Review and Discount: Tiny Tongs

Thank you to Tiny Tongs for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

As most of you know, I have a very picky eater on my hands. Nate is very particular when it comes to textures. He doesn't like to pick up things with his fingers unless they are crunchy like cereal or firm like chunks of ground beef or turkey. He refuses to touch soft, wet foods like fruit or noodles. But these foods can be rather difficult for him to pick up with typical utensils since they tend to slide right off the spoon or fork. I wasn't sure there was anything out there aside from time that could solve this pesky little problem until I was introduced to Tiny Tongs.

Tiny Tongs were invented in 2008 by a mom of a three who was searching for a way to bridge the gap between finger feeding and eating with traditional utensils. After seeing her small children use tongs in their preschool to help develop their coordination for writing, she decided to expand the concept to mealtime as well. A year later, Tiny Tongs were born!

Tiny Tongs are ergonomically-shaped and have proper tension for small hands. The non-slip grip helps maintain optimal position and gripping ridges aid in picking up and securing food. Tiny Tongs are non-toxic, lead free, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and are dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up.

When our Tiny Tongs arrived all tied up with cellophane and ribbon, I couldn't help but "ooh" and "aah". They were so adorable, I almost didn't want to take them out of the package. Notice I said *almost*. I couldn't wait for our next meal so Nate could test them out.

Now, Nate is moderately skilled with utensils and no longer relies heavily on his pincher grasp, so he couldn't quite master Tiny Tongs right away. He had a hard time holding the tongs closed long enough to get the food to his mouth. But surprisingly, Nate didn't grow frustrated and throw a fit when things didn't go his way. Tiny Tongs are much too fun for that! After initially substituting them as a toy to pinch me with, he kept attempting to pick up bits of food until he got it right. With a bit of patience and practice, he has used his Tiny Tongs to successfully eat all sorts of things like buttery pasta, shredded cheese and pepperoni pizza. Maybe in the future he'll use the skills gained from his Tiny Tongs to expand his palate to things like California rolls. Hey, a girl can dream!

In the meantime, I'm happy he uses them for old reliables like his morning cereal:

I love that Tiny Tongs are made of safe materials and can be tossed in the dishwasher for convenient cleaning. They are great for messier finger foods - no more sticky palms! I only wish we had discovered them sooner, before Nate became accustomed to utensils. We could have saved ourselves lots of hassle in the transition!

Bottom line: If you want to make mealtime exciting for your toddler or preschooler, Tiny Tongs get two prongs up!

BUY IT: You can purchase a single pair (ARV $7.99) or 4-pack of Tiny Tongs (ARV $24.99) online at www.tinytongs.com.

DELECTABLE DISCOUNT: Tiny Tongs is offering all GGG readers an exclusive discount! Just use code "goodie2010" to receive 20% off your purchase!

Also, be sure to follow Tiny Tongs on Facebook for all the latest news and developments!

Disclaimer: I received a free pair of Tiny Tongs from Hilary at Abbott Communications to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.

Discount: Kids Konserve

With summertime in full swing, dining alfresco is a popular choice. But all that plastic wrap, aluminum foil and disposable picnic-ware is hardly earth-friendly. Just thinking about how much BBQ decor ends up in our landfills makes me happy to come across companies like Kids Konserve.

Kids Konserve was formed by a pair of moms after they realized the astounding amount of trash being produced each day at their children's schools during lunch hour. Dedicated to setting an example of conservation and empowering their children to be change agents, they started to research reusable products that could cut down on the garbage. The result is their non-toxic "waste-free" lunch kit and mix-and-match components to create the perfect, "green" meal on-the-go!

Keep your fruit, veggies or cheese chilled with their sweat-free ice pack (ARV $11) - made of recycled plastic bottles! Or, to keep heat locked in to mac 'n cheese, soup or hot cocoa, check out their stainless steel Thermos (ARV $21).

Kids Konserve is becoming a hot trend among celebrity moms like Isla Fisher, pictured here with daughter Olive enjoying a snack from a Recycled Canvas Sack in the adorable Butterfly print (ARV $13):

Photo credit: Celebrity Baby Blog/People.com

With back-to-school on the horizon, there's no better time to choose to reuse with Kids Konserve.

BUY IT: You can purchase any of the above products or view the entire catalog online at www.kidskonserve.com.

DELECTABLE DISCOUNT: From now until the end of the month, use code "summer15" to receive 15% off a Kids Konserve Snak Pak! (ARV $19)

This reusable waste-free solution is great for snacks and light lunches, featuring a 9" x 13" cotton draw string bag, cloth napkin, food kozy, 304 food-grade stainless steel food container and recycled aluminum name tag. Perfect for camp or playground!

Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation nor a product to review in exchange for this post. I just wanted to share the discount code with my readers.

Review and Giveaway: Kerasal Exfoliating Foot Moisturizer CLOSED

One of my favorite parts of spring is breaking out the flip flops and sandals. I don't have much time for a pedicure these days but I still need to take care of my tootsies if I want to look good from head to toe. Thankfully, I can count on Kerasal to lend me a hand. Err, foot.

Once only available from podiatrists, Kerasal foot care products are now available over-the-counter. Unlike ordinary foot creams, Kerasal's richly concentrated ointments are clinically proven to repair calluses and soften even the toughest, driest feet in just a few days.

For as far back as I can remember, I've been plagued with dry, cracked heels. I try to buff and file them regularly after I shower but I don't always have the time. And even then, the results are only temporary. So, I was delighted to have the chance to review Kerasal's One Step Exfoliating Foot Moisturizer Therapy. This dual-action formula exfoliates and moisturizes in one step. Before bed, simply wash and dry your feet, massage in the cream until absorbed and cover with some cotton socks. That's it! Wake up to soft, sexy heels!

Let me tell you...Kerasal did not disappoint. I loved that the cream was clear so it didn't make a huge mess and the application was incredibly easy. I am battling allergies so my nose has been a bit stuffy but I didn't notice a medicinal odor at all. The results were astounding:

Before Kerasal



After 2 days



I think the pictures speak for themselves. This stuff really works! I no longer have to feel self-conscious about the condition of my feet when I slip on my shoes. And while it's an extra step in my nighttime routine, it's well worth the two minutes. My heels look as smooth as a baby's bottom and I've only used it for a few days.

Bottom line: If you want to put your best foot forward, you'll want some Kerasal in your arsenal.

BUY IT: You can find Kerasal One Step Exfoliating Foot Moisturizer Therapy (ARV $9.99) and other Kerasal products at select grocery and drugstores nationwide, as well as online at www.drugstore.com.

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: Click here for a $1 off coupon!

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win a Kerasal prize pack including a tube of One Step Exfoliating Foot Moisturizer Therapy and a pair of cotton, moisture-enhancing socks!



MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit the Kerasal website and tell me another product they offer that you'd 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!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow 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 or come up with one of your own:

Get soft, sexy summer-ready feet with Kerasal One Step Exfoliating Foot Moisturizer Therapy @kris10chumley ENDS 6/9 http://bit.ly/bBUHQE

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) "Like" Kerasal on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on June 9, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winner 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 indicated above, I received a tube of foot ointment and a pair of cotton socks from Jen with Kerasal to facilitate an honest review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely mine. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: SodaStream CLOSED

Thank you to SodaStream for participating in the Goodie Goodie Gumdrops Earth Week Event!

My husband and I are moderate soda drinkers. We typically indulge in one or two glasses per day. As you can imagine, the two-liter bottles and cans add up over time, especially when we entertain guests. With every empty container I throw away, I wonder to myself how I can do better for our planet. Did you know that, according to the U.S. Recycling Institute, more than 80% of bottles in the U.S. do not get recycled and end up in landfills? Also, an estimated 4.7 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions were produced in the process of replacing the 134 billion bottles and cans not recycled in 2005. (The biggest culprit is bottled water, of which 206 million liters were consumed in 2008.)

Thankfully, one company is making a difference while filling a gap in the marketplace.

SodaStream offers stylish home soda makers that turn ordinary tap water into sparkling water or soft drinks in less than 30 seconds, using no electricity and no batteries with virtually no cleanup. Each machine features reusable, BPA-free liter bottles and a refillable CO2 carbonator that makes 60 or 110 liters of soda - equivalent to 170 or 310 aluminum cans! Do you find regular colas too sweet or too fizzy? No worries - you can now fizz and flavor your beverage to suit your taste! Just think: no more heavy bottles to carry, store and throw away. You'll be saving the environment - and your wallet - by rinsing and reusing.



SodaStream offers a HUGE selection of SodaMix flavors from fruits (orange mango, grape, lemonade) and teas (lemon, peach) to mixers (ginger ale, tonic) to the traditional (cola, lemon-lime) and classic (root beer, cream soda). They even have Energy drinks! Whether you prefer regular, diet or caffeine-free, you can create your favorite beverage quickly and easily with SodaStream.

SodaStream graciously sent me a Fountain Jet Soda Maker along with a vast variety of regular and diet flavors to review.



The machine was incredibly easy to assemble. I think it took my husband under a minute to install the CO2 carbonator. We loved that we could place the machine anywhere on our kitchen counter since we didn't have to consider outlet access. The instructions were as simple as three steps:

1. Fill bottle with chilled water to fill line. We used filtered water from our fridge since we have a well but you can also use tap water. You want to make sure the water is cold for the best results.



2. Tilt, screw bottle into the machine and press top button (until you hear buzzing) to carbonate the water to your liking. Three presses is standard but you could press less for a flatter soda or more for a fizzier drink. The bottles are designed to be high-pressure resistant so they can withstand the process no matter how much fizz you add.



3. Unscrew bottle from the machine, add a capful of the SodaMix of your choice, swirl and voila! One liter of soda just the way you like it.



Not only is SodaStream easy to operate and clean (with its removable catch tray), but the SodaMixes really are delicious! My husband and I have tried 6 of the 9 flavors sent to us and so far, my favorite is the Orange Mango. This exotic soda is perfect for warm weather. My husband loves him some Red Bull so he is partial to the Energy mix. But we honestly liked them all. The Diet Pink Grapefruit was a dead ringer for Fresca and the Lemonade tasted even better than the Minute Maid version. We were surprised that we could make such great-tasting soda from the comfort of our own home.

Because each liter bottle has a hermetic sealing cap, you never have to worry about your homemade soda going flat. I've found that my SodaStream sodas stay carbonated much longer than the store-bought counterparts. And because each bottle lasts for about 3 years, we not only know our sodas will always stay fresh but we feel good knowing we are doing our part to reduce our carbon footprint.

The value of a SodaStream machine can be significant. Say your family drinks 1 liter of soda a day. A typical 2-liter bottle of soda at my local grocery store is about $2. This would amount to about $30/month for store-bought soda. SodaStream SodaMixes start at $4.99 and each container makes 12 liters of soda. That's just $.83 per 2-liter! An exchanged 110-liter carbonator costs about $25 right now and would last for roughly 4 months at 1 liter/day. So, a month's cost of using SodaStream is roughly $20. That's a savings of at least $10/month! Not to mention your lessened environmental impact.

I also love that SodaStream SodaMixes are more nutritious, containing less calories, sugar and caffeine than the leading brands. One serving of Coca-Cola has 100 calories, 27g carbs, 27g sugar, 35mg sodium and 23mg caffeine. But one serving of SodaStream's Cola SodaMix has just 34 calories, 9g carbs, 9g sugar, 2mg sodium, and 15mg caffeine! SodaStream SodaMix has no high-fructose corn syrup and no aspartame. Diet flavors are sugar-free, sweetened with Splenda and regular flavors are made with a special blend of Splenda and sugar, so no matter your dietary needs, you can enjoy some homemade soda.

After we use up the rest of our mixes, we can't wait to try some Cream Soda and Lemon Iced Tea. SodaStream sodas are so fun to make and now that we're fans, I don't think I'll ever have to venture down the soda aisle again. I can just feel the sky smiling down at me.

Bottom line: If your family loves soda, you will adore SodaStream. It's is a cost-effective, convenient, eco-friendly, and healthy way to enjoy soda. What's not to love?!

BUY IT: You can purchase SodaStream products from select retailers as well as www.sodastreamusa.com.

DELCIOUS DISCOUNT: In honor of Earth Day, SodaStream is offering 40% off spare carbonators! But hurry - this offer is only good through Friday, April 23rd!

WIN IT: SodaStream is generously giving away a Fountain Jet Soda Starter Kit to one lucky reader! That's a $100 value!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Go to SodaStream and tell me what flavor (diet or regular) 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 SodaStream 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:

Enjoy soda and seltzer the green way with @SodaStreamUSA! Win a Fountain Jet Soda Starter Kit ($100 value) @kris10chumley http://bit.ly/bdtSpT

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of SodaStream 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 10, 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 Fountain Jet Soda Maker and variety of SodaMixes from Rob at SodaStream. I was not compensated monetarily for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my post are solely mine. Your experience may differ.

Review and Discount: The Friendship Stone

We all go through peaks and valleys in our lives. The rough patches (illness, death/loss, divorce, etc.) can seem impossible to get through without the support of friends and family. But holding their hand or crying on their shoulder may not always be an option, especially for those who live remotely. It's nice to have something tangible to always keep you connected to your loved ones in times of need.

The Friendship Stone is the brainchild of Cathy Raff. In Cathy's first year of college, she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis and had a total colectomy. When she was 31, she married her husband and tried for a family. After four years and 12 unsuccessful IVF treatments, they discovered surrogacy. Through three amazing women, Cathy and her husband were able to have three healthy children. In overcoming many medical ordeals, Cathy realized that her diseases were actually a gift. Before her first surgery, she was not aware of life without pain. But from
that moment on, there has never been a day that she is not aware of the feeling of being pain-free. She had gained a new perspective on life. After hearing the concerns of a close friend whose son was struggling with some childhood challanges, Cathy gave her a stone that she had collected from a recent business trip to South Africa. She suggested giving it to her son to comfort him while they were apart. This became the prototype for the Friendship Stone.



The Friendship Stone is a Tiger's Eye stone, which symbolizes the power of perspective. Each stone takes its shape by the stones it touches, just as we do by those that touch our lives. You can celebrate your special bond with a friend or loved one with the gift of a Friendship Stone, to communicate the importance of "rock solid" friendship and the beauty of optimism and giving.

These mementos represent not only lifelong friendships but the power of positive thinking and the strength and ability to change your situation.

Like the light that passes through their warm amber striations changing the stone's appearance, such is the light within ourselves giving us strength to change our perspective and embrace the power of positive thinking.

Each gift set comes with a beautifully presented stone, decorative suede storage pouch, brochure explaining its origins and a blank gift card, which can be personalized for the recipient. They are suitable for nearly any occasion, from holidays and birthdays to hospitalizations and graduations. You could even give one just to say "I'm thinking of you."

I received a Friendship Stone Individual Pack to review.

When I received my stone, it was a bit smaller than I expected. But I liked that it fit nicely in the palm of hand. It had a comfortable, smooth, satiny texture. I could imagine myself squeezing it and closing my eyes to draw strength from and feel the presence of the giver.



I have a bleeding heart and I am quite the sentimental, emotional type. So, naturally, I love the meaning and concept behind the Friendship Stone. Having gone through years of primary infertility, there were many times I felt alone and misunderstood. Most people's advice was to "relax and it will happen". Not helpful in the least after losing two pregnancies. During my period of grief, I would have loved to receive something like this to give me a virtual hug and to restore my hope and faith. I am happy to now have one that I can pass off to a friend in need.

Bottom line: The Friendship Stone is a timeless treasure for friends and loved ones that transcends space and time. It's a unique, artful twist on the age-old BFF necklace.

BUY IT: Friendship Stone gift packs are available exclusively at www.TheFriendshipStone.com (ARV $19.95-$29.95). Friendship Stone necklaces are also available (ARV $70-95).

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: For a limited time only, you can receive 30% off all Friendship Stone Gift Packs or 20% off all Friendship Stone necklaces. Just use codes "Spring" and "Spring2" respectively!

Disclaimer: As noted above, I received a free Friendship Stone Individual Pack from Kathy at K2 Public Relations Group in exchange for my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post.

Review and Discount: 5-in-1 Tasty Baker

As you know, I deal with an extremely picky toddler. He is the ultimate food critic. What he gobbles up one day is rejected the next. His unpredictability leaves me with quite the kitchen quandary. I am constantly looking for new ways to get creative with food, in the hope that he'll indulge with excitement and eagerness. When I came across Pop Art Toaster, I knew I had found a way to make mealtime fun.

Pop Art Toaster turns ordinary food into edible pieces of art. Their retro style toasters and coordinating stencil plates allow you to express your unique personality by branding images or words right onto your toast, bagels, english muffins, hamburger buns or flat frozen pastries. It's a fun way to spice up breakfast and entertain kids or guests during a party, play date or other occasion. As if that isn't enough, they offer a creativity kit with 5 FDA-approved, flavored edible markers that color the toasted images! It's like a coloring book you can eat! Who says you can't play with your food?! With a Pop Art Toaster, you can make breakfast time learning time by helping your child match pictures and concepts.

Think about it. What could be more fun than serving your Valentine breakfast in bed with the Love Struck toaster set (shown, above right) or inviting Hannah Montana over for lunch with their sandwich/panini maker? You can even have Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell and the rest of the Disney gang join in on the fun! The possibilities are virtually endless.

Pop Art Toaster has expanded their adorably crafty toaster line to include the 5-in-1 Tasty Baker. The 5-in-1 Tasty Baker (ARV $29.99) puts the "fun" in multifunctional. This compact, table top appliance can bake 5 different products: pancakes/waffles, muffins, breads, cakes, brownies - even eggs! Kids will love the 7 whimsical molds, including a dog, cat, train, blocks, heart, smiley face and birthday cake. Mom will love that it is nonstick and takes 1/3 of the time of traditional oven baking! This innovative machine has received numerous accolades including a 2009 Seal of Excellence Award from Creative Child Magazine and an iParenting Media Award.



Pop Art Toaster generously sent me their Original 5-in-1 Tasty Baker to review. (There are also Mickey Mouse and Disney Princess versions!)

The first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box was how small the appliance was. It really didn't take up much room on my counter at all. Since I have trouble getting Nate to eat fruit, I thought I'd make blueberry muffins for our first experiment.

The directions were pretty concise and straightforward. First, you plug it in, spray the molds lightly with nonstick spray and adjust the heat setting. Easy enough, except I wasn't sure which of the 5 heat settings to use. I took an educated guess and went for the middle with 3. As you wait for your Tasty Baker to heat up, you prepare your batter and use their handy scoop (included) to pour the mixture over the molds. The lip on the scoop was perfect for spreading the batter and getting in those little crevices.




Since oven-baked muffins typically take about 15 minutes, I closed the lid and set my timer for 5 minutes. Turns out that was PERFECT! The muffins were cooked thoroughly and, true to its word, they didn't stick. Well, we had a bit of a casualty with our choo-choo train but I think it's because I was a bit stingy with the spray in that area. For the most part, I could easily remove the muffins from the molds with a plastic fork. As you can see, they really turned out well! We even had enough batter left over to make a few more for Mommy to taste. I loved that the molds were a kid-friendly size so that I didn't have to spend more time cutting them up into bite-sized pieces. I could just serve them as is.



So, I think we can all agree that the muffins were cute. But did they get two thumbs up from Mr. Snooty Booty himself? After inspecting the shapes intently and even doing some stacking to test firmness, he took a bite. And another. And then another. He kept returning for more! He wound up eating an impressive three muffins. Considering he wouldn't touch muffins before, I'd say the Tasty Baker definitely is a keeper!



Cleanup was also a breeze. The included 2-sided brush made it easy to remove any leftover debris from the molds. With just a bit of dishwashing liquid and some water, the plates were sparkling and ready for the next use.



We've already done muffins and pancakes so next time, I think we'll try some biscuit and egg sandwiches or some layer cakes for a small after-dinner dessert. YUM! And the birthday cake mold will be perfect to make a special birthday breakfast for my little man come July.

The only improvement I would like to see with the Tasty Baker is a recipe booklet with heat setting recommendations. This information can be found on the website but I would love to have it right at my fingertips.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend the 5-in-1 Tasty Baker if you want to make mealtime fun for your picky eater. It's incredibly simple to use, ultra-fast and convenient. Considering its capabilities, I think it is reasonably priced too.

BUY IT: You can purchase the 5-in-1 Tasty Baker or other Pop Art Toaster products online at www.poparttoasterstore.com, as well as Target, Amazon and other select e-tailers nationwide.

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: For a limited time, Pop Art Toaster is generously offering my readers a $5 off coupon code for any minimum purchase of $25 in their store! Just use code "LTD5809". Enjoy!

Disclaimer: As noted above, I received a 5-in-1 Tasty Baker from Dana at Pop Art Toaster to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this review and my honest opinions were given. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: Mirra Beauty CLOSED

I don't have a lot of time to spend on my beauty routine. On the average day, I'd say I only have about 10 minutes to spare. After showering and blow drying my hair, I wash and tone my face with Proactiv, and maybe - just maybe - I'll use some foundation and mascara. If I want to feel especially pretty, I'll break out the blush and eyeshadow. But that's about as (un)complicated as it gets.

Apparently, I'm not alone. In a recent online survey conducted by the grocery store chain Kroger, 71% of women said they have 10 minutes or less to spend on their beauty style. They also noted that they want products to enhance their natural beauty instead of disguising their true selves.

You asked and now you shall receive thanks to Kroger's new beauty line, Mirra. Mirra blends the best of natural ingredients such as olive oil, aloe leaf juice, bamboo honey and chicory root with proven scientific technologies such as oleosome emulsion for moisturzing skincare so us family-focused ladies can achieve effortless beauty. The Mirra line features shampoos, conditioners, lotions, body washes and mists, cosmetic brushes, eye and face creams and exfoliating cleansers. Mirra products are paraben and formaldehyde donor-free and can multitask almost as well as we can with three unique formulas: Daily (for routine personal care), Renew (for a much-needed mommy time-out) and Inspire (for quick transformations for a night out).



I received a package with a variety of Mirra products to review, including:

• Daily Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner - with aloe extract and wheat and soy proteins to moisturize and tame flyaways
  
• Daily Sculpting Gel - with chitosan, aloe and red tea leaf extract for a strong yet flexible hold
  
• Renew Protective Body Wash in Lemongrass & Ginger scent - with ginger, brazil nut and aloe extracts and glyceryl oleate to invigorate and deeply moisturize skin
  
• Renew Replenishing Body Wash in Bamboo & Honey scent - with bamboo and honey extracts and glyceryl oleate to nourish and maintain youthful appearance of skin
  
• Renew Protective Lotion in Lemongrass & Ginger scent - with ginger extract, copaiba and olive oils and oleosomes to stimulate the skin and provide immediate moisturization
  

The first thing I noticed was the generous sizing of the products. With many "natural" brands, they give you less product for more money, claiming it's a bargain because you don't need as much. Not the case with Mirra. You get salon-quality items at an affordable price.

I've been using my Mirra products daily for about two weeks now and I've been pleased with just about all of them. The shampoo lathered well and removed excess oil without drying out my hair. The conditioner left my hair soft and manageable, with no frizz or flyaways. The scents were light and fresh. Even with our hard water situation, the haircare products seemed to really cleanse and rejuvenate my hair. If I went a day without showering (a normal occurence around here!), my hair wasn't as oily as it normally can be. I would definitely buy both of these products again. As for hair gel, I don't normally wear it, as it tends to weigh down my fine, straight hair, but I decided to let my hair air dry until damp and scrunch to see the effect. Although it smelled good and didn't make my hair as sticky or stiff as other brands, I didn't prefer the outcome to my usual hairspray. If you normally use gel, I think you'd like the flexible hold but I plan to stick with what works for me.

Both body washes smelled great and left my skin feeling smooth and pampered. My favorite was the delectably sweet Bamboo & Honey scent. Yum! I think it's my new favorite! The lotion was moisturizing without leaving a layer of grease behind. I used it on my legs after shaving and it would transform my dry, ashy skin to silky and satiny in no time. The lemongrass and ginger scent was a nice pick-me-up on dull, rainy mornings.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend the Mirra line of beauty products. I like that they contain natural ingredients, and not only smell fantastic but are effective too! The only thing I would like to see is wider availability. I am hoping the products will soon be available online, as we don't have any Kroger stores nearby.

BUY IT: You can purchase Mirra exclusively at select Kroger stores and retailers that fall under the Kroger umbrella. Use their handy dandy store locator to find the one closest to you!

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: Visit the Mirra microsite to find a digital coupon for $5.00 off the purchase of two Mirra products!

WIN IT: One lucky winner is going to win a box of Mirra beauty products similar to the one I received!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me what product from Mirra 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 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:

Let your natural beauty shine through with Mirra! Win a prize pack @kris10chumley Ends 3/26 http://bit.ly/9alvob

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry max per day)

3.) Add my blog button and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on March 26, 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: This opportunity was made possible by Global Influence. I received the above products from Shannan at Global Influence on behalf of Mirra/Kroger Co. 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.

Review and Giveaway: Seventh Generation CLOSED

As I've mentioned previously, one of the primary reasons I'm shifting to a more "green" lifestyle is to lessen my impact on the environment so future generations can enjoy clean air and fresh water. We live just a stone's throw away from the Chesapeake Bay and in seeing how polluted it has become over the years, we are growing more committed to preserving our precious wildlife and nature by polluting less. The other main reason, of course, is to rid our home of toxic chemicals with ingredients that could negatively affect our family's health. Who wants to knowingly use something which has the potential to alter your or your child's endocrine system?

With terms like "natural", "hypoallergenic" and "organic" being abused and overused, it's hard to find a company you can trust to be transparent with their intentions. But one such brand is Seventh Generation.

Seventh Generation is arguably one of the world's first, truly socially-responsible companies. Instead of focusing on traditional business principles, they encourage customers, staff and partners to express their idealism, passion and commitment to causes. One look at their website and you can plainly see that they are a dedicated community, promoting an open dialogue about health and environmental issues as well as sharing important resources and tips to assist you on your greener, cleaner journey. Seventh Generation dedicates 10% of its profits to nonprofit organizations working for positive change.

How did they get their unique name, you may ask? Why, it's from the Great Law of Iroquois that states, "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." How inspiring! If that doesn't move you to eradicate those toxic chemicals for your offspring, I don't know what will.

You've probably seen Seventh Generation products in your grocery or health food store, but in case you aren't familiar, they offer a tremendous variety of eco-friendly products including 100% recycled paper towels, nontoxic, phosphate-free cleaning and laundry products, recycled plastic trash bags, chlorine-free diapers, wipes and feminine care products.

Seventh Generation generously sent me a Healthy Home Starter Kit to review.



This kit includes:

• Glass & Surface Cleaner - Ruby Grapefruit & Herb
• Kitchen Cleaner - Wild Orange & Cedar Spice
• All-Purpose Cleaner - Green Mandarin & Leaf
• Shower Cleaner - Green Mandarin & Leaf
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner - Emerald Cypress & Fir
• Tub & Tile Cleaner - Emerald Cypress & Fir
• (1) Roll of Natural Paper Towels
• Reusable Tote Bag

I was so excited to put the tub and shower supplies to work. My regular bathroom cleaners have such awful fumes and my bathroom does not have the greatest ventilation, so I often have to run for cover in between scrubbing. Not fun. I surely don't want Nate in the bathroom with me when it reeks of toxicity to the point of suffocation.

The Tub and Tile Cleaner had a mild forest-y scent. Not strong or offensive at all and a relief from the harsh, standard cleaners. Because we have hard water and hence lots of mineral buildup in our showers, tubs, toilets and sinks, I wasn't sure if this would be powerful enough to get the job done. But I was really surprised. While I did have to use some muscle, it turned my shower from dingy and dirty to clean as a dream in under 10 minutes. And as I rinsed the water down the drain, I felt good knowing I was reducing my toxic waste. My stinky, foaming cleansers are a thing of the past. I will definitely be buying this again once my bottle is empty.



We've also been spritzing the Shower Cleaner onto our shower walls and curtain after every shower to keep things fresh. I was a tad disappointed that the scent was more "Leaf" than "Mandarin", as I was hoping for a nice citrus smell. But it isn't unpleasant and it seems to keep the dirt from building up as much so ultimately, that is what is most important.



I was also impressed with the Glass & Surface Cleaner. I was sent the unscented Free & Clear version (I'm assuming the Grapefruit was out of stock) and just like it's name implies, it was streak-free and removed the toothpaste stains from our bathroom mirror with ease. I typically use my Ultimate Cloth as an eco-friendly cleaner for my mirrors but if I need to wipe out some bacteria, I like that I now have this option.



To clean the mirrors and wipe up minor spills in the kitchen and bath, I used their recycled paper towels. Did you know that if every household in the U.S. replaced one roll of their regular paper towels with these 100% recycled ones, we could save 933,000 trees, 2.4 million cubic feet of landfill space, 350 million gallons of water and avoid 59,600 tons of emission? Pretty amazing, huh? All in all, I was quite pleased with them. They didn't leave a trail of lint and even though they weren't as soft and cushiony as Bounty, they were pretty absorbent. They also held up to some gentle scrubbing without falling apart.

I have to say I had mixed feelings about the Toilet Bowl Cleaner. I love the green fragrance as well as the flip-top nozzle design. And it cleaned "okay". It removed most of the residue in the bowl except one particularly stubborn ring. Overall, I didn't find it worked as well as my ecostore USA toilet cleaner. It may work fine for those with softer water but sadly, I don't think I would buy this one again.

I haven't really tested out the All-Purpose Cleaner or Kitchen Cleaner yet, as I'm still addicted to my Method and Mrs. Meyers sprays. But I can attest that they smell nice from sniffing the bottles. I love that I can store everything in my tote bag under the sink so it's ready whenever I need it.

Bottom line: Seventh Generation's Healthy Home Starter Kit includes everything you need to give up on those nasty toxins forever. Not only did I like the majority of their products, but out of all the "green" companies I've worked with thus far, I feel they are the most authentic, honest and real. That trust, for me, correlates to brand loyalty.

BUY IT: You can purchase the Healthy Home Starter Kit (ARV $38.99) and other Seventh Generation products at most grocery stores and major retailers or online. Just check out their handy dandy store locator to find the nearest vendor!

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: Be sure to check out the website for valuable printable coupons for your favorite Seventh Generation products!

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win their very own Healthy Home Starter Kit! Yippee!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit the Seventh Generation website and either tell me a factoid you learned NOT mentioned in my review or tell me a product you'd 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 Seventh Generation 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: Protect yourself and the future with a @SeventhGen Healthy Home Starter Kit (ARV $40)! Ends 3/19 http://bit.ly/aOb1qe

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry max per day)

3.) Become a fan of Seventh Generation on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Sign up for the Seventh Generation newsletter (upper right of homepage). (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 19, 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 the Living Home Starter Kit from Meghan at Seventh Generation 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.

Review and Giveaway: Episencial Natural Skincare CLOSED

It's no secret I've been a fan of SproutBaby ever since I was introduced to them last year. I mean, what's not to love? Not only do they make shopping for environmentally-friendly goods easy and enjoyable - but they individually test and hand-select each product they carry. Only those that meet their rigorous standards get their seal of approval. From feeding and diapering to bathing and playtime, SproutBaby has you covered with a "green" solution. With their commitment to excellence, you can be sure that what you purchase is truly safe and gentle for you and your family.

Back in December, I had the pleasure of reviewing the Better Body Butter from Episencial, which quickly won over our household. So, I was delighted to try out another product from the brand new skincare line: the Playful Foaming Wash.



Episencial offers high-quality yet affordable all-natural skincare for children. Featuring the instantly recognizable artwork from Eric Carle's classic book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Episencial is the first company to develop clinically-effective, newborn-safe products that support the immune functions of the skin. Their complete range of products is made exclusively from chemical-free, organic ingredients (even using fruits from the story!) and is based upon reliable formulas used by leading spas and clinics for over 30 years. Episencial goes beyond your typical "green" company. They manufacture right here in the U.S. using solar power and recyclable, sustainable packaging. With this many pros, it's no surprise the product line was founded by a mom!

The Playful Foaming Wash is a pure, hydrating hair and body wash, with the following benefits:

• Thyme oil and plant-based surfactants act as gentle cleansers
• Organic ginko biloba and calendula extract soothe skin
• Organic aloe and oat extract moisturize naturally
• Sulfate-free
• Fragrance-free. Organic orange extract provides a mild, natural scent.
• Non-irritating formula won't sting or burn sensitive skin
• Rinses off quickly
• Safe for all ages
• Bottle is phthalate and BPA-free
  

SproutBaby was kind enough to send me a week's worth of samples to try out with Nate. I can't get enough of the cute, colorful packaging, with the beloved character from one of our all-time favorite storybooks.



The scent of the body wash was heavenly. A very mild, citrus-y smell that reminded me of freshly squeezed orange juice. I also liked that the color of the gel was clear and not tinted yellow, as with some other natural brands. Just a personal little peccadillo of mine but a dingy bath product makes me feel more dirty than clean. True to its name, the foaming bath wash had a great lather, and rinsed cleanly away with no residue. Even though Mommy was a bit clumsy and accidentally spilled some water from his crown down over his face, Nate didn't cry or appear irritated at all.



After bathtime, the orange scent didn't linger as with traditional baby washes. But I would rather not slather my eczema-prone toddler in harsh chemicals just for the sake of a smell. I applied the Better Body Butter directly after bathtime and my little alligator's rough patches gave way to kissably soft skin - just how a baby was meant to feel.

Bottom line: Episencial equates to Essential in our house. I would highly recommend checking them out for all your family's bath needs. I love a company who cares about the safety of our planet and our children. With products ranging from $5.99-$14.99, they are competitively priced. Oh, and it helps that the products smell great and work just as well! I'm already eyeing the Soothing Cream and Bubble Bath.

BUY IT: You can purchase the Playful Foaming Wash (ARV $8.99), the Better Body Butter (ARV $9.99) or other Episencial products by visiting www.sproutbaby.com.

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: See something you need right away?! Use my blogger referral code "SBBL021" to get 15% off your first purchase!

WIN IT: Episencial is generously giving one lucky reader a full-size bottle of the Playful Foaming Wash and another full-size bottle of the Better Body Butter!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Stalk SproutBaby.com and tell me another product that catches your eye. 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!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Sign up for the SproutBaby newsletter and comment with the email you used. (2 entries!)

3.) Become a fan of SproutBaby on Facebook (1 entry)

4.) Follow me and@sproutbabyclub on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

RT @kris10chumley: Keep your baby's skin so soft with Episencial Body Butter and Foaming Wash from @sproutbabyclub http://bit.ly/dBILGb

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

5.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on March 9, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to US only. Winner 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 was sent samples of Episencial body wash from SproutBaby.com to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are solely mine. Your experience may differ.