Tag Archives: organic

It’s Time To Choose A Better Baby Towel

There is something about bathing baby that is so special. It is a time of bonding and exploration, the older they get the more fun they have splashing playing and of course, getting clean. When baby comes out of the bath, you don’t want to wrap them in some scratchy towel or a towel made with fibers that contains chemicals from dyes. That is why I am so happy to share Luvdbaby’s Premium Hooded Bath Towel with you.

This 100% Un-Dyed Organic Cotton Muslin Towel is perfect for boys or girls and it is hypoallergenic for baby’s sensitive skin. The multi-layer gauze cotton is super absorbent and soft. Baby looks adorable in the hood with its sweet, little bear ears. Best of all this towel can be used for newborns right up to toddlers.

Luvdbaby is a small family business that wanted to manufacture products without the harmful chemicals that are so readily found in dyed baby products. This 34″ by 34″ towel is the natural color of cotton. It doubles as a bathrobe and swaddle for your baby. Best yet, it makes a wonderful item to buy ahead as a new baby gift or as part of your own newborn stash since the color is gender neutral. Towel comes packed in a cute cotton, drawstring bag that is great for travel or storage plus it comes with a free belt which allows you to use it as a bathrobe.

My readers can save 20% on this super soft towel by using the Promo Code FIFTHOFF when they check out on Amazon.

Let me know what you think.


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Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, USFG

A Healthier Way To Slow-Cook Your Food!

Did you know that many slow cookers and crock pots leach lead into food when heated up? Lead can cause many detrimental health issues. There are safer ways to slow cook your food. The VitaClay is the Smart Top Rated Clay Pot Cooker. This cooker has computerized, electronic technology that makes it easy to use. It works with hundreds of recipes and best of all it is a healthy way to cook.

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The secret is in the centuries old, slow-cooking, organic clay pot, combined with the perfect computerized balance of temperature, fused to bring out the textures and flavors that will please the health conscious first timer or pro.

The clay pot is non-stick and chemical free. This cooker is perfect for everyone whether you are vegan, vegetarian, health-conscious or just like great food and awesome kitchen appliances.

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We recently tested out the  HIGH-FIRED VITACLAY® SMART ORGANIC MULTICOOKER -in the largest, 8 cup size with a 4.2 qt. capacity. This multicooker also is a Slow Cooker, Steamer, Rice Cooker and Yogurt Maker.

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The VitaClay was designed for the passionate, healthy cook. The award-winning VitaClay®Chef Gourmet Rice and Slow Cooker Pro is now updated to a Smart Organic Multicooker! The cooker features a natural, unglazed, Zisha clay pot that enhances the flavor of food and preserves nutrients, vitamins and enzymes.

The clay pot is free of any non-stick glazes, chemicals or aluminum. To season the pot all you have to do is make rice! That’s right you cook white rice in it for about 2.5 hours and your pot is seasoned. That is very easy to do! The multicooker is programmable and has settings to let you cook stews, soups, all kinds of rice, pot roast and other meats, beans, vegetarian dishes, and even probiotic-rich yogurt.

The all-natural clay pot promotes uniform cooking and the double lid design creates micro-pressure that gives you the most tender meats and flavorful food you can imagine. It also cooks in less time and with less energy! A whole meal can be made in this in as little as 30 minutes!

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After seasoning our pot, I decided to try a chicken recipe in it. I initially thought I was going to make Chicken Cacciatore but I ended up with a slight variation which was a delicious chicken and vegetable dish served over angel hair pasta. The chicken when it was done was so moist and shredded so beautifully. All of the vegetables and colors were delicious and vibrant.

It was simple to make, I just cut up onions, carrots, bell pepper and celery and put in the bottom of the pot. I added some sliced mushrooms and then seasoned with some pepper and garlic powder. I put the skinless, boneless chicken breasts on top of that and then added tomato sauce and Italian style stewed tomatoes. After that I took fresh Italian parsley, basil and oregano from my garden and added that.

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We cooked it for about 2.5 hours and it was just so delicious and perfect for summer because we literally turned it on and left to go swimming at our dock. When we came back after swimming and were famished, everything was ready! I love how it keeps food warm for up to 12 hours without drying it out or overcooking it. That is so nice when you have a large family where everyone may not be eating at the same time. It is also great for those second or third helpings an hour or so later!

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The multicooker came with a nice recipe book and there are more recipes on their website. However you can basically cook all your tried and true slow cooker recipes in it. It has a nice design and does not take up too much room on the counter. It is easy to care for and is something we are going to be cooking in a lot. I will update as I try new things in it.

Enter The Giveaway:

Would you like the chance to win the same multicooker I reviewed? I thought you would, just enter below and good luck!!!

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FEATURES

  • All natural unglazed pure clay pot intensifies flavors of your favorite dishes
  • No aluminum, lead and non-stick chemical coating contacting your food!
  • Up to 4 times faster than conventional slow cooker
  • Easy whole meals are ready in under 45 minutes
  • Food is simmered in its own juices
  • Preserves natural juices, important nutrients, enzymes and vitamins
  • Makes probiotic rich Greek yogurt or yogurt or yogurt cheese
  • 10 minutes up to 5 hours programmable cooking time with 10 minutes increment!
  • Delay timer and automatic Keep Warm
  • Push-button controls and an easy-to-read LCD display / Clock eliminate guesswork
  • Rice paddle & measuring cup included
  • UL listed, FDA, CA Prop 65 and RoHS laboratory tested

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VitaClay is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win an 8 Cup VITACLAY® SMART ORGANIC MULTICOOKER !  Thank you to VitaClay for the review product and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

VITACLAY® SMART ORGANIC 8 CUP MULTICOOKER Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Cooking, Giveaway, Health, Home, Home & Garden, Kitchen, Recipes, Review

Is Your Moisturizer Killing You? #Giveaway

Anyone that knows me, knows that I do not like using any type of toxic products. You will not find Bounce dryer sheets, Tide detergent, Cascade, Scrubbing Bubbles etc in my home. I will not expose my family to those carcinogens. As the mother of a cancer survivor, I wish everyone would become more aware of the toxic chemicals that manufactures try to shove down consumers’ throats. They think nothing of poisoning consumers so that their profit is greater and they can pass more along to their number one priority which is their stockholders.

Beauty and skin care products can be some of the most toxic products around. It is scary thinking that people spread these toxic products all over their skin which is the largest organ in the body. It makes me cringe. This does not mean that I forgo beauty products, it just means that I do my research and choose healthier options. Recently I discovered Mascli. Mascli is on a mission that aligns with my ideals. They want to bring awareness to consumers of the dangers in the products that line the store shelves and beauty care aisles. They want to provide healthier,safer, non-toxic alternatives that are far superior to the products most consumers are using.

I recently tried a bottle of their anti-aging moisturizer called Awakening. Awakening comes in a glass bottle with a chrome color pump top. It is beautiful on the outside but the ingredients on the inside are where the true beauty is. Awakening uses 100% certified organic oils and vitamins E & C, Minerals, Antioxidants and Omega 3 6 9 Fatty Acids. It is a unisex moisturizer perfect for men or women and won’t leave men smelling flowery or perfumey.

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You might expect a moisturizer to be a lotion or cream but Awakening is a mix of essential oils and so the consistency is like that. It does not feel greasy and it smells nice. It absorbs quickly and hydrates skin. It is recommended to use 2 times a day so I apply in the morning and then apply my makeup right on top. You rub it on your face and neck with your fingertips in circular upward motion. Highest concentration should be on the brow area and the jaw line. At night after cleansing my face, I reapply and just go to bed. It is really working to hydrate my skin, making it firmer and gives it a healthy glow.

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Awakening is a revolutionary product and I have not run across any other anti-aging moisturizer like it. Watch my video review below to see more.

Giveaway:

Mascli is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a bottle of Awakening Anti-Aging Moisturizer . Thank you to Mascli for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Mascli Awakening Anti-Aging Moisturizer Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Beauty and Skin Care Products, Essential Oils, Giveaway, Health, Natural, Review

Finn + Emma® Made For Organically Grown Babies!!! Exclusive 20% Off Discount Code In Post!!!

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Do you have a little one?  Maybe you have a new grandchild or just searching for a great baby gift.  Whatever the reason, if you are looking for quality, organic, safe clothing and accessories for baby, you will want to check out Finn + Emma®.  Have you heard that 1/3 pound of chemicals including pesticides, chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, ammonia, lead and phthalates go into the production of  a single conventional tee-shirt.  These toxins have a negative impact on the environment, the workers in the fields and factories and of course the little one wearing the shirt.  Considering the skin is the largest organ of the body, these chemicals that are worn directly on the skin are easily absorbed and  that’s really scary!

Finn + Emma® believe in the balance of stylish and sustainable, whimsical and sophisticated, classic and contemporary. With fresh prints, modern colors,and heirloom quality construction, they are creating a new world for the organically grown baby. One where boring designs and toxic chemicals are a thing of the past, and adorable, wearable, remarkable organic cotton is abundant!

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All Finn + Emma® products are designed and tested according to applicable rules and regulations. In the U.S., this includes acts enforced by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, and those defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).  As per CPSIA, Finn + Emma® tests post-production samples of all regulated products, using certified third-party laboratories. These products are labeled with tracking information to identify the manufacturing date and location of each product.  This is something that gives parents, grandparents and let’s face it anyone that is concerned about chemicals and toxins peace of mind.

 

I recently reviewed the Long Bodysuit in the Word design.  The long sleeves of this 100% G.O.T.S. certified organic cotton bodysuit keep little ones warm and protected.  The bodysuit features lead and nickel free snaps with coconut inserts that make it easy to dress squirmy babies and toddlers.  The super soft, organic cotton is so comfy and this versatile bodysuit can be worn alone or pairs so well with pants.  This bodysuit is an essential piece to have in any little one’s wardrobe.   This bodysuit is made using low-impact inks and dyes.

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Another Finn + Emma® product I had the chance to review was the adorable Piper the Elephant organic Teething Ring.  Lots of textures for little ones cutting teeth on this teething toy.  The hand knit teething ring features and uncoated hardwood that is finished with a bit of beeswax, no harsh chemicals here!  The ring is soft, smooth and safe to bite to help ease the pain of growing those pearly whites.  Toy is made with 100% G.O.T.S. certified organic cotton and  is eco-friendly using non-toxic dyes and sheep’s wool stuffing.  The toy is fair trade and is hand knit by artisans in Peru.

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Exclusive 20% Savings For Mommy Ramblings’ Readers:

I have great news, Finn + Emma® have provided Mommy Ramblings’ Blog readers with an exclusive 20% Off Promo Code.  This code is valid starting today thru August 13th.  When checking out on FinnandEmma.com use the code VFOFW to redeem the discount.  Stay in the know with Finn + Emma® by following them on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

 


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Filed under Baby, Baby Gear, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Toddler, Toys

Check Out Annie’s New Family Size Frozen Entrees!!! #InfluensterVox, #AnniesHomegrown

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I recently had the chance to try Annie’s Homegrown frozen entrees.  I went to my Super Target and headed off to the frozen section where I found it well stocked with all the different varieties of frozen Annie’s family size entrees.  I chose the lasagna with meat sauce.  Made with organic pasta and tomatoes layered with pasta, tomato sauce, seasoned beef and a blend of four cheeses.

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You can make it in the conventional oven or in the microwave and I chose the microwave because it was faster and we were running behind.  You cook for 9 minutes on full power, 9 minutes on 50% power and let stand in the microwave for 3 minutes.  Then you can get it out and enjoy.  I really liked it and so did the family.  Not too spicy or anything but a really nice warm comfort food dish.  Cannot wait to try some of the other kinds.  Hope you give it a try and let me know how you like it.

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50% Off All Babo Botanical’s Products With Promo Code!!!

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Babo Botanicals offers a full range of natural and safe skin, hair and suncare products for newborns, babies, kids and the entire family! Babo products are made on a certified organic farm in upstate New York and are ultra-rich in vitamins A, C and D delivering maximum nutrients, protection and moisture to your child’s hair and skin. Babo’s mission is to provide the perfect balance between optimum results, natural ingredients and family fun.

Right now you can get 50% off all Babo Botanical’s Products with the Promo Code HOLIDAYBABO.  Offer available from Dec 11th to Dec 18th. Coupon does not apply to VIP Gift Basket. 

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Crunchy, Organic, Natural, Granola, Lysol???

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When I look at the title for my post today it reminds me of the Sesame Street segment, “One of these things is not like the other, one of these things just doesn’t belong.”  Do I need to give you a hint which one doesn’t belong?

I am on a little bit of a rant today.  I find such hypocrisy that so many people who refer to themselves as Crunchy or Granola moms, women who stress about cloth diapering and buying organic produce but think nothing of using or even promoting the use of Lysol, pesticides, Clorox products, Johnson & Johnson’s, Aveeno, Tide, Wisk, Shout, Resolve, Pledge, Neutrogena, Avon and I could go on, but I’m sure you get the picture.  I just want to shake them and say, “Do you even know what’s in those products?  Do you think you can call yourself “Crunchy” when you allow that toxic waste in your home or worse bathe your baby with it?”  I throw up a little in my mouth when bloggers who are extreme couponers show off their enormous hoards of products and cringe as I think about the air quality in their home from the out-gassing of those products.  Or when they brag they got it for ten cents, I wouldn’t even take that for free.  If you mention something they call you jealous of their stock piled poison.

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As a mother of a cancer survivor, I try to educate others on the dangers of these products but it mostly falls on deaf ears, they’re only concerned with right now, not down the road how these products could impact their family’s lives.  They talk about allergies, asthma and skin rashes not even thinking it could be from the chemical levels in the air of their homes and the residue left from so many household products they use.  I even approached one blogger with Crunchy, Granola, Organic and everything else in her blog title when she was promoting a campaign for Lysol products which was ironically called “Healthy Home”, haha Lysol and Healthy Home a complete oxymoron.  I was approached with the same campaign and turned it down flat as I do for Johnson & Johnson’s, Aveeno etc.  I would never promote such toxic products.  Well, she asked me what I wanted from her, she tries to be crunchy when she can but this was a paid opportunity and she was taking it.

Going through my news feed makes me want to scream, pushes and campaigns, coupons for these carcinogen filled products is so rampant.  Please readers if you do nothing else, research what I told you, know what you have in your home and what you’re buying in the store.  Don’t think if you don’t concern yourself it won’t matter, because it does.  Have you ever wondered why there are such increases in allergies, asthma, cancer, autism, miscarriage, infertility, birth defects, Alzheimer’s etc.?  If you have, then you need to educate yourself on the dangers.  Please knowledge is power, good health is priceless!!!  Stepping off the soap box now and you can rest assured it is not from Tide!

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Naturepedic, Organic, Waterproof Mattress Protector Pad Review

It’s really important to me that my children have the best quality mattresses that we can get them because they spend so much time +sleeping and I want them on a safe, healthy mattress with good support.  With little ones though, there are lots of little accidents that can happen and you want to protect that expensive mattress so it will stay fresh and clean for a long time.

Sometimes though, we buy mattresses made with organic fibers and then we don’t put much thought into a mattress cover to protect them.  That really defeats the purpose of getting that healthy mattress if we go and cover it with a mattress cover that is made of harmful, toxic materials.

I would highly suggest to first look at the Best Mattress Toppers Reviews – Complete Buying Guide to get a better ideal on all the different types of pads available.

I recently had a chance to review a Naturepedic Waterproof, Organic Protector Pad for my preschooler’s full size bed.  This pad is made in the USA, has NO Vinyl/PVC, NO Phthalates,  NO Latex (for allergy concerns) and is GREENGUARD® Certified.  There are waterproof and non-waterproof versions available in sizes bassinet through Queen size in the waterproof and crib size to full size int the non-waterproof.  Both the waterproof and non-waterproof pads feature two layers of organic cotton flannel – top and bottom.

The Ultra-Thin Waterproof Barrier In Center – Waterproof Version Only features DrySleep™ technology, which effectively blocks liquids from passing through while still allowing the fabric to “breathe.” Some water vapor is allowed to escape resulting in less “sweaty backs” and a drier, more comfortable sleep. Provides a soft, non-sweaty and comfortable waterproof barrier (as compared to vinyl and rubber) and also blocks dust-mites and other allergens. Both versions are easy care machine washable and dryable.

I know, I sleep better knowing that my child is sleeping on a safe breathable, organic mattress pad that even has protection for little accidents that may occur when we least expect them.

 

Naturepedic is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings and one lucky blog reader will win a Naturepedic organic, waterproof mattress pad in their choice of size from bassinet to full size.  Thank you Naturepedic for the review mattress pad and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Naturepedic, Organic, Waterproof Mattress Protector Pad Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Filed under Home & Garden

NurturMe Organic, All Natural and Gluten-Free Baby Food Review & Giveaway!!!

One thing that is inconvenient about glass jars of baby food is that they are heavy and clunky when I put them in the diaper bag. I am always worrying that they will bump together and break. Sometimes there just isn’t room for the jars in my small diaper bag. So I was intrigued when I heard about NurturMe dehydrated baby food, and happy to do a review for their product!

NurturMe sent me an assortment of their baby food that came in little packets. The instructions were very easy to understand, just add water, breast milk or formula! We tried out the apple first and my baby loved it! The squash mixed up well and was the same consistency  as you would find in a jar. I love that they come in little packets that are super light and easy to pack even when the diaper bag is stuffed full! I could just throw one in my purse and it won’t really take up much space. One healthy suggestion they give you, is to add a packet of veggies to food like mac ‘n cheese, pancakes or pasta to give your baby a serving of vegetables in the foods they eat regularly!  You can even do this for older kids who are not eating enough veggies and fruit to sneak them in foods they already eat.

Made in the USA, NurturMe’s products are certified Organic by QAI and gluten free! They are a nature conscious company, and their pouches are recyclable made with wind energy. The small lightweight packets leave a smaller carbon footprint than jars.

NurturMe is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a  gift sachet bag set of food and a spoon! Thank you NurturMe for the review baby food and give-away!!!  Open to US residents.

NurturMe Organic All Natural Baby Food Sachet Gift Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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Happy Green Bee Organic Classic Stripes Sock Gift Set Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

Happy Green Bee sent me this great classic stripes organic sock set to review and is sponsoring a give-away for Mommy Ramblings, so that one lucky blog reader can win the same set.  These socks are one size and will fit most feet 3months to 3 years.  I used my 2 year old Luke as my product tester and these slipped very easily on his feet.  They were soft and very comfortable.    The colors are vibrant and there is a great selection of shades to go with any outfit.  Luke loved the fun color combinations and that the socks were so comfy.  I felt good knowing they were organic.  For more on why buying organic is important you can click here.  The sock set comes in a zippered pouch and includes a bonus tooth fairy tin which is a nice little extra to have when our little ones get bigger and start losing their baby teeth.

Thanks to Happy Green Bee they are sponsoring a give-away of the same sock set for one lucky Mommy Rambling’s Blog reader!!!

Mandatory Entry– Visit the Happy Green Bee Website and tell me what other product you like.  Leave your choice in a comment on this blog post.  Please remember this is the mandatory entry, if not completed no extra entries will count and will be deleted.

Extra Entries: (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry of they will not count)

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Like Happy Green Bee on Facebook and leave a comment that Mommy Ramblings sent you, then leave a comment here that you did.

3. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

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5. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Picket Fence Blogs (Button is on the side of our blog, “We’re on the Fence) and leave me a comment here you did.

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7. Post this give away on your Facebook status and leave me a comment here that you did.

8. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

9. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

Good Luck Everyone!!!  Give Away Ends June 4th  at 12am EST.  Winner will be selected by Random.org.


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