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.

 

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.

NeoCell Collagen

I recently learned about two of the newest products from NeoCell and am excited to share with you a little about them and my experience.  NeoCell brought the use of collagen to the United States and introduced us to its variety of uses and benefits. It can aid in everything from stronger hair and nails to anti-aging. NeoCell’s collagen and collagen related products are made using the highest quality ingredients. They are leaders in nutritional science, helping people lead healthier, more active lifestyles.

For the past month I have been indulging in NeoCell’s new fresh mint chocolate Beauty Bursts, gourmet collagen soft chews. Two of these little chocolate bites contain only 40 calories and are packed with 2,000 mg of  Super Collagen, the body’s protein that helps strengthen hair, skin and nails. They also contain Vitamin C, which is essential in boosting collagen in the skin, and Hyaluronic Acid, known as “Nature’s Moisturizer,” to hydrate and renew the skin. Not only are you getting lots of nutrients in just two chews, but Beauty Bursts are all natural….they are free from gluten, soy, and palm oil and they taste good! This past year, 2013, they were named the “Best of Natural Beauty” by Better Nutrition Magazine, as well as the “Best Beauty Supplement” by Delicious Living Magazine.

Along with the Beauty Bursts, I have been taking NeoCell’s Collagen Beauty Builder supplement. This all natural product promotes radiant skin and anti-aging. By taking three tablets twice a day, I am getting 6,000 mg of Super Collagen, containing 19 amino acids. I am also getting Vitamin C, Biotin, Alpha Lipoic Acid, and Silica, all which help to protect and enhance the formation of collagen and elasticity in the skin.

The first thing I noticed after taking NeoCell supplements for about a week….my nails are stronger and growing quicker than ever before! They look and feel healthier. The most impressive and obvious affect these products have had, however, are on my skin.

Every Winter, since moving to the East Coast, I have suffered from dry skin. My hands seems to age, my lips get chapped, and my hair and scalp get dry too. Well, I am ecstatic to report that even though this has been the coldest, most brutal Winter I have ever experienced, my skin looks and feels soft and moisturized! At the very start of winter my hands got dry and were cracked. I applied some lotion and shortly after began taking the Beauty Bursts and  Collagen Beauty Builder. Bye-Bye dry skin! I have had absolutely no problems ever since and no need to use extra hand lotion. Amazing. I am completely convinced the collagen supplements have done the trick. My hair, nails and skin look and feel healthier than ever. If you want more youthful, radiant skin, hair and nails, I highly recommend NeoCell. They have a variety of products for everything from joint health, sport recovery, anti-aging, total body health, and more. Beauty starts from within.   

For more info and to order your collagen products visit the NeoCell Website (www.neocell.com)

or

You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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”

Lye Soap for Sensitive Skin

It’s been a harsh Winter so far. With it has come very dry skin. As a teacher, my hands have suffered the most from all the hand-washing I do. Lucky for me, I was asked to sample Grandma’s Lye Soap and it has made a huge difference. My skin, particularly my hands and between my fingers, went from itchy and cracked back to smooth and soft in less than one week of using it.

What makes this line of soaps so effective and unique is that it is only made from pure and natural ingredients. There are no additives, toxic chemicals or detergents which are found in most conventional brands and can actually worsen pre-existing conditions. This makes it especially ideal for those suffering from specific skin issues. There have been numerous positive testimonials from customers who found relief from eczema, psoriasis, allergies, yeast infections, and other skin conditions, just from using Grandma’s Lye Soap. They even offer a variety of soaps for different and specific uses, from acne prevention to laundry to soap for your pet. Grandma’s Pure and Natural line also offers lotions and lip balms.

If you or anyone you know suffers from sensitive skin, I highly recommend Grandma’s Lye Soap. Even if you do not suffer from any skin issues, you can rest easy knowing that you are not exposing your loved ones to any toxic chemicals. After all, the skin is the largest organ on your body and absorbs whatever you put on it. Make sure it’s only the best!

For more info on the company and their products, visit the Grandma’s Pure and Natural Website, Like them on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter and their Blog.

Natural and Organic Beauty from Miessence

I had heard of the Miessence line a short while ago, but had never really looked into it. So, when I received a request to review some of their products, I jumped at the chance! Before I tell you about the goodies I sampled, let me share a little background info I discovered on the company.

Miessence is the original pioneer of manufacturing Certified Organic skincare. They are also one of the first companies to be carbon negative. Miessence offers a variety of organic products, from skin to home care, made in Australia. They offer superfood nutrition and even the world’s first certified organic probiotic. Almost all of their products are also gluten-free.

The following is a list of products I sampled and my thoughts on each. I honestly loved them all! You can click on each for more info and a list of ingredients:

• Sunflower Body Wash – My favorite of the bunch. Love the smell and the milky, soft feel. The body wash is light, but effective and left me feeling and smelling fresh and clean.
• Intensive Body Cream – The body cream is also very light and absorbed quickly.  Left my skin feeling so smooth and soft. Has patchouli scent which I liked, but the hubby was not a big fan.
• Balancing Cleanser – I really loved using this to wash my face. I even took my make-up off with it. It has a nice scent and left my skin feeling so clean, fresh and revived.
• Probiotic Skin Brightner – I would have never thought to put probiotics on my skin, but it is definitely more beneficial than traditional toners. I applied the liquid with a cotton swab after cleaning my face and it really was a nice follow-up. My skin actually looked and felt more alive.
• Balancing Skin Conditioner – An additional step in your skincare regimen that will re-introduce vitamins to the skin and help make it refined, as well as firmer. I noticed improvement after 3 days of using it.
• Balancing Moisturizer – The final step in a skincare routine is the most important. Our skin goes through daily wear and tear that can leave it very thirsty. This light moisturizer absorbed into my skin quickly, bringing back it’s natural bounce and softness.
• Desert Flower Shampoo – I love that it’s made with Yucca juice and Organic Avocado. With ingredients you can eat, how can you go wrong? It did leave my hair feeling slightly dryer than usual and I had to extra-condition. However, this is typical of a “hair detox” and improves with continued use. 
• Shine Herbal Hair Conditioner – This conditioner contains a lot of good stuff for the hair. I used it as a leave-in conditioner treatment and it left my hair feeling soft and manageable.

Today, more and more products and brands claim to be natural, organic and safe. With all of the contradicting information out there, it can be confusing and difficult to find a line you truly trust. I am so happy to report that Miessence is the real deal! Not only are their products safe, but they are effective too. I can also appreciate that they practice and support green, sustainable and ethical use of Mother Earth’s resources.

What makes Miessence even more unique is that they not only offer certified organic products, they also provide great job opportunities. They have a solid system for those looking to start their own business and earn some money. The company recently revamped their compensation plan to include more bonuses and bigger commissions. For more information, watch this very informative video: CLICK HERE

Take advantage of current promotions…

 20% off of any order at Miessence. Use promo code: toporganics 

 Miessence Press Kit

July Mom Discovery Box

Once again, my monthly Ecocentric Mom Box subscription did not disappoint.  Every month I am discovering new products which fit perfectly into my family’s green and organic lifestyle. It really is encouraging to see that more and more companies are catering to those of us who would like the same convenience of on-the-go snacks, great beauty and skin care products, and items for the home…without all those dangerous and toxic chemicals and ingredients!

Check out what I received in my July Mom Discovery Box…

Vance Family Soy Travel Candle ~ I eliminated the use of traditional candles in my home a few years ago. I appreciate that these are travel candles, as I travel quite often. More importantly, I love that these are sustainable, GMO-free, made with only pure essential oils and organic plant-derived flavors, and contain low-smoke cotton wicks. One candle sells for $5 and lasts a long time!

Greene Street Soap ~ These soap bars are made with food grade, organic oils, along with butters derived from nuts such as Cocoa and Shea. They are lightly and naturally scented with essential or fragrance oils. They are vegan-friendly and come in eco-friendly packaging. I received a trial size which sells for $3. A full 1 oz size sells for $14.95. I also received a 10% off online discount.

Wellinhand POWER PRISM Deodorant ~ What a great find! Finding a natural deodorant that truly is free of chemicals and synthetic ingredients, and that actually works, is difficult. I am loving this easy to use spray-on deodorant. It really works! Not only can you use it under your arms, but on your feet and in your shoes. It is made with only natural mineral salts. The 2 oz bottle I received goes for $5.99. I also received a 10% off online discount.

Lotus Moon Hibiscus Flower Hydrating Lotion ~ Another great find! This moisturizer is very light and absorbs into your skin quickly. You can definitely feel a difference. It contains aloe vera and coconut oil which helped my skin feel soft and smooth immediately. The Hibiscus Flower is a natural source of the antioxidant Vitamin C which makes it great for all skin types. The 1.7 oz bottle I received sells for $27.95. I also received a 20% off online discount.

Crunchy Mamas Lip Balm ~ Yet another great healthy and safe alternative to traditional beauty products. This is a great lip balm that is natural, organic and free of chemicals, GMOs, preservatives and dyes. The cute label made this a favorite for my 6 year old daughter. 😉 One lip balm sells for $3. I also received a 10% online discount.

Willow Tree Minerals Organic Cranberry & Cucumber Eye Gel ~ I have yet to use this since I’m still trying out the eye gel I received in last month’s Ecocentric Mom box. Willow Tree Minerals carries only 100% natural products. The eye gel contains cranberry, cucumber, resveratrol, chamomile, vanilla, and aloe. It promises to reduce puffiness and calm tired eyes. I received a trial size which sells for $3. A full 1 oz size is very affordable at $14.95. I also received a 20% off online discount.

Peepods Panty Liner ~ Many people do not even realize that there are actually ways to be eco-friendly even during that time of the month. Peepods offer washable pads for periods, postpartum and mild incontinence. I received one eco-friendly panty liner with a pretty design. They sell for $10 and are very durable.  I also received a 10% off online discount.

Honibe Honey Lozenges and Honibe Honey Delights Candy ~ We have yet to try the lozenges but the honey candy was a big hit with my daughter. The lozenges are the first ever to be made from 100% pure dried honey, containing its natural properties. I usually only treat my family’s coughs or sore throats with honey, so these will definitely come in handy this cold and flu season.  The candies are also made with 100% pure dried honey and are so yummy. They are a great alternative to typical candies made from refined sugars. The 10 pack of lozenges I received sell for $4.99.  The bag of 20 candies sells for $5.99. I also received a 20% online discount.

Organic Flavrz Drink Mixes ~ Sometimes plain water just does not cut it, but I’m not a big juice or soda drinker. These drink mixes are great for those special thirsty moments. I received 3 different pouches, each made with organic ingredients to serve a specific purpose….Boost, Energize and Revive.  Just mix to taste in your water. They taste great.  A pack of 8 sells for $8.99. I also received a 10% off discount code.

Eat Green Tea ~  I have not tried this yet, but this is a great way to truly get all of the benefits of Green Tea. I received 3 packs of the Eat Green Tea, which is made from some of the purest green tea whole leaves from organic farms all over the world. Each individual pack sells for $1. I also received a 30% off discount code.

Cascadian Farm Oats & Honey Crunchy Granola Bars ~ This was a tasty snack. The crunchy bars are very satisfying and made with up to 9 wholesome ingredients, including organic oats.  An added bonus is that Cascadian Farms in now enrolled in the non-gmo project. A box of 5 granola bars sells for about $3.30.

LARABAR ALT Protein Bar ~ Another yummy snack. The Alternative Protein Bar is Larabar’s first bar with added protein….and the protein comes from peas! The bar is also vegan, gluten and dairy free, and non-gmo. One bar sells for about $1.69.

Right now when you “like” Ecocentric Mom on Facebook you will receive a $4 off coupon for one of their monthly boxes. Check it out! http://woobox.com/o3puh4

Related articles

• June Mom and Baby Surprises (thelittlegreenplaypen.wordpress.com)

Suuthe your Skin

A few weeks back I was introduced to this great line of skin care products and am excited to share it with you. Suuthe by Mari offers natural and organic products for your body, face, and lips. From mild skin conditions to eczema and psoriasis relief, they are great for any skin type and any age. In fact, Mari Carlin Dart developed the skin repair that started it all to help alleviate her son’s eczema. In 2012 suuthe received the KIWI Award for Best Kids’ Personal Care. I received the suuthe skin repair and both the original and peppermint lip balms for review. 

My daughter has sensitive skin (like her mama) and the Skin Repair has really come in handy. We have used it for mild skin irritations and itchiness caused by detergents and bug bites. We most recently used it for sunburn relief for the whole family. The skin repair provided instant relief. It is not greasy or too thick and goes on easily and absorbs quickly. It has a light, pleasant scent too.

The lip balms have been just as useful. My daughter is not a fan of minty flavors so I gave her the original, while I have been using the peppermint balm. During the hot Summer weather they have maintained our lips smooth and soft. I am certain we will be using these for the cold Winter months, as well.

The most important thing I look for in skin care is that it is safe for my little one to use. I love that suuthe products can be applied whenever and as much as is needed.  Only containing a short list of ingredients that are all 100% natural and/or organic, including emu oil, beeswax, and essential oils, this is the type of skin care line I want and need for my family and me.

The Products

suuthe products are created to provide fast, natural relief from severe to mild skin conditions. They are capable of soothing, repairing, maintaining, preserving and protecting your skin. suuthe formulations have been created by combining some of the world’s oldest and most effective ingredients. Each ingredient was chosen for its own unique qualities and ability to have a positive effect on the skin. As a result we are proud to bring you a line of skin products that truly work!

suuthe products are made using a very simple process. There are no additives or fillers used. Temperatures are kept at the lowest possible level in order to maintain the highest nutritive quality of each ingredient. We purposely source ingredients that are food grade. We want you to ‘feed’ your skin with nothing but the most pure and natural products available.

It is now common knowledge that the skin is the largest organ in the body. Everything you put on it is absorbed and ultimately ends up inside your body. suuthe products are specifically made with that in mind.

We have experienced the difficulty that skin conditions can cause first hand. suuthe was founded on the idea that with our products we can help our customers to overcome damaged skin and regain or maintain a high quality of life.

~taken from the suuthe website

Right now you can get a free lip balm with your order….

Visit the suuthe website.

Follow suuthe by mari on Facebook and Twitter

June Mom and Baby Surprises

I look forward to my Ecocentric Mom box every month. With June being my birthday month, I was even more curious to see what kind of surprises were in store for me. Ironically, I had to wait a little longer to get my June box since I was out-of-town during the regular delivery time.  I was extra anxious as I was receiving two boxes this time. I finally got my hands on them and have to say they were definitely worth the wait.  If you are considering joining a subscription box service this should definitely be the one you choose. Check out all the awesome goodies I received.

ECOCENTRIC JUNE BABY DISCOVERY BOX...

1. Wee Gallery Art Cards: These great cards are black and white hand-painted originals of different animals that can be used as flash cards for older children or as visual stimulation for infants. The 5X7 cards contain child-friendly rounded corners and usually sell for $12.95 per box. I also received a 20% off online coupon.

2. Dapple Pacifier Wipes: These are a great way to keep pacifiers, teethers, and other baby objects clean. The wipes are preservative and fragrance free, phthalates and paraben free, SLS, SLES and dye free, made from a 100% natural formula and are biodegradable. They are individually wrapped for convenience and usually sell for $2.99 for the box of 10 cards I received. They came with a $1.50 retail coupon too. Would make a unique baby shower gift!

3. Happy Family Organic Happy Creamies:  Gluten and dairy free, these little snack bites melt in your mouth and are made with organic fruits, veggies and coconut milk. The bag I received usually sells for $4. Great on-the-go snack for little ones being introduced to solids…my 6 year old even loves them! I love that Happy Family also included a list of the EWG 2013 Dirty Dozen…top fruits and veggies you should buy organic.

4. Bummas Eco-Friendly Baby Cloths:  These soft and colorful cloths are the perfect green alternative to traditional wet wipes. They are a great way to prevent diaper rash, while protecting the planet. They can also be used as a wash cloth in the bath or in place of tissues for runny noses too.  A set of 10 sells for $15.

5. Emily Skin Soothers’ Diaper Plus: Made by an acupuncturist for his daughter who was born with sensitive skin. The company also offers other balms and soaps that are made with herbs and can all be used to relieve different skin irritations. The travel size I received sells for $3 while the full size sells for $13. I also received a 10% online coupon.

6. Novena Maternal Organic Cucumber and Cranberry Eye Gel ~Just for Mom: I’m very excited about using this product. It is Vegan, USDA Organic Certified, Paraben/sulfate/fragrance/gluten/BPA and Phtalate free! It is made with a custom formula that is good for all skin types. I received a full size of the eye gel which sells for $22! (Talk about this subscription box paying for itself.) Helps to alleviate typical mommyhood eye issues….dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.  Novena Maternal Skin Care specializes in safe and effective pre and post natal skin and body care. I also received a trial sized sample of their moisturizer and a 10% online discount.

7. EcoTrek Fitness Whole Food Bar~Just for Mom: Another favorite in this month’s box…this Whole Food Bar made me feel like I was indulging in a chocolate treat! EcoTrek Fitness bar are made from high quality, nutritious ingredients. No refined sugars or artificial sweetners…GMO FREE TOO! Tastes so good you forget it contains green foods like spirulina and wheat grass. Great way to get a healthy snack and your nutrition on-the-go! One bar sells for $2.29.

8. Food Should Taste Good Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips: I have seen these at the store before but just never got around to buying some. So glad I got to sample these award winning (over 40!) chips. They are very tasty, made with real ingredients, and are gluten free and Kosher. A healthier chip variety. The snack bag I received typically sells for $1.29.

9. $5 Gift Card to Jude Bug Boutique: Specializes in handmade nursing and teething necklaces and toys. All items are made with 100% natural materials. 

10. The ECZEMA Company 10% off coupon: variety of products to relieve itchy, dry skin. 

11. Ecocentric Mom’s June Expert Tips Card: Topics of the month are “Mosquito Control” and “How to Go Gluten-Free”.

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ECOCENTRIC JUNE MOM DISCOVERY BOX…

1. Lauren Booke Cosmetiques Lip Colour: One of my favorite items in the box! This skincare and makeup line is made with natural and organic ingredients. Their products have received top ratings from the EWG. The Lip Colour I received usually sells for $12. I love it! It’s almost like putting on a smooth chapstick with a hint of color. It has a nice shimmery tint to it and even smells fantastic…all done with organic and natural flavors and color blends! I am definitely a new fan of this line. I also received a 15% online coupon I plan to use right away!

2. Happy Seeds Watermelon Foaming Hand Soap: Another awesome product! I received a Travel Size of the hand soap (perfect to carry in my purse!) which is priced at $5.45.  A full Kitchen & Bath size sells for $9.99. This soap is made with organic fruit and vegetable derived cleansers and aloe vera…and smells yummy! Happy Seeds products are all sulfate/paraben/fragrance/GMO free! I also received a 20% off online coupon. They donate 5% of all sales to Talk About Curing Autism.

3. Brigit True Organics Magic Healing Skin Balm Stick: This is a great product to have on hand for those mini emergencies, such as minor cuts, burns, rashes, mosquito bites, etc. It’s even great for eczema and psoriasis relief.  It comes in a chapstick-like package, making it very convenient and easy to use.  All Brigit True Organics are made with 100% natural ingredients and are 74-99% organic. I received a regular sample priced at $5.50 and an online coupon for 10% off. There is free shipping for orders over $40.

4. Essence of Antiquity Pomegranate Lip Scrub: This was the biggest surprise of the bunch. I exfoliate my skin as needed, but never thought to use a scrub on my lips! After just one application I definitely plan to make it a regular part of my skin regimen. After just one application of this all natural lip scrub, I could not get over how soft my lips felt. The scrub also smelled and tasted so good it was hard to resist eating it! I received a full size jar priced at $6.95 and a 20% off online coupon.

5. Shea Terra Organics Rose Hips Black Soap Deep Pore Facial Cleanser: Another nice surprise….finding this familiar favorite.  About a year ago I was introduced to this 100% natural face wash and liked it very much. It works like a microdermabrasion using real African Black soap and Rose Hips oil and other natural and organic ingredients. It gets rid of dead, dry skin and leaves your skin feeling firm and looking fresh and even. I received a 1oz sample. A full 4oz size sells for $18.

6. Green Leaf Living Lotion Bar: This was the most interesting sample from the box. Lotion in a bar? Works for me! I really like the grapefruit scent and that it’s made with 5 simple and natural ingredients, including my favorites….coconut oil and beeswax. I just rub the bar (as if it were soap) on my hands and it leaves my skin feeling soft and moisturized. A little bit goes a long way. I received a full size lotion bar priced at $6 along with a 10% online discount.  

7. Jenuinely Clean Laundry Power Wash: I have yet to use the sample I received, but am almost certain I will love it. The Jenuinely Clean products are non-toxic and eco-friendly. They are made from essential oils, natural minerals and plant-based soaps. A full size laundry power wash sells for $9 and will last 40-80 washes. I received a 4-8 wash sample size along with a 15% off online coupon.

8. Turtle Moon Health Herbal Mosquito and Tick Repellent: The ideal product to receive during the hot Summer months and also in line with this month’s Ecocentric Mom’s Expert Tips. This all-natural formula has been clinically proven and jungle tested. Made with an essential oil blend, it is child and pet friendly, pesticide free, non-greasy, smells better than most natural and conventional bug sprays. I received a full size spray bottle priced at $12 and a 10% online discount.

The following  items I also received in the “Baby Box” (See descriptions above)…

9. Food Should Taste Good Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips

10. EcoTrek Fitness Whole Food Bar (Yay…I got two!)

11. The ECZEMA Company 10% off coupon

12. Ecocentric Mom’s June Expert Tips Card

The June Boxes were filled with so many useful and unique products. Ecocentric Mom continues to prove why it is one of the rising favorites among subscription box services.  Looking forward to my July box arriving any day now!

Related articles

• May Eco-Box for Moms (thelittlegreenplaypen.wordpress.com)

Easy DIY Diaper Cream

Super Easy, Super Natural, Super DIY Diaper Rash Cream (Guest Post)

Finding an organic and natural diaper rash cream that works and doesn’t completely empty your purse can be tricky. But when the alternative is to slather your baby’s bottom in unknown substances and chemicals, well, there just isn’t a choice. But making your own nappy rash cream is actually really, really simple. Seriously. You don’t need an ingredient list as long as your arm (and no idea where to get them) nor do you need any kind of fancy equipment. This recipe is just three ingredients and you only need a pan and an electric whisk (or strong arm muscle).

The super easy, all-natural, homemade diaper rash cream: 

Ingredients:

1/2 oz organic beeswax

4 1/2 oz organic coconut oil

3/4 tablespoon zinc oxide powder

Zinc oxide is in most diaper rash creams and is what makes them so effective. It is an antibacterial and antioxidant that stimulates the immune system. And the main reason it works so well? It coats a protective layer on the surface of the skin and acts as a barrier against wetness (ta da – no nappy rash).

Other recipes call for olive oil instead of coconut oil but we’ve picked coconut as it also has antibacerial and antifungal properties which is exactly what your baby’s bottom needs.

As for the beeswax, this is just to bind it all together and stop the cream from ruining your clothes and organic cloth nappies (another ridiculously brilliant plus).

So that’s three ingredients with three very useful roles. Now on to the making.

Instructions:

Set up a double boiler (a glass bowl inside a pan of hot water) to melt the beeswax and coconut oil together. This should only take a few minutes.

Add in the zinc oxide powder and, using an electric whisk, blend it all together until it’s smooth and, well, cream like.

Pour the mixture into a clean, dry container – a glass or metal one with a proper lid.

Allow it to cool and then it’s all done.

See? Seriously simple.

A quick tip – it is quite a pain to clean the bowl and whisk so make sure you do it quickly and wipe off as much as you can before you douse it in water.

~Written by Liam at Eco Market.

~Image: HealthHomeHappy

Related articles

• Diaper Rash What Causes it? How to Treat It (expertscolumn.com)
• How to Prevent & Treat Diaper Rashes Naturally (healthychickadee.org)
• Make Your Own Diaper Rash Cream (healthychickadee.org)
• Tuesday Thoughts ~ Homemade Diaper Rash Cream (intelligenderblog.com)
• Diaper Rash Cream by Lavanila laboratories (zblogsa2z.com)
• Naturally Made… DIY Baby Bum Paste aka Diaper Cream (lovelifenaturally.org)
• Whether to Buy Nappies or Disposable Diapers? (overnightnap.wordpress.com)