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!

Hello Soft Skin

We all know how awful petroleum jelly is for not only our skin but the environment. I know lots of people who are fans of the softness it lends their skin, but were looking for a safer, earth-friendly alternative. Fortunately, the creators of Waxelene had us in mind. Waxelene is made from organic soybean oil, 100% natural beeswax, organic rosemary oil and 100% natural Vitamin E oil. Yeah, you read that right, four ingredients!

Waxelene® is revolutionizing skin care. It creates the same waterproof barrier that doctors recommend petroleum jelly for but contains no petroleum or hydrogenated oil. Instead we use our patent pending aeration process that won’t clog pores and makes Waxelene® highly effective for any kind of dry skin. Not only that, it can be used for hundreds of other things just like petroleum jelly.

So far we have used it to soften our elbows, sooth a face rash, fix very chapped lips and soothe dry cracked skin on our fingers. Waxelene works like a charm, and smells amazing too. It makes our skin look and feel healthy. It is a product that makes us say to ourselves "how did we live without it?" Thank goodness, now we don't have to. I have even converted my 92 year old grandmother, who was petroleum jelly devotee for her dry nose. She has now used the future of moisture, Waxelene.

Breathe Easy...naturally

I have spent most of my adult life with a stuffy nose. No amount of decongestant or allergy pills work. In fact, they actually limit my breathing more after a while. When a friend recommended the use of a Neti Pot, I thought she was crazy, but was willing to give anything a try. I researched and found Himalayan Institute.

A leader in the field of yoga, meditation, spirituality, and holistic health, the Himalayan Institute is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to serving humanity through educational, spiritual, and humanitarian programs.

They carry a large selection of natural, holistic items for all kinds of ailments, and they have the best Neti Pots I have ever used.
The Ceramic Neti Pot Starter Kit comes with the Neti Salt, and Neti Wash Plus Daily Boost – to help sooth dry nasal passages. It is a set I use every single day and have such great results that I no longer take the allergy medication or the nose spray. Why use a Neti Pot?

The nasal passages are lined with a thin layer of mucus that is one of our body’s first lines of defense against disease. A nasal wash keeps this layer of mucus moist, clean, and healthy. Compared to other nasal wash techniques, using the Neti Pot™ is easy. A nasal wash can be as routine as brushing your teeth.


Remove excess mucus due to congestion
Rid nostrils of pollen and other allergens
Cleanse the nasal membranes of dust, smoke, or other airborne contaminants
Relieve nasal dryness due to air travel
Improve flow of breath before doing relaxation or meditation techniques

For traveling I use the Eco Travel Neti Pot which is nonbreakable and made of of biodegradable plastic.

If I am having an especially stuffy day I use the all-natural Neti Mist Sinus Spray. It clears me right up and if I use it before the Neti Pot, it makes it that much easier.

Helps relieve sinus congestion & pressure
Helps alleviate cold & allergy symptoms
Helps keep sinuses free of pollen, dust, bacteria, and other airborne pathogens
This gentle isotonic spray:

Is 100% all-natural and non-addictive
Contains tangerine-ginger with Erythritol and Xylitol
Contains no Benzalkonium Chloride

Combat allergies and sinus issues the natural, and healthy way. Stop using harmful drugs and sprays and allow yourself to breathe easy.

I Got No Scars on Me

When it comes to what you put on your children's bodies, you are of course as careful as can be. In that same respect, I am also careful about what I use on my own body. I am not a fan of harsh chemicals, and that is why we have trusted Earth Mama Angel Baby since we had our daughter. Their products get fabulous Zero toxin ratings on Skincare database, and with good reason. One of my favorites (that the whole family uses) is the C-Mama Healing Salve. I like to call it "magic in a pot." It is all natural and we use it on everything from burns to scars to rashes. Earth Mama Angel Baby Says:

Our amazing bodies are naturally designed to close wounds, soothe inflammations and rashes, staunch bleeding, resist infection and fade scars. Yet sometimes even nature's perfection needs a helping hand!

You've got the mystical mark of a C-Mama. So for you, this revolutionary, clinically tested healing salve was created with 100% natural ingredients rich in Vitamin C, essential fatty acids and amino acids – all nutrients necessary for proper cell regeneration and wound repair. Formulated especially for cesarean section and other surgical wounds, old c-section scars and stretch marks, and inflamed rashes and burns.
Optimize your skin's natural healing power with C-Mama Healing Salve™.
Clinically Tested
Dermatologist Tested
Toxin-Free
Cruelty-Free
Certified Vegan

My daughter recently decided scratch a bug bite until we thought it would never heal. I used C-Mama every single night for a week, and it not only stopped itching, it went away and left no scar. My daughter asks for it by name because it does not hurt like alcohol-infused antiseptic creams. I had her via c-section four years ago, and even this late in the game, it has done wonders for my scar. We cannot live without it.

Want to save 15% from now until April 6th on your favorite Earth Mama Angel Baby Products? Make sure and enter "ProductMommy" at checkout to receive your 15% off on this fabulous line of products.

A Naturally Scented Delight

Synthetic scents can be irritating to some people, and not-surprisingly, some are severly allergic. We scent our home with natural oils from Aura Cacia. Aura Cacia uses an ethical and sustainable sourcing program for their oils, using the most natural and organic oils as possible; while avoiding 100% synthetic-derived ingredients whenever possible. Aura Cacia really does make the best oils around. We have so many, that my husband jokes about my essential oil addiction. They really do bestow a sense of calm, so many of the oils have multiple uses.

The Calming Nursery Blend is a great way to add peace to a fussy child's room. The blend of chamomile, ylang-ylang and marjoram are the perfect foil to nighttime tantrums. We use the Aura Cacia Aromatherapy Room Diffuser in most rooms of our home to add peaceful scents, and to avoid synthetic scented products that irritate my husband.

I use the Sweet Orange Oil for everything from cleaning stains on tile, to removing glue and even diffusing to add a little happiness to our air.

Fighting late winter and spring colds? Why not try the Medieval Mix? During the dark ages, physicians and grave robbers alike protected themselves from the Black Death with the aromatic herbs of lavender, thyme, and rosemary. It smells divine, and I love the haunting tale behind it.

Chill Pill is my way of relaxing Orange, peppermint and basil help relieve the mind of its burdens, while lavender, patchouli and chamomile cool off the emotions. I burn this while reading, and it calms me down so I can get some much-needed sleep.

Purify uses sage, peppermint, patchouli and tea tree to really "purify" the air. I used this oil to clean (diluted) with and diffused some after a particularly bad stomach flu.

Lavender Harvest is my very favorite. This is the oil that is usually emanating through my home year-round. I once had a school-mother ask me why I always smelled so good, and I realize it was the Lavender Harvest I had burned that morning. All the items I sew and make have something a little special because of this. My daughter and nephews ask for this one by name because it really relaxes the mood in my home...and we are lavender freaks.
With so many benefits to using essential oils, I know you will be an Aura Cacia user and lover. There is really the perfect blend for whatever your mood, or to set the mood and make your home and life a happier more peaceful place to be.

Emily Skin Soothers

No matter how mild the weather this year seems, the minute it gets cold, my daughter and I resemble little crocodiles. Well, not really, but we get dry, itchy skin. I have tried everything! Then I found Emily Skin Soothers. This incredible line was created by a dad for his daughter, Emily. When Emily was a baby she was getting red bumps on her neck and cheeks, which the doctor diagnosed as baby eczema. Thank goodness Emily's dad was an acupuncturist and herbalist, and he created a formula that was gentle enough for his own daughter's skin. No chemicals!

With Emily’s infant skin in mind I used the bare minimum of ingredients. I used only high quality herbs that were sulfur and preservative free. I worked with herbal formulas that were tried and true, and hundreds of years old. I tested them on myself and my wife and simplified them. When I was sure they were safe and effective, we began to use them on our daughter. The results are the products we now offer to you.

The line is so wonderful that it works for
• Dry-type Eczema
• Flaking dry psoriasis
• Cracked hands and cuticles
• Dry cracked heels
• Rosacea
• Diaper rash

I love how pure the formulas are. I was disturbed when my daughter got eczema and we were given steroid creams and told to use a a petroleum-based moisturizer. We have the Baby and Adult Skin Soother which does not contain colorants, artificial fragrances, preservatives or chemicals. There are only five all natural ingredients. All of the Emily Skin Soothers contain absolutely no parabens, petroleum products, SLS, artificial fragrances, additives, or any synthetic ingredients. The Cosmetic Safety Database gives a "0" rating to all of the skin soothers, which means they contain no dangerous or hazardous chemicals. You can get rid of the steroids doctors force upon you and finally use something gentle on your skin flare-ups that actually works even better.

We are also big fans of the Liquid Soap, which seems to be the only soap that works to soothe my dry skin rather than making it feel even drier. I even got Product Daddy hooked!

Emily Skin Soothers is so wonderful that they are offering Product Mommy readers an exclusive 15% off with the code "PRODUCTMOM" when you order from their site http://www.emilyskinsoothers.com/index.html. Hurry because this offer expires on 2/22/12. I know I am stocking up!

Take Me to the Mountains

If you are anything like me, then the smell of all those artificial air freshners and soaps really do not make you happy. I love natural scents and was thrilled to find Juniper Ridge. All of Juniper Ridge products are made from the mountains and deserts of the west. They are natural and smell amazing. From room spray to soaps and even tea, you really feel like you are surrounded by beautiful mountain tops and pine trees. This is my idea of relaxation and "fresh" air. Juniper Ridge donates 10% of the proceeds of its sales to protecting wildlife.
The Room Spray we have is Cascade Glacier, which the company describes as a " mountain forest in a bottle." I could not describe it better. It smells like it did when I used to hike in the woods of New Hampshire as a child. It is a natural, clean scent. My father, an outdoor kind of guy, instantly asked where I got it and how I could get him some. My daughter says it smells like "canoeing" (something we do every summer on the river surrounded by mountains and pine trees). No artificial scent here. It does not mask odor, it eliminates it and does not overpower.

The soaps are organic and wild harvested. The Siskiyou Cedar is described as ginger, wool blanket and deep forest. My husband cannot get enough of it. After a shower, our bathroom smells amazing. My favorite is the Steep Ravine, which is notes of redwood, bay leaf, oak moss and sea mist. I feel so clean! The soaps are moisturizing and as natural as the trees they get their infusions from.

The teas are a real treat! You can choose from Douglas Fir Spring Tip or White Sage and Wild Mint. All of the teas are sustainably harvested and organic. We have the White Sage and Wild Mint. Sage and Mint are both fantastic for soothing tummy aches, aiding indigestion and promoting relaxation. I keep trying to tell my family to save some for camping, because nothing will be better than watching the river flow while sipping this tea.

Juniper Ridge takes me to the mountains and I just cannot get enough!

Suki Saves Me

When you make the switch to using natural skin and body care, you immediately notice a difference. I liken it to your body detoxing. Suddenly synthetic smells and chemicals are easier to identify and avoid. Winter is here, so we have to work extra hard to protect our delicate skin. One of my favorite lines is Suki . Suki is natural, bio dynamic & uses food grade ingredients. Their packaging is environmentally responsible, and most importantly the the products work. They are all formulated to be effective, yet gentle for people with sensitive skins and those with eczema. We fall into the eczema family in our house. Once it starts getting cold, my daughter always gets a touch of eczema somewhere. While Suki might seem like a brand just for adults, it is so gentle that I use it on my daughter.
We use the
Exfoliate Foaming Body Cleanser. It was formulated for all skin types, especially dry, eczema, dermatitis-prone & acneic skin. I use it on myself and my daughter with amazing results! Her skin is super soft and not itchy anymore.

Butter Cream Healing Salve is perfect for sealing in vital moisture and also for getting rid of rashes. It is a multi-functional, non-greasy, therapeutic balm. Formulate for those with especially dry skin, including babies. especially formulated for eczema, dermatitis, stretch marks, rough dry spots, feet & elbows. My daughter had scratched her leg and I put a coating of the Butter Cream Healing Salve. The itching, redness and scratch marks were gone overnight.
I cannot wait to try more products. Their skincare is one of the few brands that actually show results immediately, and never irritate. Go natural, go eco-friendly, go Suki.

Pure Beauty by Terra Firma Cosmetics

When you first become a mama, the thought of putting on makeup or even having a shower seems daunting. Eventually you get a handle on your new life and suddenly you want to feel and look human again. Then you worry (or at least I did), about what is really in those products you slap on your body and face. I purged everything after researching what was safe and what was not. Thankfully, cosmetics companies have listened up and we have options. Pure Beauty by Terra Firma Cosmetics has you covered from skincare to body care and cosmetics that are safe. It is a one-stop super shop for all things pretty and more importantly safe.

Their commitment to the ethical compact they've signed with SAFECOSMETICS to provide beauty care products free of potentially harmful ingredients is reflected in
their formulations.

The cosmetics are Paraben free and free of potentially carcinogenic and toxic ingredients such as Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, Petroleum and other harmful preservatives and additives such as lead. I use the Tickled Pink Tinted Lip Balm. It gives me a pop of pink and brightens up my whole face. I am super lazy about makeup, so this is a quick, easy pick-me-up.

I am also gaga for their Toasted Almond Body Butter from the Body Cravings line, which is free from Parabens, Synthetic Fragrance. It is nice and light, yet surprisingly moisturizing and it smells...well come on Toasted Almond, how could it not smell delicious?!

I am huge fan of the Pure Beauty by Terra Firma Cosmetics, and I cannot wait to try more!

Infotone Face Mist

Companies like AquaLiv are changing the way we care for our bodies and skin. They are a company that uses science and nature, rather than chemicals. AquaLiv are

...committed to advancing science while strictly following the blueprint provided to us by Mother Nature. We wish to feed and heal the world without altering her genetics, using chemical herbicides/pesticides, or creating toxic drugs that manage one condition while creating another. We hope you agree with our philosophy.

The Infotone Face Mist is an example of their dedication to helping you feel and look your best...naturally. The Inforton Face Mist contains a non-toxic and 100% natural mineral clay ceramic ball that features AquaLiv’s BioT™ Bioinformation Technology. The BioT™ Ceramic enhances water with the qualities of several skin-activating compounds. So simple, beautiful, clean water is turned into a powerful tonic. When you mist it on your face it encourages hydration and clear, glowing skin.

Researchers observed improved hydration, suppleness, firmness, and texture and reduced dryness, oxidation, wrinkles, skin pigmentation, and blemishes.

No other misters on the market use the BioT™ Bioinformation Technology. Infotone is really the only one of its kind. It is the greenest cosmetic available.

I store mine in the fridge for a cooling spray after washing my face. It leaves skin moisturized, which you would not expect from water (which usually leave skin feeling tight). I love that when my bottle runs out, I can refill it with water from home for up to one year! That is a savings this mommy cannot argue with. It really does do everything they say. My skin goes crazy from the use of sunscreen, and blemishes usually abound. I have been using Infotone after swimming and sunbathing, and not blemish yet.

Nature and Science working together is a beautiful thing!

Want to win a bottle of Infotone?
Here's how:
Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US and Canada readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on September 8, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on September 9, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Infotone Face Mist will be mailed directly from Aqualiv.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Infotone on Facebook
2.Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

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.

Janet Waddell Haircare

Summer does a number on my hair. I spend most of my time either swimming or gardening and I get scorched ends from the sun and chlorine. My usual haircare routine was not cutting it. Then an angel came and lead me to Janet Waddell. Janet Waddell ran the LA Vidal Sassoon Salon and worked with renowned stylist John Barrett, as his Education Director and Senior Stylist in his Bergdorf Goodman location. Allure Magazine named her best haircutter NYC and Esquire Magazine credited her as best Men’s hair expert. She (thankfully) decided to launch her own salon and fabulous haircare line. The secret to the line: Emu Oil. Emu Oil that is naturally sourced; a magical potion used by Australian Aborigines for over 2,000 years.

Her shampoo is aptly named gorgeous. It is Paraben free and uses 100% natural and botanical ingredients. I am wild about the scent (a delicious citrus, I describe as a a fizzy orange lime). Usually shampoos feel like they are stripping my hair, but this shampoo gives me body, shine and a softness beyond compare.

The conditioner is called flawless. The Emu Oil makes it ultra-moisturizing and the added grapeseed has powerful antioxidant effects. Like the shampoo, the delicious scent is the perfect summertime pick-me-up. What baffles me is how she got a conditioner to work just as well on thick lush hair as on my own fine hair. It is not too heavy, leaves the right amount of moisture and leaves no greasy residue.

The genius hair balm is my secret weapon. Whether I am going straight or curly, it makes it happen without weighing it down, without a greasy or oily look. My husband, daughter and I all use it to style and we really do think Janet Waddell is a genius for creating this.

I love that the whole line is Paraben free and uses natural and botanical ingredients. Now I am planning my visit to her salon in NYC because I cannot get enough of Janet Waddell...she has saved my summer hair.

Back to the Roots

We have our own garden, we try to buy local, but growing any plants indoors has not always gone well for me. I tend to overwater my outdoor garden and underwater whatever I have planted indoors. Ooops!

I read about Back to the Roots while looking for a cool way to grow something indoors that my daughter could do with me. She is three, and she loves having something to take care of. Back to the Roots was founded by Alejandro Velez & Nikhil Arora during their last semester at UC Berkeley in 2009. They were inspired by the idea of turning waste into fresh local food, so they grew oyster mushrooms on recycled coffee grounds. The created the Grow-Your-Own Mushroom Garden. By the end of 2011 they hope to collect, divert and reuse 1 million lbs of coffee grounds from Peet's Coffee & Tea. They have sustained 10 urban school & community gardens by donating BTTRs premium soil amendment.

The Grow-Your-Own Mushroom Garden is literally one of the coolest things I have ever seen. The kit comes with packed coffee ground soil and you simply pop open one side of the box, cut-away the packing and spritz with the included mister two times a day. We had mushrooms (pictured above) in 7 days! My daughter was thrilled to bits, and she loved that she could help (she was in charge of misting it). Even better, you can get 2-4 crops from one package, and they sell refills! The mushrooms were super tasty with some garlic and olive oil. Finally, a plant that survived our home.

These kits are so perfect for children because they are 100% safe and sustainable. I plan on buying some for my daughter's school to use in the fall. We are crazy for this fabulous company!

Basq(ing) in the Glory of Motherhood

I remember when I was pregnant. I used every product there was to avoid the dreaded stretch marks. Well, I did not win that battle. My stomach still bears those battle wounds. I actually had a nurse in recovery look at my stomach stretch marks and ask me if I had gained more than the "allowed" amount (actually I stayed under the "allowed" amount). Let me tell you, her comment did loads for my self-confidence. I wish I had known about Basq.

Basq was started by two friends who wanted to bring natural and effective skincare and bodycare to women going through changes from hormonal to pregnancy to just plain being a woman in today's world. (Yes, even non-preggos get stretch marks). The Basq line is award-winning for a reason. The line is paraben, phthalate and allergen free, and they do not test on animals. The products are safe to use during pregnancy, and best of all they work. I test drove a few items from the line and was suitably impressed.

The Advanced Stretch Mark Butter uses clinically Proven Ingredients, Essential Oils known for scar prevention, and rich Butters. Darutoside and Algisium C are powerful ingredients proven in clinical testing to combat and repair stretch marks by regenerating elastin fibers. Shea and Jojoba butters provide rich, creamy nourishment to stretched skin with a buttery texture women love. Borage, Rosehip and Grapeseed Oil work with the skin's natural hydrating process to fortify skin and deliver skin strengthening essential fatty acids deep within the dermis layer. These oils were specifically selected for their ability to prevent scar formation. It absorbs instantly. I used it for a week, and saw results on stretch marks that are over three years old!

The Energizing Body Lotion is super cooling. It is an energizing blend of Green Tea, Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Eucalyptus and Lavender provides head to toe relief and incredibly soft skin. The plant derived formula eases body aches while the energizing aroma and cooling tingle give an instant mental boost. Reduces swelling in the feet and legs, soothes aching back and shoulders and cools the body from "hot flashes." I remember that at the end of my pregnancy I would sit all-night with my feet in ice-cold water. I was commuting, and my dogs were barking. My lower back and feet felt the heat. I would have done anything for this product. I have been on a get-fit kick, and this Body Lotion is put to good use. I love the way it smells, and better yet, the way it feels. It really cools me down, and the tingle takes the body stress away.

And if you need to relax the Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy is the way to go. It has a delicious Lavender and Pear scent that relaxes your body and mind. It can be used on your pulse points, for a facial steam, in the bath or for a relaxing massage. I cannot get enough of the scent.

Basq really has captured what is important to women, and is a line made by women for women. We have enough to worry about, why not make our lives a little easier?!

EO Coconut & Vanilla Product Giveaway!

I can feel the spring and summer coming. I love the scents and feel of warm weather. That also means getting my skin into condition to actually be showing. I know I say it over and over, but I am strongly influenced by scent. If something does not smell good, I have trouble wanting to use it. I also like my body care to be "clean" meaning no sulfates, parabens etc.
EO is a company that makes products that fit my picky requirements. EO® is family owned and operated. EO makes Certified Organic personal care products using the highest grade natural and certified organic ingredients. There are no synthetic colors, fragrances or harsh chemicals in their products. They use environmentally friendly packaging to ship their products. EO uses the most amazing essential oils and synergistic herbs. I have used many of their products over the years. My new favorites are the Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine line.

The EO® Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine Shower Gel contains papaya Enzymes, Mango Enzymes and Antioxidants with Jojoba to promote skin balance and softness. The Coconut Oil Cleansing Complex gently cleanses without drying. Glycerin, Allantoin, and Panthenol, natural humectants and moisturizers, hydrate and nurture skin. It smells AMAZING! and works so well. It leaves a nice clean scent that is so natural. I have actually been using it to get my mind in a "summer" frame of mind. I forgot to lotion one day, and my skin was still super-soft.

The Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine Body Lotion contains calendula, white tea and white tea with mango seed butter, jojoba oil and vitamin E. It is a trip to an Island in the bottle. It pairs well with the shower gel. I am prone to dry skin patches and this really did the trick.

The Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine Bubble Bath is the perfect way to relax at the end of the day. It has a natural coconut cleanser which allows it to bubble and foam without stripping your skin of vital moisture. A little goes a long way to helping me relax.

So how can you enjoy EO Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine products? Well, look no further. EO is generously offering one lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win EO Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine Shower Gel, Body Wash and Bubble Bath! How can you resist?!

Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on May 10, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on May 11, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your EO Coconut & Vanilla with Tangerine products will be mailed to you directly from EO.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of EO on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

Fresh as a Rose with Elegant Rose Boutique Giveaway!

I am always on the search of new soaps and body products. I make a strong effort to use items containing natural ingredients. I found Elegant Rose Boutique. All of the soaps are made by the cold process method. The ingredients are all-natural or organic when possible and sustainable. All products are eco-friendly and made without cruelty from natural, skin loving, Fair Trade Compliant ingredients! Many of the products are vegan friendly. Creator, Melissa was encouraged to create this line of products after her and her family experienced allergies, and she realized how careful they needed to be with all aspects of their life. I was sent a few items to try, and I fell in love.

The Passion Flower Luxurious Sea Salt Soap Bar smells heavenly. It is a combination of essential oils and a rich creamy lather with Dead Sea Salt to strip away dead skin and impurities. I do not like cloying scents, so this was perfect. It has a light herbal scent that leaves you smelling delicious. This is perfect for stripping away that dry winter skin.

The Floral Dream Shampoo Bar is a heavenly floral citrus scent, including ylang ylang and other citrus essential oils. These essential oils are great for normal to oily hair.

This bar also contains a unique combination of nourishing and softening oils and butters. Jojoba oil is a penetrating moisturizer that is similar to our hair’s own natural oils, and is rich in protein and minerals. Wheat germ oil is rich in vitamins A, B, E, and D, improving the health of your hair from it’s root, to it’s tip. A mix of olive and castor oil attracts moisture to the hair and is rich in vitamins, while cocoa butter and shea butter help to soften and moisturize. Coconut oil works to create an incredible lather, and palm oil ensures a long-lasting bar of soap.

I was reluctant at first using a bar on my hair, but was quickly converted. It non-stripping and actually moisturized. I love the floral-spicy scent too. It was so gentle, I even used it on my daughter (being careful while rinsing to avoid the eye area).

My favorite product was the Lavender Vanilla Whipped Body Butter. I only needed the tiniest bit, and a little went a long way. It smells AMAZING! The vanilla beautifully balances the lavender. I even had someone ask me what I was wearing because "I smelled good enough to eat."

Elegant Rose Boutique is going to give one lucky Product Mommy reader a chance to win a Body Butter, Lip Balm and choice of a sample of one her soaps.

Here is how you enter:


Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on May 3, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on May 4, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Elegant Rose Boutique Products will be mailed directly from Elegant Rose Boutique.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Elegant Rose Boutique on Facebook
2. Become a follower of Elegant Rose Boutique on Twitter
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
4. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
5. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
6. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
7. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

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!

evanhealy...Nature's Most Natural Skincare

evanhealy is an artisan-quality skin care treatment line created by aesthetician Evan Healy.

Her holistic approach draws from traditional plant lore, aromatherapy, ayurveda, and homeopathy. evanhealy is based on the thought that when it comes to skin, less is more.

You will not find safer or more pure skincare.

As soon as I became a mother, my skin went wild (during and after pregnancy). My old staples were not only full of chemicals I no longer felt safe using, they actually seemed to be causing more harm than good. When I had the chance to try evanhealy, I was thrilled. I had high expectations from things I had read, and evanhealy exceeded every one.

evanhealy Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk was nothing short of amazing.
Steam-distilled essential oils of blue chamomile and lavender combine with nourishing plant oils to thoroughly cleanse any sensitive skin condition.
My skin goes through the ringer in New England, and I seemed to always have bright pink cheeks from my face wash being too harsh. My skin always felt tight and dry. I used the Blue Lavender Cleansing Milk, and my skin really felt the difference. My skin felt smooth, no bright pink cheeks, and yet it also felt clean.

The Lavender Facial Tonic Hydrosol is refreshing and unlike most toners, does not contain alchohol. It can be used on even the most sensitive skin. I used it after cleansing, but have found myself in moments of pure mommy-craziness, giving my face a little spray. The scent calms me down, while it soothes my skin. This will be amazing during the summer months when chlorine from the pool and the sun drive my skin wild.

The Blue Chamomile Day Moisturizer was the perfect finish. It contains
Essential oils of lavender, blue chamomile and immortelle work to restore vitality, hydration and calmness to irritated, reactive skin
With fresh botanical extracts of elderflower, horsetail, and green teaIt smells wonderful, and moisturized my dry cheeks, while keeping my t-zone from getting oily. It has a delicious texture, and a little goes a long way.

The Rosehip Treatment Facial Serum is perfect for extra-healing to dry and sensitive skin areas. I used it on the worry lines between my eyebrows, and in two days, I saw a big difference. This is also wonderful for healing the appearance of scarring after a break-out.

The Green Tea Clay is a powder you mix with water to give yourself a lovely exfoliating, purifying mask. I used it on my t-zone and went about my chores. It did the trick, and stopped some skin eruptions in their tracks.

The Sweet Blossom Hydrating Body Oil is Scented with the clean, fresh fragrance of petitgrain leaf, layered with sweet neroli blossoms, exotic ylang ylang and balanced with rich, resinous frankincense. It calms skin and inflammation. Again, I cite a New England winter. My arms and legs are always itchy and dry, and this cured it. I even felt safe enough to use some on ProductBaby and her dry patch on her leg. We both love the smell and it worked wonders overnight.

evanhealy is really an example of how pure plant essences can makes a very big difference to your skin. Take a look at the products you are using. Chances are, if you cannot even begin to pronounce it, it is not safe and probably contains chemicals. As parents and as humans, we owe it to ourselves to take care of skin as nature intended.

Crazy Rumors Lip Balm Giveaway!

I consider myself a little bit of a lip balm connoisseur. Lip balms have a lot to live up to for me to love them. 1. Last longer than 10 minutes on the lips 2. smell good 3. taste good, but not disgustingly sweet 4. last through the night when I wear it to bed 5. be free of harsh chemicals. I found my lip balm! Crazy Rumors http://www.crazyrumors.com/ was started by a husband and wife team who wanted to make delicious balms, without synthetic ingredients. The balms are cruelty-free and Vegan. The balms are made from:
certified organic jojoba oil, certified organic extra virgin olive oil, certified organic shea butter, candelilla wax, soy wax, natural & organic flavors &/or pure essential oils, vitamin e, certified organic carnauba wax & natural stevia

The flavors are out of this world! From A La Mode ice cream and sherbet flavors to Brew with different tea inspired flavors. I am in love with the Peppermint Twist and Pear and Peppermint from the Candy Cane Range. The Orange Bergamot from the Brew line is a spot on Earl Grey (perfect for winter weather). The Raspberry Sherbet from the A La Mode line is so much like the real thing, I caught Product Baby trying to take a little nibble (and I cannot say I blame her). If you like color with your balm, check out the HibisKiss line which has mineral color with a moisturizing balm.

Crazy Rumors is offering a discount when you use the code CRKISS for 15% off on all items, now thru 2/28.

Crazy Rumors is so cool, that they are giving two Product Mommy readers a chance to win a lip balm from the Brew line and a lip balm from the A La Mode line(one Brew lip balm and one A La Mode lip balm each). Please note that the giveaway is for 2 lips balms (one each from the Brew and A La Mode Line, and not for lip balm sets of each line). Here is how to win:
Giveaway Rules:
This contest is only open to US readers. You must be a Product Mommy follower. All entries must be received by 11:59pm on March 1, 2011. Please include your email address in each entry. A winner will be chosen at random. I will notify the winner on March 2, 2011 via email (please respond within 48 hours) and your Crazy Rumors Brew and A La Mode lip balm sets will be sent directly from Crazy Rumors.

How to Enter: You must be a Product Mommy follower. Leave a comment with your email address under this post.

Extra Entries:
You must do the "How to Enter" first and be sure you leave a "comment" for each extra entry and tell me which one you did. Don't forget your email address too.
1. Become a fan of Crazy Rumors on Facebook
2. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Facebook
3. Become a fan of Product Mommy on Twitter
4. Subscribe to Product Mommy by email (top left of blog page)
5. Twitter about this contest (and leave a link to the Tweet)
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook (and leave a link)

GLOB it On!

Want to know one of the coolest gifts I plan on giving for the Holidays? GLOB! GLOB? What's that you ask? Well, Glob Natural Paints are amazing. They are botanically crafted colors made from fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices with natural food-grade ingredients and organic extracts. They are pigments that become paint by adding water. The pigments in GLOB are the same ones used by different cultures for body products, paint and in food. GLOB Natural Paint is sustainable, natural and biodegradable. The paint conforms to safety standards ASTM D 4236, EN71 and the CPSIA

So sure, it sounds cool, but why GLOB when there are "non-toxic" paints on the market? GLOB explains that most arts and crafts products do not list ingredients. You as the consumer see "non toxic" and believe they are safe.

Art pigments (colors) are commonly made from petrochemicals, and the actual hazards of these materials are not always known. In the US, synthetic pigments that have never been tested for toxicity can be labeled "non-toxic." The rationale? There is no data to prove otherwise.*

Arts and crafts paints are exempt from consumer paint lead laws, and often contain lead, cadmium, and host of toxic ingredients* like formaldehyde (a carcinogen), one of the most common paint preservatives.

There are demands for low odor and fume, lead-free house paints, but what about arts and crafts paint? Those same "non toxic" paints may not be hazardous to just you, but when you wash it down the drain, it can be toxic to fish and other wildlife. GLOB is safe for you and safe to wash down the drain.

We got the set of 6 packets each filled with vibrant pigment that smells amazing. A little bit went a super long way (even working with a 3 year old, who takes GLOB it on to heart. I fell in love and decided I need more for friends and family members who love working with arts and crafts. Now that we have used this and know more about it, we cannot imagine using another paint. I am also talking to a local school about the wonderful GLOB line.