Acure Organics

I knew that I would fall in love with Acure Organics when I read their tag line "A cure for your skin. A Cure for the planet." As we lead up to Earth day, I cannot think of a company more devoted to preserving the earth. Acure Organics products are 100% natural, with certified organic ingredients and they are free of synthetic fragrances and only use 100% steam distilled, pure plant essential oils to scent. Their products are all gluten free (except for the facial cleansers). There is no animal testing and they are licensees of TransFairUSA, the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade Certified Ingredients in the US. Acure Organics is 100% carbon neutral and
any paper they use is either 100% recycled or Forest Stewardship Council certified from sustainably managed forests. The Acure Organics offices are 100% solar and wind powered with Green-e certified renewable energy. The products are all 100% biodegradable. Acure Organics bottles are recycled HDPE, PET, or glass . These materials are the most widely recyclable, food safe and 100% BPA-free.
This family-operated business is dedicated to the environment and helping people look and feel their best with a very small carbon footprint. Acure Organics makes a donation to breast cancer research for every facial product purchased. Each quarter they plant a number of trees to do their part in renewing our natural resources. Acure Organics have planted over 20,000 trees so far through this program. They are proud supporters of the Farmland Trust, which works to convert conventional farmland into certified organic farms. They also sponsor small organic farmers in Panama and Costa Rica with microloans.

In love yet?! I thought so. If as if all this was not enough, the products are nothing short of amazing. I use the Lemongrass + Moroccan Argan Oil body lotion every single day. To say I am addicted to the scent would be an understatement. I love that way it smells and more importantly how good my skin feels. I spoke to a body care specialist at my local natural food store and she said Acure Organics products fly off the shelves faster than they can stock them. I am so excited to try more of their line. This is a company that has real values and their products are beautifully made. I love that they use such amazing scents and that everything is so reasonably priced. Together maybe we really can find Acure!

MJ's Herbals

I feel pretty fortunate for the people I meet through this blog. One of my all-time favorite conversations and new friendships is with MJ of MJ's Herbals. MJ's Herbals carries salves that are lovingly handcrafted by MJ herself. She was inspired by her Sicilian grandmother who often used herbal remedies for ailments. MJ realized the healing power of plants. MJ studied plant science in high school and college. She then studies herbalism and holistic healing through her own research and apprenticeships with masters in the field. Her line is true to the belief that simple, organic ingredients can help with life's ailments. She currently handmakes five different salve: Lavender, Arnica, Calendula, First Aid and Breast Balm.
I have the Calendula Salve, and from the minute I opened it, I have been carrying it with me everywhere. The small jar holds huge healing powers.

MJ's Herbals salves have more of a creamy, silky feel - something MJ herself perfected over years of formulating. MJ's Herbals Calendula Salve is an exceptionally effective remedy for inflamed skin, slow healing wounds, skin ulcers, & irritations. We use it for puffy eyes and dry, itchy skin. Although calendula is strong in action, it is gentle on the skin and ideal for baby skin care needs. Feel the healing power of these beautiful garden blossoms! 1.0 oz. (from Spiritbeautylounge.com)

The Calendula Salve has been used in our home for everything from rashes, to soothing my daughter's chronically itchy winter skin. A little goes a long way and we see results withing in minutes rather than hours or days. I love that the salves are certified organic, and I feel safe using them on my daughter. The salves are wonderful, but even more healing is knowing the love and care MJ puts into every pot. I truly believe MJ has the gift of healing and she uses the most natural ingredients nature has to offer to help her use this gift.

Modern, Organic...Beautiful

Kjaer Weis was created by NY makeup-artist Kristin Kjaer Weis. She wanted to create high-quality cosmetics that were safe, natural and organic. She had Marc Atlan create works of art for the cosmetic cases. They are bold metal compacts that are refillable, showing even further dedication to her cause. The products are beautiful from the inside and out, and the quality is undeniable.
As a mother, I often worry about what goes on my skin. My daughter loves dress-up and I often find her rifling through my cosmetics. She is not allowed to wear makeup of course, but I like to keep my cosmetics as natural as possible. Kjaer Weis allows me to do it with ease. I am enamoured with the Cream Blush. There is something so special about the packaging and the delicious product inside that gives me a "natural" glow. It also smells fantastic.

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush Compact is a clean and organic cream blush that give skin a beautifully fresh glow to create a youthful sun-kissed look.The hydrating, soft formula gently melts with the warmth of the fingers. Creme Blush is gently scented with Vanilla from Madagascar.

I use the blush as a lip gloss too and so little goes such a long way. Kjaer Weis cosmetics are true beauty for the eyes, planet and the soul.

Leap Organics

My nephews and my daughter all employ the lackadaisical approach to actually washing their hands. They also all have sensitive skin. I was overjoyed to find LEAP Organics. From soap bars to lip balm, they have the organic skincare and body care you want.

The creator of LEAP Organics built LEAP with sustainable business principles. They use renewable energy powers for production, and recyclable materials for packaging. LEAP donates 1% of their annual revenue to global environmental non-profits.

Our organic skincare packaging is 100% recyclable and made from 25% post-consumer recycled plastic (except the face lotion bottle – although it is 100% recyclable).

All of our organic soap packaging is 100% recyclable and biodegradable and made up of 50% post-consumer recycled material. Our organic skincare packaging is 100% recyclable and made from 25% post-consumer recycled material.
The Forest Stewardship Council (“FSC”) logo certifies that our organic soap box paper comes from sustainable, well-managed forests.
Our organic soap box packaging is manufactured using 100% renewable energy, supporting primarily wind energy.

Leap Organics does not just talk, they walk the walk. Their line is certified organic. Their formulations are gentle and smell amazing. We opted for the Eucalyptus line, which smells minty fresh and has the coolest octopus on the packaging. It was the only way I could actually entice my nephews to wash their hands. The Organic Hand Soap is gentle enough for little ones, but strong enough to make your hands actually feel and smell clean. The Organic Bar Soap is full of super-nourishing shea butter, and its peppy scent kicks us into gear in the morning. My daughter and nephews commandeered the packaging to make it into a figure in the underwater world they created. My fave from this line is probably The Organic Lip Balm . It really moisturizes, and if you have not noticed, we are crazy for the Eucalyptus scent. There are Lavender and Lemongrass options for the line as well.

Take the LEAP into organic products that are making a difference for you and for the environment.

Weleda Transformation

I am a huge Weleda fan. I love the company and all they stand for. The company was started in 1921 by Dr. Rudolf Steiner and Dr. Ita Wegman who decided that individuals and their bodies, minds and spirits are linked to the world as one large system. They cultivated one of the world’s first Biodynamic gardens and immediately saw how effective their products were. They did not need to use synthetic chemicals or man-made preservatives. Weleda is after the Celtic goddess of wisdom and healing. Today Weleda still cultivates its own Biodynamic gardens.

Their new line of cleansers are exactly what my skin needed. I have become an avid user of their Gentle Cleansing Milk. Made with Organic jojoba seed oil that preserves your natural moisture and acts as an emollient in this natural face wash. Witch hazel is a naturally light astringent and is renowned for its skin-strengthening effects. I notice my skin is softer, and I no longer have that "tight" feeling after cleansing.

My body is also thanking me now that I am using

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil. Organic pomegranate seed oil contains powerful antioxidants that help promote skin renewal and protect against free radical damage. Organic jojoba seed oil preserves your natural moisture and acts as an emollient in this natural oil moisturizer, nurturing your skin and improving its firmness.
Dermatological tests show that our regenerating Pomegranate Body Oil accelerates natural skin renewal by 50% in just two weeks.* Indulge yourself after your shower or bath with our natural oil moisturizer to renew your youthful, full-body radiance. Pomegranate Body Oil lets you experience your body’s timeless beauty day after ageless day.

I notice a definite difference and with my new gym routine, I have to say I cannot live without this oil. I feel like I just look better, and better yet, no harsh chemicals!

I complete my gym workouts with a healthy spray of the the Weleda Citrus Deodorant, which is aluminum-free, but strong enough to keep me smelling wonderful all day long. As a side note, it makes a fabulous air freshner too.

I cannot say enough about this fabulous line. It is natural and their method to making your beautiful is using this beautiful earth and its natural bounty to do ao.

Revolution Organics

I often blog about how I am trying to make my life more and more chemical-free. I became a mother and realized that everything I have in our home and especially on my body could come into contact with my daughter. I use the safest things I can find on her, so why not on me? About five years ago I found out a brand of cosmetics I was using contained very harmful ingredients and even worse, they tested on animals. I was horrified! So I threw everything out and could never find multi-tasking products to replace them. This resulted in me often looking a lot pale and a lot tired. I needed something. Revolution Organics was and is that something. Revolution Organics was created by founders Melissa Shabinsky and Alexandra Zanella out of their own desire to simplify their lives and make healthy choices with their beauty products. The Revolution Organics line is USDA certified organic using only plant-based ingredients.

Each ingredient is carefully selected for their skin benefiting properties and all of our formulations combine highly concentrated blends of nourishing organic butters, oils, herbs and certified organic perfume blends to create our beautiful formulations.

My favorite part about this line is that everything is multi-tasking which means less time having to apply different products for busy moms.

The Freedom Lip Gloss is formulated with 100% natural and 85% certified organic ingredients, and is free of chemicals, mineral oil, petroleum, artificial ingredients and parabens. The colors are super-natural looking. They are so moisturizing that I use them like a lip balm.

The Lip Balm smells like oranges and vanilla is a nutrient-packed punch that boots the dry scaly lip look out the door. I wear this to bed at night.

The All-Over Skin Creme is really concentrated and rich. A little goes a long way to getting rid of rough feet and elbows. It has an uplifting citrusy smell I cannot resist.

My favorite go-to product from this line are the Freedom Glow Beauty Balms. They can be used on lips, cheeks, eyes...you name it! Each color is so natural looking, making me, but better. They are not glittery, flashy teenager makeup. These are dewy and nourish your skin rather than sitting on top of it. They really last all day. With colors Sunkissed, Bronzed and Blushed you will find one that works for you.

Come on ladies, time to clean out the makeup drawer and really commit to an organic, beautiful life.

Madii & Dyl

If you have a child with allergies, whether food based or environmental, you deal with some tough problems. While my daughter does not have food allergies (that we know of), she definitely has environmental allergies. At nine months old we had to use a nebulizer during May because of the pollen. Each year from May-September my daughter sneezes, coughs and has itchy eyes. One year we even had to deal with eczema. I go through a lot of hit/miss with products. My main goal is to make sure she has the easiest time during allergy season and beyond. Mother of two, Jackie, was dealing with the same issues. Her children had allergies and she could not find good cleansing flannels and pillows for her children. She (smartly) decided to create her own.

Madii & Dyl sells Cleansing Flannels that both sensitive adults and children can use. They also carry three different sizes of Luxe Latex Pillows.

Made from 100% certified organic latex our pillows contain no chemicals, are hypoallergenic and naturally resistant to dust mites, mildew and bacteria. Designed for comfort, its softness, support and innovative design makes it the superior choice in children's bedding. All pillows come with polyester pillow protector and pure cotton pillow case.

Because the pillows are 100% pure latex, they naturally resist dust mites, mildew and bacteria, so your little ones do not have to suffer while they sleep. They can be washed, and they keep shape so they last! They come in size 3+ months, 18+ months and 4+ years.

Maybe it is just me, but in the first week of my daughter using the Mini Me (4+ years pillow), I notice a dramatic decline in her coughing and generally better sleep. Children need more sleep than adults, and the better quality sleep, the better quality of life (for everyone). Two thumbs-up Maddi & Dyl!

Nicobella

My baby is starting school soon. It will her first time away from me, and I am getting more and more stressed as the days go on. Whether your children are in school or not, being a mom or dad is pretty stressful. I cope with my stress by baking and cooking and keeping my garden in order. Oh, who am I kidding. My "secret stress buster" is a good piece of chocolate. I have learned that in order to be a good mom, I need to be a healthy mom. I try to make healthy and natural foods. I buy organic and I love raw foods. I think my chocolate (addiction) love should be the same. Nicobella is a line of vegan organic dark chocolates. Nichole Dandrea, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist makes delicious concoctions and treats using the best Fair Trade and sustainable products.

By replacing the cream and sugar*, that is typically in the ganache center, with vegan natural ingredients and infusing each truffle with super rich antioxidant foods, such as blueberries, green tea, sunflower seed butter, and pumpkin, there is finally something available for the health conscious individual that is lower in fat and sugar AND good for the body.

I tried the Truffle Sampler and fell in love with these delicious treats. My favorites were the Pumpkin Chai and Blueberry Almond. I was able to release a long day of stress in one delicious bite. And best of all, I did not feel even one bit guilty!

Kahina Giving Beauty

I take skincare pretty seriously. I know I did some damage to my skin during my teenage years when I let my pale skin burn. Now I wear at least a 30 spf and make sure to keep my face covered. I still get pink cheeks and dry skin. I kept reading about the amazing properties found in argan oil. Argan oil has high concentrations of nutrients like highly potent antioxidants. Argan oil neutralizes free radicals, reduces inflammation, minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and protects the skin from harsh environmental factors. It is as natural as you can get, and your skin absorbs it, so you never get that greasy residue some moisturizers leave.

I found Kahina Giving Beauty during my search for the purest argan oil. Berber Women of Morocco have been using argan oil for years to protect their skin the desert. Kahina is named for a Berber queen and prophetess who reigned in Morocco circa 700 CE. Kahina is a heroine to Berber women. Kahina Giving Beauty was founded by Katharine Phillips L’Heureux after a trip to Morocco where she discovered the effectiveness of pure argan oil. Kahina Giving Beauty is aptly names as it gives back 25% of the profits from the sale of Kahina Giving Beauty products to support initiatives to help these women. The entire site for Kahina is based around educating the consumer to the uses and sustainability of Kahina-Giving Beauty.

Berber women extract the oil from the nut of the argan tree. These women actually reside in North Africa in the among the argan forests. Kahina Giving Beauty is helping these women in the argan cooperatives by providing them with their first chance at economic and social freedom. Many of them are learning to read and write for the first time through literacy programs provided by the cooperatives. Kahina Giving Beauty packaging is actually decorated with the signatures of some of the Berber women. I find that so touching and beautiful.

The products are fantastic. I use the Facial Lotion morning and night. It is so light-weight with a very light pleasant smell. My skin drinks this up! I noticed a marked difference in skin tightness and dryness.

My other skin treat is the 100% Organic Argan Oil. A need the tiniest amount at night to help soothe my pink cheeks. My hands have become softer just from applying it at night. I also used it on my daughter's arm where she had a scare and it seems to be disappearing. I was skeptical using an oil, but this is just a dream. You have to try argan oil! You can even use it in your hair to tame frizziness.

I love everything about the Kahina Giving Beauty company. They are giving back to an amazing group of women, and bringing jobs and education. And I cannot complain about the gorgeous and soft skin they have given me.

Navitas Naturals

I am always looking for ways to add more healthy foods to our lives. You all know about our love of smoothies and seeds etc. I am also trying to work with more "green companies" to provide us with the products we use. Navitas Naturals is a company based in Marin County, California that provides certified organic functional foods. The “Navitas” in the name is the Latin word for energy. The foods are all free of additives, trans fats and are always as pure as can be. Navitas Naturals says:

Our company is committed to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. We source our premium functional foods through direct partnerships with farming communities around the world. An essential part of our mission is to create economic opportunities among indigenous people in developing countries, and our support of native agriculture helps expand development of global organic farming practices.

We got a few products to try. We loved every single one. The Goldenberries are nutritionally packed with anti-inflammatory bioflavonoids, vitamins A and C, and protein. They are 100% pure are certified organic, kosher, gluten-free, vegan, and raw. They do not contain any added sugar or preservatives. My daughter loved the sweet and sour taste. We did not even get the chance to bake with them because she ate them right out of the bag for snack.

The Maqui Powder, made from ground Maqui berries offers more antioxidants than any discovered fruit.

Recent studies have demonstrated the nutrition in maqui berries can support a wide variety of bodily functions, including brain performance, heart health, liver strength, anticancer activity and – as the Machupe Indians likely know – overall longevity.

We added ours to smoothies, and even sprinkled on to oatmeal for a tart delicious treat!

We also are known to have a little bit of sweet tooth (just a little one), so the Organic Superfood Chocolate Kit . The kit came with cacao butter, cacao powder and even cacao nibs: a synergistic combination of exciting power ingredients that's packed with antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, essential minerals, and is sugar and dairy free. We decided to use a chocolate mold we had for crafts. My daughter was very into helping to melt the cacao butter and mixing in the powder. I loved the delicious crunch added by the cacao nibs. Hands down, this one was a winner!

We now have a new "go-to" for healthy treats.

Wildly Affordable Organic

In our home we try to buy and eat organic foods whenever possible. Sometimes that is easy, like planting our own garden and using all organic matter to grow it etc. A lot of people assume that "organic" is synonymous with "expensive". I was one of those people for a long time. I had to learn how to make organic work for our home. Wildly Affordable Organic by Linda Watson is the perfect book for those wanting to eat organically but scared of the cost. Watson shows readers how to eat organic for $5 a day. This includes food plans and recipe ideas. Watson advises to use your fridge and freezer and stretch your pennies by not throwing extras away. She even has a list of items that do not need to be "organic" and those that should always be organic. Her ideas are easy to follow and fun! Watson advises cooking from scratch and buying locally from farmer's markets (plus your fruit and vegetables are always fresher that way). We took a lot of her advice and put it into practice.

Just tonight we feasted on her Greek Potato Salad (pictured) and we have enough for lunch tomorrow for our whole family. I find myself going back to this book again and again, and you will too. If eating organic seems cost prohibitive, Linda Watson is there to show you that anyone can do it.

Petunia Pickle Bottom Keeps Product Mommy Organized

Petunia Pickle Bottom is synonymous with style for moms, dads and babies. Their diaper bags fly off the shelves because they are functional, stylish and best of all...they do not look like your typical diaper bags. Fashionable Diaper bags?, you ask? Yes! Petunia Pickle Bottom has pretty much single-handedly changed how new mommas are toting their gear around town. The new Sashay Satchel is no exception. It can be a satchel or converted to a backpack diaper bag with ease. The Sashay Satchel makes it easy to also go from diaper bag to your everything bag. This baby is so roomy...and so stylish!

The Sashay Satchel is:
Made from Certified Organic Cotton
Converts to backpack with clever pockets for storage when straps are not in use
Large front magazine pocket with internal cell phone pocket
Four internal bottle pockets, large organizational pockets, zipper pouch and key clip
Removable and wipe-able changing pad
PPB Monogrammed wipes case
Dimensions: 13.25 X 15 X 5.5 in.

Best of all, you look like one hip momma! I am obsessed with my Sashay Satchel. I no longer need to carry diapers for my little one, but I use it as my handbag. I do not know the term "pack lightly". Everything I think I may need comes with me, and best of all, it fits with ease into this bag. The design is so modern and chic. I keep getting approached about who made my bag. Petunia Pickle Bottom owners simply smile and nod with the knowledge that I too am in on the secret. I am obsessed with the easy to wipe coated bottom of the bag, and even happier with the fact that I can carry everything this Mama needs.

rms beauty...Naturally

Many cosmetics lines claim to be "all-natural" and "organic", and then you read the ingredients and shudder. rms beauty is finally the real deal! Makeup Artist, Rose-Marie Swift was experiencing health issues and her body contained large levels of toxins including Aluminum and Lead. Through questioning, she realized it was her work with cosmetics that was causing this. She decided to do something about this, and in 2008 she launched rms Beauty, the first truly organic color cosmetics brand in the world.

My cosmetics routine changed greatly when I became pregnant and then a mother. I started to pay more attention to what was touching my skin, and that went into overdrive when my toddler started getting into everything. rms beauty is natural, not only with the ingredients used, but in the way they wear. I cannot stand heavy makeup, so this line is perfect for me. The products that I have been lucky enough to try, are all winners.

The "un-cover" up is a melts right into your skin covering flaws, without looking heavy. It actually heals your skin. I have very dry patches under my eyes in winter, and this not only got rid of them, but covered my "less than eight hours sleep" dark circles. I even use it to cover blemishes.

The lip2cheek is perfect for that natural glow. It comes in an array of colors. I found the pigment to be just enough to give me a glow, and it seemed to work with my skin rather than sitting on top of it. One quick dab on my cheeks really lasts all day.

The cream eye shadows are also 100% natural and come in six different shades. They are moisturizing and a little goes a long way. They are perfect for dry eyelids and instead of accentuating wrinkles like most shadows, they hide them, giving you a youthful glow. No crazy glitter in these, just a nice subtle, youthful, glossy look.

My favorite product is the living luminizer. It looks amazing because it is not sticky, greasy or glittery. I use it on my brow bones, and on top of my cheeks (works wonderfully with the lip2cheek). It gives me that glow that makes it look like I am well-rested.

rms beauty does not use any genetically modified ingredients. This is a line that has done the research and knows what is not only good for your skin, but good for your health. Looking your best should never be at the cost to your health.

Intelligent Nutrients

Living an organic lifestyle can be easy. You have to take a close look at all of the aspects of your life, including what you use on your hair and body. I admit, that we in this Product Mommy household are not always organically perfect, but we are trying. I again refer to No More Dirty Looks, which really changed the way I take care of myself. Like any girl, I like to look good and feel good. One of the first items I unloaded in what I like to call my "organic clean-up" was my toxic shampoo. So I needed to find a replacement. I went searching and found Intelligent Nutrients. Intelligent Nutrients makes hair care, body care, skin care and even supplements. All of the products are sustainable and chemical-free. They always evaluate the toxicity of the their items, and no pesticides are used, and they are pioneering plant stem-cell technology. I was thrilled, and decided I wanted to try out some products.

The Harmonic Shampoo is non-toxic and color-safe and has a wonderful minty aroma. Formulated without sulfates, parabens, silicones, ethoxylates, PEG, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. Ideal for use on every hair type, this invigorating shampoo rids hair of build-up, revealing hair in its cleanest, purest form. It definitely made my hair feel clean without the tons of sudsing (which is actually a bad thing) that I am used to. I was especially in love with scent.

The Harmonic Conditioner is equally as minty and was nice and creamy without being heavy. I loved that it is color-safe and also formulated without sulfates, parabens, silicones, ethoxylates, PEG, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. I felt safe enough to use it to get tangles out of my daughter's fine hair (and it did not weigh it down at all!).

The Certified Organic Hand Sanitizer is chemical-free so it gets rid of the bad germs, without total overkill. It does contain organic Alcohol Denat. It has a nice, pleasant scent, and I felt safe using it on my little one after a trip out.

My favorite product was the Certified Organic Lip Delivery Nutrition. It is 100% free of petrolatum, mineral oil and lead. Because Intelligent Nutrients realizes most people ingest whatever is on their lips, it is packed full of healthy oils and nutritious ingredients. It tastes minty and goes on smooth. This is my daytime balm. I love it!

I really have enjoyed every product from Intelligent Nutrients that I have tried, and I want to try more. Being organic never felt so good!

John Masters, a Master of Organic Body Care

We only get one body, and we only get one planet. Why not treat them both with the utmost care? -John Masters

John Masters began making organic products 20 years ago, before it was "popular" to do so. His products still remain some of the safest and purest on the market. From skincare, to body and haircare, he is truly an alchemist at creating products that not only work, but are often organic and free of parabens, sls and harsh chemicals. He was the recipient in 2004 of the Soil Association Award for Best Organic Product Line in Europe. I was lucky enough to try some of the products from each part of his line and I am now a devotee!

John Masters' first product he created was his Dry Hair Nourishment and Defrizzer. It is a blend of 100% certified-organic plant and essential oils and can be used as a treatement for dry hair, and to smooth down those split-ends we all sport at one time or another. It smells amazing with lavender, rosemary and cedarwood. A tiny bit goes a long way. I find myself grabbing the bottle often. As a mom I have few free moments to get myself to a salon, and this makes me look a little more groomed. Also, after smoothing this through your hair, your hands are amazingly soft!

John Masters Sea Mist is the perfect way to get the beachy-hair look. It is also certified 100% organic and is a simple mix of sea salt and contains lavender to protect hair from damage. Again, I hardly have time to shower, never mind smooth my hair for hours, so I pop out of the shower, spray this in and voila! I am ready to face the world. Also, it makes my hair smell amazing!

John Masters Rose Foaming Face Wash contains healing plantain leaf to soothe skin, and pure organic essential rose oil to improve blood circulation. My face felt clean and refreshed. This is a great face wash for taking off cosmetics, and I know it will become my summer face wash staple to sooth my sun-kissed skin, while removing pily residue from sunscreen.

I finished my skincare regime with John Masters Rose and Apricot Antioxidant Day Creme. It is like a little miracle in a bottle. High in omega-6, this creme hydrates and protects the skin against harmful bacteria, while oat kernel extract stimulates pro-collagen production resulting in soft, healthy skin. My skin just looked...brighter, better and yes, even younger. This was the perfect pick-me-up to the winter grey face I usually sport.

My favorite (though I loved them all, so it was hard to choose) was John Masters Blood Orange and Vanilla Body Wash. It smells so good, I could have (and almost did) drink it. It brightens my mood in the morning, and even better, it is sulfate-free using corn and coconut surfactants. It was so gentle,and even in harsh New England weather I did not walk out of the shower and immediately feel like a dry desert. It actually moisturized my skin.

I love John Masters and his philosophy. Our bodies and our earth both deserve our care. Now I know why No More Dirty Looks praised John Masters as one of pioneers of organic body care.

Earth Mama Angel Baby Giveaway!

Earth Mama Angel Baby has everything you could possibly need from the minute your find out your are expecting, through delivery, post-partum, and even skin care for you new little bundle of joy. I wrote about their fabulous Breastfeeding Support Kit. I cannot say enough good things about Earth Mama Angel Baby…well I can actually. Their products are 100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes.

Earth Mama Angel Baby was nice enough to send us their Angel Baby Shampoo and Body Wash and Angel Baby Lotion to try out. The Angel Baby Shampoo and Body Wash is USDA Certified Made with Organic Ingredients. It is a real castile soap and is super gentle. It contains organic calendula, zero toxins and no artificial fragrance. It smells like fresh oranges with a little vanilla note. Because it contains no numbing agents (like most baby shampoo and body washes on the market), it is not tear-free. It comes in a self-foaming bottle, so when you put it on baby, you control where it goes.

Angel Baby® Shampoo & Body Wash contains no petrochemical, synthetic surfactants, foaming agents or toxins of any kind. That means no sodium laureth sulfate, cocoamidylpropyl betaine, Quaternium-15, 1,4-Dioxane, formaldehyde or phthalates.

Little girls in general are more sensitive to bubble baths etc. in the tub, so this gentle formula is perfect! We are in love with it. It gets her clean without stripping her skin or hair. I am pretty obsessed with the delicious scent, and Product Baby likes looking at herself in the mirror when we “cream puff” her hair, right before we scrub her clean. I am so pleased that I just ordered the huge 34 oz. refill bottle!

The Angel Baby Lotion has the same delicious orange and vanilla scent at the Angel Baby Shampoo and Body Wash. It is also 100% naturally preserved with no artificial dyes or fragrances. And it is:
• No Artificial Fragrances or Dyes
• Cruelty-Free
• Toxin-Free
• Certified Vegan
I love how soft it makes her, and my skin. We are super dried out from summer weather and constant swimming. I even use it after washing my hands to keep them moisturized. A little goes a long way with this lotion, but Product Baby loves the smell so much, I have caught her trying to sneak “just a little bit more Mama,” at least three times now.

Earth Mama Angel Baby products are one of the only brands out there to get a “0” rating on the Cosmetics Database, a website that rates the hazards of various skincare products. So you can be assured these are the safest products you can use on your child, and yourself. I am totally in love with this company. They really care about what they are putting out there. Because this company just rocks, they are giving one lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win a full-sized Angel Baby Shampoo and Body Wash, and Angel Baby Lotion.

Giveaway Rules:
You must be a follower of Product Mommy.
This contest is only open to US readers. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on August 16, 2010. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on August 17, 2010 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and the Angel Baby Shampoo and Body Wash and Angel Baby Lotion will be shipped directly from Earth Mama Angel Baby.

How to Enter: You must be a follower of Product Mommy. Leave a comment and be sure to include your email address.

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Beauty in Jar? Yes, Indeed!

I am a multi-tasker and I like my products to be the same way. As I have become more aware of what I put on my body needs to be just as safe and natural as what I use on my daughter, I have taken a new approach to skincare. While looking for a website that sold natural items, I came across Green Mountain Organics, an organic lifestyle store based in Vermont.. The website carries everything you need to live a healthy and organic lifestyle from clothing and skincare for you to toys for your children.

While looking through all the site had to offer for skincare I came across Green Tara Calendula Rose Balm. It is made from herbal infused oils, and organic essential oils and herbal extracts. It can be used to give your skin a lovely glow and helps heal dry, irritated skin and rashes. With the delicious mix of organic Olive oil, Organic Calendula, Raw Fair Trade Shea Butter, Organic Jojoba oil, Vermont Beeswax, Organic Calendula Extract, Essential Oils of German Chamomile, and rose. Yes, ingredients you can pronounce and actually recognize! I was not surprised to learn that this is a bestselling product at Green Mountain Organics. I love that it is also handmade. It comes in a very beautiful cobalt glass jar, and a little goes a long way. I use it to brighten up my cheeks, and I had a friend in playgroup ask me what I had changed, because I looked so refreshed…it is that good! A week ago I was stung by a bee, and it left me with a rash and very irritated skin. Everything hurt, but the Green Tara Calendula Rose Balm healed my skin right up. Did I mention it smells like roses? Living organic just got more beautiful!

Under the Nile

Under the Nile has the softest organic Egyptian cotton toys around. I have blogged about their tool set and their adorable teething-friendly veggies and fruits. I quite simply adore all things Under the Nile. Under the Nile was started by Janice Masoud in 1998. Her vision was to bring organic baby clothing to the main stream. The company uses hand-picked organic cotton from Egypt. Masoud even joined 13-Villages-Project which employs impoverished people in Egypt to make the fruits and veggies and toys Under the Nile carries. This allows capable women who have to stay in their village to care for their families, a way to earn an income. We all know I love a company that gives back.

I am so excited about the products we have recently tried. I am not a huge fan of cartoon characters all over my child’s clothing, but as we potty-train, I am having a hard time finding girls’ underwear that is character-free. The ones are offer are cheaply made and princess city. The Girls Brief from Under the Nile are not only adorably decorated with flowers, but they are such amazing quality. They wash well, and are roomy enough to be comfortable. Product Baby and I both love them. Being a “big girl” has never been so fun. Under the Nile also makes a Boy's Brief.

We also love the super soft organic cotton terry washcloths. We have the Monkey and he is so adorable. This washcloth gets softer every time we wash it. After she gets cleaned, Product Baby has her own puppet show in the tub.
I cannot get enough of Under the Nile products, quality, organic…what’s not to love?!

Zoe Organics

With more and more skin allergies coming to light, more parents concerned about what they are actually putting on their children. It is becoming more important to use natural and organic ingredients. But do they work? Zoe Organics is one of those Organic Baby Care lines that not only work, but work really well. "Zoe" which means life was designed by a mother. The packaging is tres chic and ingredients are organic and fair trade. The products contain NO:
• parabens
• phthalates
• sulfates
• surfactants
• petrochemicals
• animal products (except organic beeswax)
• artificial colors or fragrances
We were lucky enough to try the line, and we are in love!

The Gentle Hair & Body Wash smells like fresh oranges. This really does the job of cleaning up your little one because it also contains Castille which smells delicious and is extremely gentle. When we use this, we can skip a day between hair washing. Be careful not to get it into eyes.

The Organic Baby Balm can be used to protect cheeks and lips and smells divine – a sweet lavender if that makes sense (there is vanilla in it). This is a great tool for mommies with dry hands too.

The Organic Baby Massage Oil is a must to get baby to sleep. We use ours for back massages for Product Baby (she loves massages – who doesn’t?!). It smells like lavender. I have also recently been using it to smooth on my legs after a bath.



The Organic Baby Bath Tea is divine. Each tea bag contains shavings of cocoa butter for extra moisture, along with lavender, oatmeal and calendula for soothing anything from diaper rash and eczema to sunburn. I admit to stealing one of these bags to try after a long day gardening, and it was divinity! Product Baby was sick last week, and a nice soak with the Baby Bath Tea made her feel a lot better.




The Organic Diaper Balm is so soft and creamy and the essential oils make it anti-bacterial as well. It is like buttah! And it cleans up a diaper rash in a snap! It also cleaned up a rash I got on my hand (again with the gardening).

I love this entire line!