Remember I told you about how wicked cool Rockin' Green Soap is? Well, the site just got an awesome new makeover!
I am sad to say goodbye to my beloved Grape Soda and I am bummed I didn't get a chance to try the Vanilla Buttercream or Monkey Snacks but there are some yummy, new 100% natural scents that won't be found anywhere else, including:
Orangevana
Smashing Watermelons
Rise Against the Raspberries
Motley Clean
The Plain Green Teas
Lavender Mint Revival
Bare Naked Babies
(Not sure about you, but the Watermelon and Green Tea scents are at the top of my list to try!)
The packaging has also changed to a recyclable pouch, which uses 75% packaging than before! Not only will that mean less waste, but it will hold the scent of the soap in the bag longer.
Soft Rock and Classic Rock have also had a makeover with new and improved formulas, including all-natural "ammonia busters! They couldn't just let Hard Rock have all the fun.
Some other coolness:
The sample sizes are now a bit smaller and cost just $.75-$.80 with $1 shipping! There are also expanded shipping options, including USPS Priority and FedEX.
Rockin' Green Rewards! With each purchase, you'll earn points towards things like wooden scoops, Shake It Up! Pail Freshener or a free bag of Rockin' Green detergent!
I know you're dying to try some, right?! Well , you can use code "makeoversrock" for 10% off everything in the store (limited time only)! And all orders over $75 get free shipping (in the U.S.)!
Thank you to EcoSmart for participating in the Goodie Goodie Gumdrops Earth Week Event!
I love the season of spring and its sense of renewal with all the beautiful flowers, plants and trees in bloom. But I'm not a fan of all the bugs that come out of hiding and into my home. Living in the Mid-Atlantic region, we get all sorts of creepy crawlies from spiders and mosquitoes to ticks and ants. I definitely want to snuff them out and keep the invasions under control. But I don't want to asphyxiate on toxic fumes either. Thanks to EcoSmart, safe home pest control is not something I have to worry about any longer.
EcoSmart was the first company in the world to offer 100% safe pesticides, using essential oils as a natural defense against pests. They were kind enough to send me their Safe Home Value Bundle, which includes:
Ant and Roach Killer (14 oz. can)
Home Pest Control (24 oz. spray)
Flying Insect Killer (14 oz. can)
Insect Repellent (6 oz. bottle)
Sure enough, soon after I received my package, we got some much-needed spring rain. And with that, came the ants. Since Nate's highchair sits close to our back sliding glass doors, the crumbs and bits of food thrown/dropped from his tray fall prey to the little black creatures, who squeeze in through any crack or crevice they can find. I try to keep the floor clean and clear of debris but sometimes I miss a spot or can't get to it right away and when I return, I find a trail of the buggers, noshing away. Sometimes it seems that I just cleaned the floor a few hours ago and already, they're back. Here's photographic evidence of my dilemma:
Keep in mind that this extended the length of the wall in my kitchen. This was just one small area. No food on the floor; they were just hanging out and taking shelter from the wet outdoors. Something had to be done before the infestation got worse (or my toddler spotted them and assumed they were a protein-packed snack).
I pulled out my EcoSmart Ant & Roach Killer and sprayed in short bursts along the bottom baseboard. I immediately noticed the potent minty scent (from the peppermint oil). It was very strong and lingered all day afterward but it was admittedly better than any horrid chemical smell. I would just recommend opening some windows or using a fan to vent/circulate the air if you are sensitive to smell. A photo of dead ants would just be morbid so you will just have to trust me when I say that EcoSmart worked like a charm. No sooner did I spray than I noticed the ants freeze in their tracks. I wiped up the trail and went back to my daily grind. The next day, I checked the scene of the crime and there were no ants to be seen. Yippee skippee!
Since we also have little brown spiders visit us now and again from our front porch, I had my husband spray outside with the Home Pest Control. It too had a strong scent but I am happy to report that we have not seen a spider in days. Could be a coincidence with the rain but I believe the EcoSmart is playing a large role in their absence.
While mosquitoes are not very prevalent on our own property, we do have neighbors with standing water in their yard and hence, plentiful buggers. The EcoSmart Insect Repellent is perfect for those outdoor playdates. I love that it is all-natural and DEET-free so I can use it on the whole family, kiddo included. The lemony scent is much more enjoyable than other repellents we've tried and if you follow the directions to reapply every 2-3 hours, it really works. There was only one time that I got bit while wearing it and the bite was on my knuckle so I probably missed that spot spraying. Another hit from EcoSmart!
We haven't yet tried the Flying Insect Repellent but I like knowing we have it on hand in case we ever have a moth, wasp or hornet situation.
Bottom line: While the scents can be a bit overpowering, I would happily put up with that for an effective, organic product. I love that they are safe for children, pets and the environment. I would gladly recommend EcoSmart's revolutionary bug sprays for every household.
BUY IT: You can purchase the Safe Home Value Kit (ARV $24) and other EcoSmart products online at www.ecosmart.com.
WIN IT: Want to give it a try yourself? EcoSmart is giving one lucky GGG reader their own Safe Home Value Kit in honor of Earth Week here! Good luck!
Disclaimer: I received a Safe Home Value Kit from Kyra at EcoSmart in exchange for my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are purely mine and as such, your experience may differ.
Thank you to Ecover for participating in the Goodie Goodie Gumdrops Earth Week Event!
As I've made the switch from common household cleaners to the environmentally-friendly variety, I've found this often means paying more for less product. It's a frustrating debacle. I want to do well by the environment but I also don't want to go broke doing so. Thankfully, with Ecover, everyone has the opportunity to go green without breaking the bank.
Ecover, a Belgian company, was founded in 1980, marketing a phosphate-free washing powder even before phosphates were considered problematic. Since then, they have grown to become the world's largest producer of ecological cleaning products.Their progressive environmental policy is not only demonstrated by the products they sell, but their entire process from production to marketing. Ecover was responsible for the world's first ecological factory, complete with a grass roof. Ecover has received numerous awards and recognition for its achievements in sustainable development. One of the most prestigious was being named to the Global 500 Roll of Honour of the U.N. Environment Program in 1993.
Ecover generously sent me two of their esteemed products to review.
The Grapefruit & Green Tea Dishwashing Liquid (ARV $2.56-4.25) uses plant and mineral ingredients, including green tea extract, to clean, deodorize and degrease dirty dishes. Only one squeeze is enough for a full sink, and its low-sudsing formula cleans effectively without excessive bubbles. There are no artificial fragrances and there is minimum impact on aquatic life. The bottle and labels are made of polyethylene and polypropylene, which are 100% biodegradable and recyclable, using a low-energy process. Ecover dishwashing liquid has minimum impact on aquatic life and is safe for septic tanks.
I was a bit disappointed initially to find that this dish liquid contained SLS, which is often linked to human carcinogen 1,4 dioxane and can cause skin irritation. However, after reading the company's stance (and finding that many of my eco-friendly dish detergents also contained this questionable ingredient), I felt that the ultra-low exposures were highly unlikely to cause any long-term damage.
I first tested the product in a sink full of day-old, food-encrusted dishes. It really did cut through the grease from our baked chicken and left our pots and pans clean and sparkly. The scent was very light and pleasant - not strong and overpowering like the artificial versions can be. While the bubbles did not last long, I knew this was because it was rinsing clean. It did make my hands a little dry but, all in all, I was pleased. Because Ecover is a bit more expensive than my usual Palmolive Pure+Caring and the performance was about equal, I am not sure I would switch unless I had a coupon or a discount that would make the price comparable.
In addition to the dish liquid, I was also sent the Ecover Cream Scrub (ARV $3.17), which uses plant-based ingredients to degrease and remove tough stains without scratching. This cleanser is suitable for all types of surfaces - cookers, fridges, enamel, stainless steel, tile, chrome, etc. It cleans with the power of nature, leaving behind no chemical residue. Like all of Ecover products, the bottle is recyclable and biodegradable. There is minimum impact on aquatic life and absolutely no animal testing.
It is notoriously difficult to get rid of hard water rings. And because my tubs and sinks are often stained yellow from our lovely well water, I thought I'd put my scrub to the ultimate test.
I was amazed at how well the Ecover Cream Scrub worked! Normally, I have to spray a ton of fluid and use an unbearable amount of elbow grease to rid the stains. But I just squeezed a bit of the cream onto a sponge, scrubbed firmly (but not forcefully) and rinsed. The tub was magically transformed back to a pristine white! This is the best natural product I've found that performs just as well as - if not better than - the harsh stuff. I will most definitely be buying this product again.
Bottom line: Ecover products are not only natural and effective, but also affordable. Now, you can't afford to NOT go green.
BUY IT: You can find Ecover at select retailers nationwide using their handy dandy store locator or online at www.HerbTrader.com.
Disclaimer: I received the two products mentioned above from Kathy at K2 Public Relations Group to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are mine and mine alone. Your experience may differ.
Thank you to EcoSmart for their participation in the Goodie Goodie Gumdrops Earth Week Event!
I am a total girl stereotype. I love pink. I love frills. And I hate bugs. Despise them. If I so much as spot a multi-legged creature, I will leap feet into the air and run screaming mid-air like in the cartoons. So, it's no surprise that I am more than uncomfortable with our current spider and ant problem. The warmer weather is bringing them out in droves, and the construction site next door does not help matters. I've neglected spraying with conventional pesticides because I can't stomach the fumes. Nor do I want my toddler or myself breathing in harsh chemicals. So, when I found EcoSmart natural bug spray, I was so happy to see there was a greener option.
EcoSmart is the only company to offer a complete line of 100% safe, organic, EPA-exempt insecticides in the U.S. Their products use essential plant oils to kill and repel cockroaches, ants, dust mites, flies, wasps, spiders, crickets, and fleas - just as effectively as their chemical counterparts but without the toxins and harmful residues. EcoSmart products are backed by solid science and research, and because their proprietary blends attack attributes specific to bugs, they are completely safe around children, pets and the environment. Just imagine: no more heading for the hills when it comes to home pest control!
Now, I haven't yet had a chance to review my EcoSmart products (coming soon!) but I couldn't let Earth Week come and go without giving my readers a chance to try these eco-goodies themselves!
WIN IT: EcoSmart is kindly giving away a Safe Home Value Bundle, including Ant & Roach Killer, Home Pest Control, Flying Insect Killer and Insect Repellent - a $24 value!
MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me why you really want to win this bundle. Easy peasy, right?! Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!
SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.
1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)
2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet of come up with one of your own:
Say goodbye to pests the safe way with an EcoSMART Safe Home Value Bundle from @kris10chumley ENDS 5/9 http://bit.ly/axjZmi
Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)
3.) Become a fan of EcoSmart on Facebook. (1 entry)
4.) Add my blog button and/or event button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry/each)
Giveaway will end on May 9, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only (excluding AK and HI). Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.
Disclaimer: In exchange for this post, I will be sent a Home Value Bundle from EcoSmart to review. I was not and will not be compensated in any other way for this post. I have not yet reviewed this product; therefore, I cannot yet make any claims as to its performance. Stay tuned for the official review!
Thank you to Activeion for their participation in the Goodie Goodie Gumdrops Earth Week Event!
Over the past few months, I've had the opportunity to try a vast assortment of "green" cleaners. Some were marginal but most managed to exceed my expectations. I thought I had found my newest favorites when I discovered the the greenest of them all. The king of eco-friendly. The granddaddy of eco-conscious cleaning. What if I told you that you could clean and sanitize with just tap water? Yes, I realize April Fool's was three weeks ago. Believe me, I'm not pulling your leg.
Activeion Cleaning Solutions began with an adorable chinchilla named Chili. When the inventor of Activeion technology purchased Chili as a pet for his family, he quickly learned that traditional cleaners were deadly to the sensitive creatures. So, he set out to create a way to clean his chincilla's cage without chemicals. The rest is history.
Activeion offers versatile, on-demand cleaning and sanitizing tools that activate and convert tap water into ionized water, a dirt-removing, bacteria-killing cleaner. Their all-purpose, daily-use appliances are effective, killing even the 2009 H1N1 virus. They can be used on just about anything - from mirrors, marbles, granite and stainless steel to carpet and fabric. And because it's simply ionized water, it leaves behind ZERO residue. Activeion Cleaning Solutions make chemical cleaners obsolete, reducing your ongoing cleaning expenses.
Activeion ionators use the same technology that has been used for decades in food-processing plants, restaurants and hotels, except it has been miniaturized and made more affordable for household use.
First, a water cell applies a slight electrical charge to the tap water. Next, the charged water passes through an ion exchange membrane, creating and oxygen-rich mixture of positive and negative nano-bubbles. Lastly, the ionized water attracts dirt and lifts it from the surface, enabling it to be easily wiped away.
Here, Bill Nye the Science Guy explains the science behind Activeion:
I'm no scientist but the concept sounded pretty groovy. Almost too good to be true. When Activeion sent me the ionator HOM to review, I couldn't wait to see if it lived up to the hype.
Upon opening the package, I was intrigued by its mod design. It looked like a futuristic spray bottle out of the year 3010. Or maybe a Storm Trooper weapon. I definitely wasn't ashamed to display this on my countertop. Even more impressive was its ease of use. I had to charge the unit for several hours to activate it, but once it was fully charged, all I had to do was remove the reservoir, fill it with tap water and snap it back into the base. Squeezing the trigger releases a fine mist of ionized water and reveals a green glow to demonstrate the appliance is working correctly. (A red glow means the built-in battery needs to be recharged or that the water is not being ionized properly, in which case service is needed).
I first tried my ionator HOM on our stovetop. My husband is a messy cook, to say the least, and even chemical cleaners can struggle with the crud. But the ionator HOM cut through it with hardly any elbow grease. I was amazed at the transformation after just a good once over:
The ionator HOM also did wonders on my stainless steel and glass. Our stainless steel is notoriously troublesome to clean. Many cleaners leave streaks or need lots of buffing to get rid of prints. But I was able to receive just as good of results - if not better - with water alone. Simply amazing.
Being that I was on such a high from the fantastic results, I was on a cleaning mission and decided to tackle our hardest rooms: the bathrooms. We have well water, which equals hard water. So, we have unfortunate yellow stains in our tubs, toilets and sinks from the mineral deposits. The ionator HOM did lighten the stains slightly but even after some intense scrubbing, I wasn't able to fully remove it. In all fairness, not much besides bleach has been able to make a dent in this grime. But if I want a natural option for tub and tile, I will have to stick with Seventh Generation.
Overall, I was quite pleased with the ionator HOM. I couldn't wrap my brain around the fact that I could clean and sanitize my surfaces with only water. Unbelievable! While I was a bit disappointed that it couldn't take care of my hard water situation, I couldn't ignore its versatility. I love having one appliance that can clean most hard surfaces in addition to cloth, carpet and fabric. I've since used my ionator to clean milk stains on my couch from leaky sippy cups. I've even used it to remove grease and food stains without damaging our painted kitchen backsplash. I like that I can use this product anywhere water is safe.
The only turnoff to the ionator HOM is the initial investment. At $169, it is more steep than cheap. However, if you factor in your annual costs of cleaning supplies (all-purpose cleaner, stainless steel cleaner, window and glass cleaner, etc.), it definitely pays for itself well before its 5 year life span. Think about it: disposable wipes (Clorox/Lysol) cost about $4/tub. I know in my heyday I could go through an entire container in 2 weeks. That amounts to $96/year. On the other hand, the ionator HOM only costs about $48/annually. Not to mention the plastic you won't be sending to the landfill and the space you'll be saving under your sink. No more last-minute outings to the store when you run out of such-and-such. All you have to do is turn on your faucet for a safe, clean environment - inside and out. Priceless!
Bottom line: If you want to clean your home the safest way possible without sacrificing performance, the Activeion ionator HOM is as green as it gets. I love that I don't have to worry about Poison Control. And it's so pretty that it actually makes me want to go on a cleaning spree.
BUY IT: You can purchase the ionator HOM and other Activeion products online at Amazon.com or directly from www.activeion.com (ARV $169).
WIN IT: Activeion is generously offering one lucky reader their own ionator HOM!
MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Activeion and tell me something you learned about the technology or why you want the ionator HOM. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!
SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.
1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)
2.) Follow me and @Active_ion on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet of come up with one of your own:
Clean and sanitize your home using only H2O with the @Active_ion ionator HOM! #Win one @kris10chumley (a $169 value) http://bit.ly/bv4cR3
Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)
3.) Become a fan of Activeion on Facebook. (1 entry)
4.) Leave a comment on the wall of the Activeion Facebook page telling them you were sent by this blog and how you would use the ionator HOM to clean your messes. (2 entries!)
5.) Add my blog button and/or event button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry/each)
Giveaway will end on May 15, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.
Disclaimer: As noted above, I received an ionator HOM from Amber with Activeion in exchange for my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review and mine and mine alone. Your experience may differ.
Thank you to Rockin' Green for participating in the Goodie Goodie Gumdrops Earth Week Event!
Update 4/28/10: The Rockin' Green website has had a makeover! Some of the information in my review is now obsolete so please be sure to check out this post to learn about the changes!
When I decided to walk through the pearly gates into the land of snaps and fluff, I knew I needed a detergent that wouldn't funk-ify my booty-ful new diapers. Being a newbie, I consulted my crunchy mama friends and they all replied with the same recommendation: Rockin' Green Soap.
Rockin' Green Soap, made by a wicked cool WAHM, is true to its name. It's "green" - and it sure does rock! This detergent is made of safe, phosphate-free ingredients which are good for the planet and safe for kids and adults. Best of all, it's completely safe for cloth diapers, so you can kiss repelling and stinkies goodbye. No boosters or softeners or other add-ons needed. Just a few tablespoons for sparkly clean dipes. As a matter of fact, if you wish, you can use it to clean all your laundry!
Some more things to love about Rockin' Green:
Dye free
Yummy scents
No fillers
No enzymes or optical brighteners
Vegan
Great for sensitive skin
Easy rinsing
Approved for military use
Works wonders on microfiber stink
HE compatible
Reusable packaging
Great for all water types
Economical at $.13/load
On the Rockin' Green playlist are three special formulas:
Soft Rock - unscented, designed for sensitive skin and/or soft water
Classic Rock - original formula, scented and unscented versions, for moderate hard water or those battling stinky diapers
Hard Rock - new release, designed for those with the hardest of water
After hearing about its awesomeness, I decided to order a sample of the Classic Rock formula in Grape Soda scent. I knew I was in for a treat the moment I opened my mailbox and got a whiff. It smelled SO good I didn't know whether I should taste it or clean with it! (No worries, I knew better than to eat it). I loved that my laundry room smelled like heaven but my diapers came out smelling fresh, with no lingering scent. True to its word, Rockin' Green rinsed completely clean. No foamy bubbles = no residue. See for yourself how it compares to the competition:
After a few washes, I did begin to notice an ammonia smell when Nate would pee in his cloth diapers. Having done my research, I knew this was a sign of buildup. So, I consulted Rockin' Green's troubleshooting page and did a mini-strip, which was basically a nice long soak and laundering as usual. As my diapers soaked, I perused the site and discovered a list of specific washing machine models and successful washing routines. Wouldn't you know that my model was listed?! And I found that I hadn't been using enough detergent! I wasn't getting all of the urine out of the inserts - YUCK! I added another tablespoon to my hot wash cycle, did an extra cold rinse and problem solved. No more buildup and no more stinkies! YAY! I would definitely recommend experimenting with about 2 tablespoons (don't be shy!) and adjusting "the volume" up or down depending on your washer model and water type.
As my Grape Soda sample nears its end, I am begging for an encore. I think I may try Vanilla Buttercream or Mango Sorbet next. Mmmm...I can almost smell it already...
Bottom line: If you want a detergent that pampers the planet as well as your ultra-cute cloth diapers, Rockin' Green is where it's at.
BUY IT: You can purchase Rockin' Green Detergent online at www.rockingreensoap.com. 5/10 samples (enough for 5 loads in traditional top-loader or 10 in an HE/front-loader) start at just $2.50 with $1 shipping! You can also purchase diaper pail sprinkles to get rid of the grunge in your pail or wet bag (ARV $6.50).
WIN IT: Kim from Rockin' Green is generously offering one lucky reader a 45/90 bag of Rockin' Green Soap in their choice of scent and formula - up to a $16 value! WOOT!
MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Rockin' Green and tell me which scent and formula you would choose. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!
SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.
1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)
2.) Follow me and Rockin' Green on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet of come up with one of your own:
De-funk your #clothdiapers with @RockinGreenSoap! Win a 45/90 bag in your choice of scent and formula @kris10chumley http://bit.ly/cEMtMH
Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)
3.) Become a fan of Rockin' Green Soap on Facebook. (1 entry)
4.) Add my regular blog button and/or event button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry/each)
Giveaway will end on May 8, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.
Disclaimer: I was offered this giveaway opportunity from Kim at Rockin' Green. The sample I used was purchased on my own and I liked the product so much, I wanted to share it with my readers. I was not compensated in any way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are purely mine. Your experience may differ.
I've always enjoyed the look and feel of leather. Leather shoes. Leather bags. Leather jacket. Never did go for leather pants but if they were my style, I bet they'd feel amazing. The only problem with leather is that it shows its age. Scratches. Scuffing. Cracking. Overall dullness. Eventually they get banished away to the back of the closet in favor of newer models. So unfair. But with Leather CPR Cleaner, you can now breathe new life into your old favorite leather goods.
Leather CPR cleans and conditions in one easy step. Simply wipe it on and watch it melt away dirt and grime in seconds, leaving no greasy residue. You can use Leather CPR on furniture, car seats, clothes, purses, shoes and more. It's safe to use on glove soft and exotic leathers. And it is dermatologist tested so it will not irritate your skin. As with all CPR cleaning products, there is a 100% money back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied.
I was sent an 8 oz. tube of Leather CPR Cleaner & Conditioner to review.
While I rarely have an event that calls for heels these days, I thought I'd pull out some of my 'ole girls to see if I could freshen them up a bit for springtime. The instructions were fairly simple. Squeeze Leather CPR onto a clean sponge, apply to leather, let sit for 1-2 minutes and then wipe clean with a clean cloth. The consistency resembled a gel; it was white but went on almost clear. I could see it cling to the dirt on contact. I was happy that the cleaner didn't have a strong, off-putting stench but had a light, almost pleasant fragrance. It was also quite gentle. I applied it without gloves and it didn't itch or irritate my skin at all.
The Leather CPR certainly made my stiff black leather wedges softer and smoother. These heels hadn't been worn much and I hadn't realized how dull they had become until I gave them a good cleaning. They looked brand new!
Just compare the before (left) and after (right):
On my "well-loved" (a.k.a. well-worn) lighter leather sandals, Leather CPR did help to soften and brighten them up, but there were some tough stains that just wouldn't budge. Ah, well. I think it may be time to retire these beauties, even though I'll miss them terribly.
Before (with a liberal load of cleaner) and after:
Bottom line: If you're looking to break in new leather items or inject new life into the drab, Leather CPR is a great conditioner. But if you have stubborn stains, this may be D.O.A. Think preventative care and maintenance vs. a miracle cure.
BUY IT: You can purchase Leather CPR (ARV $6.95-$14.95/depending on size) online at www.leathercpr.com, or at select retailers including Ace Hardware, Wal-Mart, Walgreens and Bed Bath & Beyond.
FUN FREEBIE: Don't forget to visit http://www.leathercpr.com/specialoffer/ to sign up for a free full-size sample of your choice of three CPR products! Quantities are limited so you will want to hurry to make sure you get your goodies. And be sure to tell them that you found the link through this blog!
You can also compete for one of five CPR Cleaning Prize Packs worth $50! The five people who refer the most friends/family to sign up for a free sample by March 31, 2010 will win!
Disclaimer: This review was made possible by Business2Blogger. As mentioned above, I received a full-size sample of Leather CPR to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post.
We may have just moved into our new home in December but with a toddler (and a messy husband!) it's inevitable that our carpet won't remain immaculate for long. I've tried a long list of products for my carpets over the years and I've been disappointed by almost all of them. They either fail to remove stains at all or they work but leave behind a stiff residue that cannot be vacuumed away. So, when I was offered the chance to review a carpet cleaner spray, I was hopeful I could keep my brand new carpets looking brand new. How could I say no?!
Carpet CPR Spot & Stain Remover deep cleans and repels dirt from your carpet while eliminating odors. It works for red wine, pet stains, food stains, fruit juice, dirt, grease, coffee/tea, lipstick, ink and more. This award-winning cleaner has even received a Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute. They also offer a 100% money-back guarantee to ensure your satisfaction.
I received a full-size sample of Carpet CPR to review.
As I mentioned, our carpet is only a few months old, so we don't yet have any horrific stains. However, due to having lots of company and traffic through our living room, we do have some soiled spots that need some attention. Carpet CPR to the rescue! The directions are pretty straightforward: spray directly onto the stain(s), wait 3-5 minutes and blot with a clean colorfast cloth. The spray came out like a fine mist, which I appreciated. The scent was very light and hardly noticeable unless you press your nose to the carpet. I waited approximately 3-4 minutes and wiped clean with a white cloth. I was amazed! The stains practically melted away! The carpet was slightly damp from the fluid but after a good vacuuming, they looked and felt as good as they did the day of our walk-through. No stiffness. No smearing. No soggy mess. Just fresh, clean carpets! If you don't believe me, just see for yourself:
Before (I have circled the living room stains in question)
After (the above stains have completely disappeared!)
With a product like this, I don't see why I'd need to invest in a steam cleaner. It's easy to use and really works miracles on dirt and food stains. The only thing that could make this product better would be to disclose the contents and/or use natural ingredients. I'm not fond of using harsh chemicals in areas where my baby plays. However, since I am only using this in small, select areas and because it dries so quickly, I am comfortable with it.
Bottom line: Resuscitate your carpets with Carpet CPR. STAT.
BUY IT: You can purchase Carpet CPR (ARV $9.95) online at www.leathercpr.com, or at select retailers including Ace Hardware, Wal-Mart, Walgreens and Bed Bath & Beyond.
FUN FREEBIE: Visit http://www.leathercpr.com/specialoffer/ to sign up for a free full-size sample of your choice of three CPR products! Quantities are limited so you will want to hurry to make sure you get your goodies. And be sure to tell them that you found the link through this blog!
You can also compete for one of five CPR Cleaning Prize Packs worth $50! The five people who refer the most friends/family to sign up for a free sample by March 31, 2010 will win!
Disclaimer: This review was made possible by Business2Blogger. As mentioned above, I received a full-size sample of Carpet CPR to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post.
My Green Cleaning Event continues with some handmade goodness courtesy of I Green Mommy!
In Rachel McGuire's case, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Raised by a craft-a-holic, she has been upcycling (recycling fabrics and scraps into completely new items) for over 18 years now. Rachel rarely creates things for herself; most of her green creations are made with friends and family in mind. At the suggestion of a friend, she set up shop to see if anyone else would be interested in her items. This naturally evolved into her Etsy shop, I Green Mommy. When Rachel isn't playing Mommy, Wife or Maid, she also loves to sew, crochet, paint and scrapbook. Rachel's inspiration comes from what she sees and feels from her loved ones, and also feeds off of other people's creativity and energy.
Rachel kindly sent me a set of her eco-friendly reusable dusting pads to review. I have a Swiffer WetJet that I use almost daily in my kitchen and bathrooms. But I feel so wasteful throwing away the disposable pads after each use. Especially when the refills cost so darn much! And who knows how long those things take to break down in a landfill. Well, thanks to I Green Mommy, I can "green" my mopping routine and save some money in the process.
Rachel's Light Duster Pads (plaid fabric) are made of 2 thin layers of flannel that pick up dust, pet hair or tiny crumbs. She also makes thicker Heavy Duster Pads (flower print) for moderate spill absorption. The pads are handcrafted from scraps of leftover fabric but they are soft to the touch and the stitching and construction are high-quality. Not to mention the cute prints have much more personality than a boring white pad!
Each pad has straps that secure with heavy duty velcro so they will stay tightly in place. They fit onto my WetJet perfectly and actually covered the borders of the mop better than the disposable Swiffer pads. I love this because I can dust the bottoms of cabinets and fronts of the baseboards without having to hunch over or get on my hands and knees.
The Light Duster Pads are perfect for quick, once-overs or localized clean-ups. Nate will sometimes dribble his leaky sippy cups across the kitchen floor or drop a trail of tiny cracker crumbs as he enjoys his snack. I do sweep with a broom regularly but I like squirting a bit of floor cleaner and mopping here and there to get rid of bacteria and stubborn dirt. The flannel does a pretty good job attracting dust bunnies and soaking up small amounts of liquid cleaner or mild messes.
The Heavy Duster Pad is great for slightly larger spills or deep cleaning. Because it has an extra layer of fleece hidden between the flannel, it can soak up more fluid. I use this pad weekly for a good scrub down on the entire kitchen or bathroom floor. If you have pets or potty training accidents, this would be a great environmentally-friendly cleaning option for hard surfaces.
The best part is that after you're done, you can just toss the pads in the washing machine to clean them and reuse them! I put them in with my weekly load of towels so the velcro won't snag any of our clothes, and then I either tumble dry on low or lay them flat to dry. I have washed the pads several times and they have held up well with no fraying and little pilling.
The only improvement I would like to see with the I Green Mommy duster pads are some reusable scrubbing strips for the side of my WetJet (to replace the disposable ones) or textured pads. This would help to remove ground-in dirt and stains. I would also like to see a snap option as opposed to velcro so it won't potentially snag other items in the wash.
Bottom line: The cost of convenience doesn't have to be so high anymore! I would definitely recommend the I Green Mommy reusable dusting pads as an affordable, eco-friendly way to mop and dust with your Swiffer tools.
BUY IT: You can purchase the Light and Heavy Duster Pads (ARV $1.99/each or $3.85/pair) exclusively at I Green Mommy's Etsy shop. You can also find handmade aprons, coupon keepers, lunch bag kits and more so check it out!
WIN IT: St. Patrick's Day may have been yesterday but that doesn't mean you still can't go green! One lucky reader is going to win a pair of Light Duster Pads from I Green Mommy!
MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit I Green Mommy and tell me another item from Rachel's shop that you like. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!
SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.
1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)
2.) Follow me and I Green Mommy on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)
3.) Heart the I Green Mommy shop on Etsy and comment with your username. (1 entry)
5.) Become a fan of I Green Mommy on Facebook. (1 entry)
6.) Add the I Green Mommy Etsy button to your site (see below) and leave a comment with the link. (1 entry)
7.) Add my blog button and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)
Giveaway will end on April 2, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.
Disclaimer: As mentioned above, I received a pair of Light Dusting Pads and 1 Heavy Dusting Pad from Rachel at IGreen Mommy to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.
Next week, I'll be reviewing some mighty cool cleaning products from CPR Cleaning Products, including a Carpet Spot & Stain Remover and Leather Cleaner and Conditioner. But before I share my experiences with you, I want to offer you the opportunity to try it out with me!
Just visit http://www.leathercpr.com/specialoffer/ to sign up for a free full-size sample of your choice of three CPR products! Quantities are limited so you will want to hurry to make sure you get your goodies. And be sure to tell them that you found the link through this blog!
You can also compete for one of five CPR Cleaning Prize Packs worth $50! The five people who refer the most friends/family to sign up for a free sample by March 31, 2010 will win!
(Hint: if I should win, I plan to host a most awesome giveaway to one of my readers!)
Good luck! And if you do sign up, please come back and let me know what sample you chose.
We all strive to be better. Better children. Better siblings. Better spouses or partners. Better parents. Better employees. We all want to make better choices today for tomorrow. This doesn't just mean dropping those pennies into your piggy bank. This also applies to the behavioral shift of going green. Consumers are growing more and more aware of safety and environmental concerns, and are constantly searching for a better way to make the world a better place.
One company fully understands our pursuit for a Better Life. So much so that they made it the name of their company.
Better Life is the brainchild of two dads (one of whom is a chemist) who grew tired of the toxic residue that coated their household surfaces from top to bottom. They wanted something that would make cleaning easy without compromising the health of their families, pets and planet. So, together they developed the safest, most powerful and genuinely green household cleaning products on the market today.
What makes Better Life...well...better? Believe it or not, even "green" cleaning products can contain questionable ingredients. Stuff like sulfates, exhoxylates, fragrances, dyes or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as glycol ethers and alcohols can trigger respiratory problems, nausea, headache, skin irritation and more. Better Life uses highly specialized surfactants made from sugar, starch and amino acids - all completely safe with none of the aforementioned side effects. They only choose ingredients that have the fastest, most complete biodegradability profiles and their formulas have absolutely no aquatic or terrestrial toxicity. Over 99% of Better Life ingredients are natural or derived from renewable resources.
Just check out this comparison chart, which shows how Better Life stacks up against other green brands:
3/4 of the brands listed here were ones I reviewed this very week! Yikes! Definitely things I'll want to look for on the ingredients list from now on.
Better Life generously sent me their Starter Kit to review. This kit includes:
Simply Floored! Green Floor Cleaner
What-Ever! Green All-Purpose Cleaner
I Can See Clearly, WOW! Green Window and Glass Cleaner
Even the Kitchen Sink Green Gentle Scrubber
Twist Euro Sponge
Twist Loofah Sponge (2-pack)
Collapsible Six-Compartment Cleaning Caddy
It was love at first sight the moment I opened my package. The design was super cute and the storage caddy was awesome. I'm forever bungling over myself trying to carry multiple, bulky products up and down the stairs. Now I can do it all with one hand while holding Nate in the other! The compartments keep the weight of the products evenly distributed and prevent them from falling over on each other. It's altogether wonderful!
The first product I tried was the Simply Floored floor cleaner. We have vinyl flooring in our kitchen and I typically use my Swiffer WetJet for once-overs. But seeing as Nate often plays on the floor with the pots and pans (who needs toys?!) and scrambles for bits of fallen food around the base of his highchair, I wanted a more kid-friendly cleaner topping my floor. This cleaner really fit the bill. It had a minty fresh scent that was just irresistible and it really picked up the dirt and left my floor shiny, not sticky. I would totally buy this product again.
While I was at it in the kitchen, I used the I Can See Clearly, WOW window cleaner on my back sliders and the scrubber on my sink. The window cleaner made my windows sparkle, both inside and out, and left no streaks behind. Everything I expect from a window cleaner.
The Even the Kitchen Sink gentle scrubber was probably my second favorite (after the Simply Floored). It goes on like a cream cleanser but rinses away clean, with no chemical smell like Ajax or other scrubbers. It really got the ground-in food and dirt from around my disposal, and it also worked wonders on the hard water stains in Nate's tub. Nate has taken to pooping in the tub as of late (gross, I know!) so I love that I have this eco-friendly scrubber on hand to freshen things back up, as if nothing ever happened. Now if only it could scrub my brain of the memory! It also worked great as a natural alternative to Goo Be Gone. I had sticker residue on the lid of my new washing machine and it just wouldn't budge with any of my other cleaners. Even the Kitchen Sink wasn't even phased! I didn't even have to use elbow grease - it just came right up.
The Twist loofah sponge was a great compliment to this cleaner. I haven't yet tried the Euro sponge, as I've been using my Skoy cloths regularly, but sometimes you need a little more "umph" to rub out the tough spots. These loofahs have my back in those instances. They were especially useful in the bathroom with those nasty hard water stains. I love their whole natural look and feel. You can even turn the packaging into a bird feeder - how great is that?!
The What-Ever All-Purpose Cleaner rounded out the bunch as another winner. It polished my surfaces and took care of the mild to moderate messes I tried it on. The citrus smell was *almost* as good as my beloved Mrs. Meyers. Almost. But then again it is more environmentally-friendly so that is something to consider.
After receiving my starter kit, I don't think my kitchen has looked this good since the day we did our walk-through! The only disadvantage I can think of is the cost. The average Better Life product costs about $7 so it is slightly more than I am used to paying. I do feel they are worth the cost, considering the environmental benefits and performance. But as a one-income family, it may be tough to replace all of our cleaners with Better Life.
Bottom line: I would highly recommend Better Life cleaning products. I like that they have the health of my family in mind. Their products are effective and I certainly feel safe using them. While I may not be able to trade all of my cleaning products in just yet (due to other brand loyalties and cost), I do plan to purchase more in the future. I appreciate that Better Life puts it all out there with full disclosure of their ingredients. This information is power in the hands of the consumer and makes it easier to make an informed decision about your household products.
BUY IT: You can purchase the Better Life Starter Kit (ARV $35.55) or individual Better Life products online at www.cleanhappens.com. You can also use their handy dandy store locator to find another e-tailer or retailer most local to you!
WIN IT: Better Life is generously offering one lucky reader their very own starter kit - just like I received!
MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Better Life and tell me either something you learned NOT mentioned in my review or which product you'd most like to try. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!
SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.
1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)
2.) Follow me and Better Life on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the tweet below or come up with one of your own: RT @kris10chumley: Dirt happens. Clean your home with a "greenbreaking" Starter Kit from Better Life! @cleanhappens http://bit.ly/9XLNQW
Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry max per day)
3.) Become a fan of Better Life on Facebook. (1 entry)
4.) Sign up for the Better Life newsletter. (1 entry)
5.) Add my blog button and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)
Giveaway will end on March 22, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.
Disclaimer: I received a full Starter Kit from Emily at Better Life to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and feelings expressed in this review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.
Hi everyone! My name is Kristen. I'm a stay-at-home mommy to my 2-year old little boy, Nate. I love trying new things and sharing my opinions on products - especially baby and toddler stuff! I've been blogging personally since 2006 but I began this blog in 2009 so I could share my all-natural, honest reviews - no artificial sweetener here!
Want to know more? Just click on the Contact link above and ask! I love to hear from my readers!
