric Mom. Just look at all the amazing things I received in my March/April Box…

2 Degrees Food Bar ~It was a nice treat to find this healthy food bar in my Ecocentric Mom Box. I actually tried one for the first time just a few weeks ago and liked it very much. It’s not just tasty, but also vegan, non-GMO, gluten free and Kosher. The bars are made with Heritage Grains like quinoa, chia and millet. What I like most about 2 Degrees Food is that they donate a meal to a child in need for every bar sold. I received one bar in the Cherry Almond flavor which sells for $1.99.

BrewLeaf Organic Tea ~ I love trying new teas. I received a sample pack of caffeine-free Roman Provence Rooibos Tea by BrewLeaf. The tea leaves smelled fresh and the tea tasted fruity and yummy.  A regular 2 ounce bag can brew up to 25 cups and sells for $6.99 – $8.99. I also received a 20% online discount.

BluApple ~ Another great surprise! I’ve been meaning to purchase something to help my produce last a little longer in the fridge for a while now. BluApple is a safe and effective way to do just that. The apple-shaped blue gadget absorbs the ethylene gas that fruits and veggies emit, allowing them to last up to three times longer. I’m still testing the product out, but after a week my tomatoes still look good! A pack of 2 Bluapples sells for $9.99. I received one BluApple Sample Kit.

Oatmeal Grapefruit Face Wash Powder by Homespun Northwest ~ Talk about literally feeding your skin…this powder is made of ground organic oats, Kaolin clay and grapefruit essential oil. Just a pinch of it mixed in with a little water creates a face wash that is perfect for any skin type. Homespun Northwest also make a variety of natural and vegan, home, baby and other beauty products. I received a travel size of face wash powder which sells for $3.50. A regular 4 ounce size sells for $7 and there is a certified gluten-free version that sells for $8. I also got a 10% online discount code.

House Blend Organics Coconut Body Wash ~ Right now we have everything from coconut oil to coconut cereal in our home. A coconut body wash was very welcomed…and I am loving the House Blend Organics version. It has a nice, light coconut smell and rich lather that leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Best of all, its ingredient list simply consists of organic coconut, olive and jojoba oils, along with organic aloe vera and rosemary extract. This makes it a great choice for those suffering from dry skin and/or eczema and other skin issues. A regular 8 oz bottle sells for $14.95. I received a travel size bottle and a 15% online discount code.

MarieNatie All-Natural Lip Gloss ~ This came at the perfect time. I recently lost my favorite lip gloss and this Cotton Candy shade from MarieNatie matches almost perfectly. Best of all, it is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, phthalates and petro-chemicals. I’m going to have to check out the rest of the cosmetic line too. A full size lip gloss sells for $18. I received a travel size gloss, which sells for $5, and a 20% discount code.

Treefort Naturals Comfrey Salve ~ This all-purpose salve is sure to come in handy now that the warm weather is setting in and those pesky mosquitos and bug bites are coming back. The Comfrey Salve is handmade with natural and organic ingredients, containing only organic olive oil infused with comfrey and calendula, beeswax, and lavender essential oil. A full size tin sells for $8. I received a travel size tin and a 20% online discount.

Bach Original Flower Remedies ~ This line of natural remedies is a system of 38 plant and flower based essences developed by Dr. Bach. By placing a few drops in your water, you can help manage the emotional demands of everyday life. I received a bottle of Elm which “restores your normal strength and optimism when you are temporarily overwhelmed or burdened by responsibility.” This couldn’t have come at a better time! I’ve been extremely busy lately and counting down to my few days of break for the Easter holiday. Call it coincidence, but after a hectic week and placing a few drops in my water bottle each day, I did not feel as stressed and had a very productive and positive week. J I received a regular size bottle of essence, which sells for $19.98, and a $4 online coupon.

Powernap 2-CD Set ~ Someone is definitely trying to tell me to relax! 😉 I am definitely not much of a napper, but this CD set may convert me. In the first disc, you can choose from 3 long “naps” or two 5 minute programs. Each “nap” ends with chimes and a gentle voice to wake you. The second CD contains 19 songs with guitar and piano melodies that can help you sleep, relax, meditate, or even just get your creativity flowing. I actually plan to incorporate these CDS into the yoga classes I currently teach. The CD set sells for only $9.99.

Eco-Friendly Organic Acai Seed Bead Hair Barrette by Terri Jean’s Adornments ~ My daughter snagged this one from me! The hair barrette is very unique and I love knowing that it was designed with animals, nature and the environment in mind. It’s nice to see the growing trend in jewelry and accessories made with fruit seeds and other eco-friendly materials. One small barrette like this one sells for $5 on Etsy. I also received a 15% discount code.

Sport Suds Laundry Detergent ~ This detergent is formulated to completely get out odor-causing bacteria, oils and dirt from fabrics and leave them free of any residue. Best of all, it is biodegradable, made with natural ingredients and is non-toxic. I have yet to give this laundry detergent a try, but plan to use it this week on the hubby’s gym clothes. I received 2 sample packets and a 20% disount code. Prices for regular size jars, pouches and tubs range from $20.95-$59.95.

Along with discovering so many new and great products, I also received a $10 gift card for ESSIO, the world’s first aromatherapy diffuser for the shower.  Of course, my Ecocentric Mom box would not be complete without the March/April Expert Tips card. It included: Tips for a Safe and Non-Toxic Vacation by Kathy Scoleri and A Healthy and Tasty Lunch Recipe by Alysa Bajenaru.

This Mother’s Day, I highly recommend you give Ecocentric Mom a try. You end up getting so much more than you paid for…and who doesn’t love getting a surprise package in the mail? 😉

The Oscars Go Green

It’s Oscar weekend, another night to recognize the work of our favorite celebrities…or is it their fashion? I say it’s both! While some may criticize fashion style, others will be criticizing fashion sense. Garments that will only be worn once aren’t a very popular concept with many. After all, the EPA has said that over 13.1 million tons of textiles end up in the trash each year. However, times are changing. People like Livia Firth, wife of Oscar winner Colin Fith, are helping to create smarter and greener options in the world of fashion. Firth created the Green Carpet Challenge (GCC) to encourage those celebrities walking the red carpet and the designers who dress them, to opt for environmentally friendly designs.

Jigsaw London provided the following infographic to better illustrate the ways eco-fashion is becoming more mainstream. I don’t know about you, but the fact that Bradley Cooper wore a “green” suit by Tom Ford to last year’s Oscars made him even sexier (if that’s possible). Looking forward to see which celebrities take on the GCC this year!

Mom-to-Be Discoveries

If subscription boxes are something you’ve been considering, this is the year to do it and Ecocentric Mom is the one to subscribe to for great savings and products! Right now is the perfect time to sign-up for even more savings. If you subscribe before Feb. 15th, you can get 10% off when you use checkout code: ECOMOM10%OFF and follow the special link: HERE.

Every other month I look forward to what new healthy, green and organic products I will discover. Just look at all the great stuff I got in the January/February “Mom-to-Be” Ecocentric Mom Box….

Pretty Mommies Let’s Be Clear Facial Cleanser ~ This all natural cleanser is going to definitely be one I recommend to my Doula clients. When you’re pregnant, avoiding toxins is extremely important for mom and baby. Pretty Mommy products are free of parabens, formaldehyde, sulfate, phthalate, dimethicone, petroleum, phenoxyethanol, oxybenzone, artificial fragrances and dyes. I received a full size cleaner that sells for $30 and a 20% off online discount code.

GRANDMA’s Pure and Natural Lye Soap ~ Coincidentally, I was given the opportunity to review Grandma’s Lye Soap just last month. It is an all natural soap free of detergents, dyes, fragrances and other chemicals found in conventional skin care products. It helps to alleviate symptoms of several skin conditions. To read my review: Click Here. I received a travel size bar in my box which sells for $1.49. A full size bar sells for $5. I also received a 20% off discount code and free samples of other products with purchase.

Pure + Remedy Vitamin C Facial Serum & “Precious Drops” Super Hydrating Serum ~ Another coincidence! Back in August, I received samples of the Pure + Remedy facial moisturizer line in my Ecocentric Mom box, but had not gotten around to sampling them until about a week ago. (To read my review: Click Here) It’s been great to incorporate the facial serum and precious drops into my skin regimen as well. Pure + Remedy is a great line that offers high quality holistic skin care products that are free of toxins and  definitely improve the appearance and texture of your skin. The Vitamin C Facial Serum travel size I received sells for $9.50 and the Precious Drops Hydrating Serum travel size sells for $10.50. I also got a 20% online discount code.

LIPS by Healthy Houseful ~ In the middle of this harsh winter we are having on the East Coast I happily welcome whatever chapstick I can get my lips on. Of course, avoiding toxic ingredients found in most conventional brands is key to healthy lips. Well, LIPS lip balm is made with coconut oil, shea butter and essential oils. This combo of healthy and organic ingredients makes for fast relief and beautiful lips. I received a full size chapstick which sells for $3 and a 15% discount code.

pur-Absorb Iron ~ We all know how important enough iron is, especially if you’re having a baby. It’s also very important to consider just how much iron your body is actually absorbing. The thing is, not all people or iron supplements are created equal. You always want to check with your Doctor on your ideal levels.  I was pleasantly surprised to receive a full size box with 28 packets of high absorption, 100% natural, liquid iron supplement. This box sells for $19.99 and I received a $2 retail coupon. This is another product I will be recommending to my Doula clients.

Sjaak’s Organic Fair Trade Chocolate Hearts ~ Just in time for Valentine’s Day, it was a sweet treat to be able to sample these yummy chocolate hearts. Supporting sustainable agriculture, fair trade practices, and a positive work environment are important to me. These little organic non-GMO chocolates can make such a big impact. They sell for only 65 cents per heart and I received 3.

Heart Bracelet by House of Metalworks ~ My favorite item in the box….a special Valentine’s Day gift just for me! Because these bracelets are handmade, each one is unique. No two are alike and they are made in the U.S.A. using reclaimed and recycled metals. One bracelet sells for $12 and I received a 10% online discount.

Ecocentric Mom Jan/Feb Expert Tips ~ As usual, my subscription box is not complete without the Ecocentric Mom Expert Tips postcard. The topics for this month are: “Resolutions…or Goals for 2014” and “Tips to Stay on Track with your New Year’s Resolution Goals”