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.

Monthly VIP Jewelry Service

Those of you who know me, know that I LOVE jewelry and accessories. I also like to shop for different items and deals online. Well,  I recently learned about a new jewelry line that delivers unique and beautiful pieces straight to your doorstep and had to share. Cate & Chloe Jewelry offers a classic yet fashion-forward jewelry line. Their pieces are chic and high-end, retailing from $69 to $135. However, when you sign-up as a Cate & Chloe VIP Member, you can receive C&C’s newest and most popular pieces twice a month…for only $39.99 per month!! One of the items will always be an exclusive, pre-release item that is only available to members.

Take a look at the first piece I received this month:

The Diana “Divine” Necklace is inspired by the sophisticated style icon, Princess Diana. The pear-shaped pendant has a 3ct CZ stone and hangs on an 18″ sterling silver chain. Retail Value: $115

This stunning necklace was such an unexpected, wonderful surprise. Even the packaging is chic! It is actually a complimentary piece welcoming me to Cate & Chloe. Once you become a VIP member, you can receive over $200 worth of exquisite jewelry like this every month for only $40. You will also get an additional piece for free in your first month just for joining. It’s a tough deal to beat. Additionally, as a VIP member you can shop the Cate & Chloe website for other products at a 20% discount. Free shipping is included. You can also easily exchange any items you do not fall in love with, though I personally think you’ll love them all. I can’t wait to see what my second package brings me!

Thanks to Cate & Chloe, I am happy to offer my readers a special 20% discount for a monthly subscription. Just enter promo code LittleGreenPlaypen20 at check out.

Give it a try…you deserve it! 😉 It would also make a fabulous Mother’s Day gift.

For more info and to browse the Cate & Chloe collection, visit their Website and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Tacky Box Makes Kind Kids

This cute and creative set includes the hardcover book, Margo’s Magnificent Choice by author Chris Phelps, and a ” Tacky Box” that can be personalized and decorated.  My 7 year old daughter finished reading the story, shut the book closed, and proceeded to explain to me that it is about choosing to do the right thing. She excitedly grabbed her Tacky Box and its contents. She jotted something down on the little Tacky Box note pad, folded it up and put it in her box. When I told her she could then decorate her Tacky Box, she was over the moon!

Chris Phelps is a mom, author and inventor who knows all too well that raising children today, in a society fueled by social media and movies full of bad language and violence, can be challenging.  She created the idea of the Tacky Box after her daughter, in Knd at the time, used her first naughty word.  Her book, Margo’s Magnificent Choice, is a story about a monkey that repeats some “tacky” words she overhears and, therefore, struggles to make friends. With the advice of a wise old owl, she begins to jot down kinder words she can use instead, and stores them in her Tacky Box. By speaking positive and kind words, she soon makes several new friends.

The book is filled with colorful watercolor illustrations that will capture your child’s attention. The story is easy to follow and its strong message is clearly understood. Best of all, the special wooden box, notepad and suggested uses from the author, will emphasize the story’s purpose in a fun way for you child. There is also a separate set featuring Max the monkey, should you prefer a “boy’s” version.  The Tacky Box set is a very creative way to bond with your child and teach them a very important lesson on the power of words and how effective and fun it is to be kind. I would highly recommend it for young children of any age.

For more info visit: http://www.tackybox.com

Last Minute Gift Ideas

If you’re still looking for some unique gift ideas or stocking stuffers, check out these great Master Caster products from Shoplet I recently had the chance to review…

Clean Green Microfiber SMARTer Dual Action Gloves (MAS18041) – These fuzzy, soft gloves do a lot more than keep your hands and fingers warm. Not only can you use your touchscreen phone/tablet and not have to remove them, but the microfiber even allows you to clean your screen! I love that you actually get 3 uses in one and that they are also machine washable. Added bonus: they are odor, lint and static free. I had recently purchased some gloves from Costco that were designed for use with touchscreens. I returned them as soon as I got my hands on Microfiber SMARTer Gloves. They work much better, fit much better, and cost half the price! Of course, when using smaller smartphone screens, the added bulk won’t allow as much accuracy as you will get with larger tablet screens. Regardless, they work great and I definitely recommend these  if you’re looking for new winter gloves that are functional.

The Comfort Makers Rolling Wrist Rest (MAS99504) – This small and unique device sits on wheels, making it easy to rest your wrist while typing and move your hand from keyboard to mouse without having to lift your wrist. The soft padding supports it, helping to prevent awkward positioning that can cause unnecessary stress, pain and even damage to your wrist. I think this is a great concept, however, it’s not as beneficial if you are using a “mouseless” laptop or tablet.  I use a laptop and while I am able to rest my wrist at times on the pad, most of the time I have to reach up to get to my keyboard. The wheels do not end up benefiting me very much.  Of course, many homes and offices still use computers with a mouses. If you or someone you know spends several hours a day on these computers, you might want to consider purchasing the Wrist Rest. At less than $10, it makes a great and inexpensive gift.

Restor-it Furniture Touch-Up Kit (MAS18000) – As much as I love all the Master Caster products, this might have to be my favorite. I recently scraped up my wooden floor when I moved my couch so I could sweep underneath.  This touch-up kit literally saved me! With a variety of colors to choose from, I was able to choose an exact match for my floor. I love how easy it is to use. The touch-up pens work just like markers and are good for light scratches. You get 5 pens. For deeper scratches, you can use the fillers, which have a crayon-like feel. You get three of those. I wish there were a few more colors to choose from, particularly for my black wooden table. Regardless, I definitely recommend this product. It works on all wood and wood laminate and the kit won’t cost you more than $10. If you’re not convinced yet, just take a look at my before and after of one of the scratches on my floor… 

Related articles

• Master Caster available at Shoplet (texaskitchen.wordpress.com)
• Product Review!- Master Caster Clean Green Microfiber Smarter Dual Action Gloves (rockinmomsworld.com)
• Last Minute Stocking Stuffers from Shoplet (janinehuldie.com)