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.

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.

 

Novica Giveaway

 I recently learned about NOVICA, one of the leading fair trade artisan online markets. Together with National Geographic, they give artisans around the world a place to share their talents and unique creations with the rest of the world. NOVICA offers a variety of products, from beautiful handmade jewelry to clothing, handbags, house decor and more.  I recently purchased the beautiful elephant earrings pictured above. They arrived from Thailand in a delicate pouch with a personally, handwritten note from the artisan. They also came with a brief description of the importance and symbolism of the Thai Elephant. I was very impressed and love my new earrings. Best of all, shipping is extremely reasonable and quick! If you’re looking for a truly special and unique gift for yourself or a loved one, I recommend browsing all the beautiful products on the NOVICA site. There’s something for everyone! Some favorites include: beautiful Wood Rings, stylish Blue Glassware, unique Abstract Paintings, and other Handmade Gifts.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I am happy to offer one lucky reader a Gift Certificate in the amount of $37.50 that can be used toward any item on the NOVICA website. The winner will receive a digital code to be used at checkout and may be applied toward shipping too. To enter is easy! Just click on the link below to be taken to the Raffle:

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Raffle ends on Thursday, May 22nd  at 11:59 pm (est). One winner will be randomly selected and all entries will be verified. Winner must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the United States. Please provide a valid email so you may be easily contacted within 24 hours or another winner will be chosen. Good Luck!

To learn more about how you can support talented artisans and purchase fair trade items, visit http://www.novica.com.

Learn how you can make more of an impact by joining the NOVICA Community of Curators.

Find NOVICA on FACEBOOK, TWITTER and PINTEREST.

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.

 

Vegan Makes the Cut

I was recently invited to check out a new snack box subscription service…Vegan Cuts. As a former vegan, I was intrigued. Back when I was a vegan, it was rarely heard of and there were not many snack alternatives to conventional brands out on the market. I was curious to see what kinds of things have become available today for vegans. I have to say, I was very surprised to see that there’s a nice variety…enough to start a monthly subscription service! I was even more surprised at just how tasty the snacks were in my sample box. I just might be going vegan again soon. 😉

This is what I received in my Vegan Cuts February Snack Box:

1. Earth Balance Kettle Chips – Cheddar.  The whole family loved these chips. They were my daughters favorite item in the box. Not only are they yummy, but they are made with non-GMO ingredients!

2. The Daily Crave Veggie Chips. There are a few veggie chips out on the market that claim to be all-natural, but actually contain one or two questionable ingredients. The Daily Crave is the real deal. You won’t find anything artificial in these veggie chips. They are 100% vegan, non-GMO, and tasty.

3. Nākd Berry Delight Bar by Natural Balance Foods. This healthy, moist and chewy bar is made with nutritious raw fruits and nuts…nothing else. Great for those on-the-go moments when you need to fuel up. Vegan-friendly, non-GMO, Kosher, gluten and dairy free, they are better and less messy than trail mix!

4. Two Degrees Foods – Cherry Almond Bar.  Another vegan snack bar made with simple ingredients that pack lots of nutrition. You can never give me too many snack bars. 😉 Gluten free, non-GMO and tastes great!

5. Naturade’s VeganSmart All-in-One Nutritional Shake. This was one of my favorite items in the box. I’ve seen this before at Whole Foods but hesitated to buy it. Now that I’ve been able to sample it, I’m definitely adding it to my grocery list. Protein powders can be very deceiving. You may think you’re getting nutrition, but you’re also getting a ton of chemicals, dyes, artificial sweeteners, sugars, and other junk. VeganSmart is loaded with vitamins, minerals and 20 grams of protein in a serving! It’s made with a protein blend of pea, hemp, chia, potato and chlorella. It also contains whole foods, fiber and a probiotic blend. The vanilla flavor made my protein shake taste very good.

6. Runa Clean Energy – Tea. I received two RUNA tea bags….Traditional Guayusa Tea and Cinnamon-Lemongrass Guayusa Tea (my favorite). The Guayusa leaf helps to promote focused energy by balancing caffeine with antioxidants. This super-leaf is found on trees in the Amazon Rainforest. The teas are Organic and Fair Trade Certified.

7. Hail Merry Macaroons – Strawberry. I’m a big fan of Hail Merry snacks. They are made with coconut oil and non-GMO ingredients. The macaroons are a nice, sweet treat and gluten-free too!

8. Equal Exchange Dark Chocolate. I’m always on the hunt for Organic and Fair Trade Certified dark chocolate. Normally not a fan of fruit or nuts in my chocolate, I actually enjoyed this chocolate bar. It’s made with raisins and almonds. The chocolate is perfect…not too bitter, not too sweet. Best of all, it supports farmers and sustainable practices.

9. Sjaak’s Organic Chocolates. More chocolate! I have had Sjaak’s chocolates before and enjoyed them very much. Very decadent. I ended up giving this heart-shaped cherry chocolate truffle to my daughter. 😉

As you can see, I got lots of great goodies. You can get snack boxes like this for less than $20 each month! It’s great to come home to a monthly surprise, all for yourself. Vegan Cuts also offers a Beauty Box. Shipping is free and you can cancel at anytime. Vegan Cuts also has an online store so you can shop for skincare, fashion and other products from vegan-friendly businesses. If you’ve been thinking about going vegan or just looking for new and healthier snack and beauty products, I highly recommend Vegan Cuts. 

For more info visit the Vegan Cuts Website

or

Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube

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)

MOM WOW Summit 2013

On October 6-8th 2013, the first ever Moms Meet WOW Summit took place in Philadelphia at the Sheraton Society Hill. The conference was open to all moms, or moms-to-be, interested in networking and learning more about raising healthy families. Tickets ranged from $149 for a day pass to $249 for a Full Summit Pass. Moms Meet Bloggers qualified for discounted rates and Early Bird discounts were also available. The event kicked off on Sunday night, with a cocktail reception sponsored by Zevia at the hotel’s Taste Restaurant.

The clever cocktails made with my favorite healthy soda were a big hit with everyone!

The following two days, as a Mom Ambassador for greenmomsmeet.com, I joined fellow moms, moms-to-be, and Green Blogger Moms as we were treated to a variety of seminars, workshops, products reviews, giveaways and even an awards banquet. Guest speakers included: Dr. Lawrence Rosen, Green pediatrician; Jess Kolko, Registered dietitian and educator with Whole Foods Market; Paige Wolf, Mom Blogger and Author living in Philly, and several others. Topics included: natural parenting, healthy eating, holistic remedies, and much more.

Every attendee also received a t-shirt and eco gift bag. The best part, however, visiting the Exhibitors hall and filling up that tote bag! The room was lined with tables of some of our favorite brands, as well as some new ones. The friendly and generous representatives made sure we sampled all the great products and filled our bags with green, natural and organic products to take home with us. (See some of them in the slideshow below.)

In its first year, Moms Meet and KIWI Magazine organized a great event. Can’t wait to see what they bring us next year. For more info and to keep up-to-date with next year’s WOW Summit: Click Here

Enjoy the slide show. 🙂

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Green Schools, Green Deals

I recently shared the following Infographic on the GreenDeals.org Go Green Blog.

To read my original article: CLICK HERE

If you haven’t already heard, Green Deals is a great website, very similar to Amazon.com, offering a “Green” Marketplace. Just by signing up, you will receive $5 in your account to spend on any of their daily deals.  It really is the best site to get some amazing discounts on Green and Organic products for your home and the entire family, as well as tips on how to go green.

Just click on Green Deals and use the GREENFRIENDS5 code at checkout. 

Back-to-School Green Giveaways!

For most of us, back-to-school season is in full swing. However, it is never too late, nor too early, to pack a healthy and eco-friendly lunch for our kids.  I have three great ways and products for you that will help make that an easy task. Even better, I am hosting TWO giveaways so you can get started on packing your child healthier, green lunches…for free!

Up first…let’s discuss those darn lunchboxes!

If your lunch box from last year is still in good condition…use it! It’s all about reducing, reusing and recycling…upcycling too! However, if you need to shop for a brand new lunch box…I have a great alternative to those plastic boxes or brown paper bags. Introducing the New Wave Enviro Litter-Free Lunch Bag Kit!

The unique, colorful designs will definitely set your child’s lunch apart from the rest.  My daughter loves hers. I love it because it makes packing lunch such an easy task. The litter-free lunch kit comes complete with a BPA free water bottle (avoid waste from juice boxes and plastic water bottles) and four “green” reusable containers (made to fit sandwiches and other snacks perfectly). No need for wasteful plastic baggies or tinfoil or other unnecessary trash!  The lunch bag itself is insulated and lead-free. The whole set is so easy to clean and maintain. You can find them online and at Whole Foods Market for an average price of $25. Considering you’ll be using it for years to come, you will be saving lots of money…and the Earth!

Now how about what goes into that lunch box?

Well, a few months back I posted about a healthy, organic snack bar for children by CLIF Kid.  (To read the original post: Click Here)  CLIF Kid Zbars are nutritious, perfectly proportioned, vegan (except honey variety) bars containing about 8-10 grams of whole grains, 12 vitamins and minerals, 120 calories, 3 grams of fat, 11 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fiber per bar. They are also made with 95% Certified USDA Organic ingredients and do not contain any high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, trans fats, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors. They are the perfect snack alternative to traditional granola bars and even special treats for young active kids. You can find them for as little as $1.69 per bar at Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market. Zbars are soft and chewy and come in a variety of flavors like Iced Oatmeal Cookie, Honey Graham, Chocolate Brownie, Smore’s, Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip.

Right now I am offering one lucky reader the opportunity to win a 6 count variety pack of CLIF Kid Zbars! Winner must live in the USA, provide a valid email (that you check often), and be at least 18 years of age. Raffle ends on Friday September 27, 2013 at 11:59 pm.

To enter Raffle click link below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Final “Green” Touch…

To complete your healthy and eco-friendly lunch, a reusable napkin is the perfect final touch. A few months back I wrote a review and hosted a giveaway for Funkins. (To read original post: Click Here). Funkins come in a variety of colorful designs for all ages. Put one in your child’s lunch and it can be used as a place mat and then a napkin too!  You can avoid creating unnecessary waste from paper towel and napkins. Just wash your Funkins and reuse over and over again.  Place it in your Litter-free Lunch bag and you have a truly waste-free lunch, saving money and the planet.

Right now I am offering one lucky reader the opportunity to receive a set of THREE colorful reusable napkins/place mats from Funkins!  Winner must live in the USA, provide a valid email (that you check often), and be at least 18 years of age. Raffle ends on Friday September 27, 2013 at 11:59 pm.

To enter raffle click the link below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Related articles

• AMAZING Back to School Eco-Friendly Giveaway (ediblefacial.com)
• 6 Eco-Friendly Lunchbox Essentials for Green Kids (mysweetgreens.com)
• Top 10 Green Tips for Back-to-School (thelittlegreenplaypen.com)

Cherokee USA Clothing for Kids

While packing for a recent Summer vacation, I couldn’t help but get frustrated at how much darn clothes my soon-to-be 7 year old daughter has! Gifts from family and friends keep her closet full. I greatly appreciate it. However, the problem I run into is the way most kid’s clothing fits.  My daughter is very slender and it just seems like most clothes designers assume all kids are chubby. As much as I wish all her clothes could be eco-friendly and organic, it would definitely break my bank.  This is where I don’t mind bending a little. When I personally shop for her, I try to look for clothes that are made with high quality materials, are durable, fit her well, and are affordable.

One such label, that is VERY available to the average shopper, is Cherokee. The company has been around for years. You can find their children’s clothing at Target and other stores worldwide.  I have to admit, even this Green Mama likes shopping at Target on occasion. I’ve found some really great stuff there at low prices.

What I love about Cherokee clothing for kids is that my daughter really likes them. The sizing seems to always be on point. She says they are very comfortable.  Most of their clothing is made with 100% cotton and is very soft, but yet can withstand a lot of playtime and several washes. We both love that their styles are very current. We recently got a few new styles to sample and she is in love. The dresses and top are things I would love to have in my OWN closet.

Of course, what makes or breaks the purchase is the price. With cute tops averaging $10 or less and pretty dresses averaging $15 or less, you can’t go wrong. (Even better bargains when they’re on clearance!) We all know how frustrating it can be to buy clothes for our little ones and they only wear them once, or maybe never get to, because they grow so fast.  Right now, prices for Cherokee uniforms are practically unbeatable. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get some great back-to-school deals with Cherokee. Remember to donate and recycle when they outgrow their clothes!

Related articles

• Target: Possible Infant & Toddler Clothing Clearance (hip2save.com)