Ecocentric Mom: March “Baby” Discovery Box Review

In case you missed my last post, Ecocentric Mom is a fun and smart way to discover non-toxic, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free products from ethical, sustainable and honest companies.

Ecocentric Mom Logo 1

Each monthly box is packed with an assortment of hand-selected goodies and is delivered right to your door in chic, eco-friendly packaging. Members can choose between three Discovery Boxes for Mom, Mom-to-Be, or Baby, and also includes exclusive product discounts and monthly giveaways!

Here are just a few standouts from the March “Baby” Discovery Box:

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Ecocentric Mom March “Baby” Discovery Box

Living Green Baby Natural Bamboo Lux Wipes. These are hands down the softest, plushest wipes I have felt. I’ve used really nice hemp and cotton wipes before but they were not nearly as luxurious as these. One layer is made of buttery soft bamboo velour and the other is a sturdy layer of bamboo fleece. If only they made baby blankets out of the same material… or baby bath robes. *hint hint*

IMG_2668Bamboo is very absorbent making these a great choice for overnight diapering and heavy wetters. Even if you don’t cloth diaper or choose to use disposable wipes, the uses for reusable wipes are endless – to softly remove make-up, to gently clean your baby or toddlers face after a messy meal, to wipe runny noses, to use as a warm compress, washcloth, burp cloth… the list goes on!

Episencial Sunny Sunscreen SPF 35. I’m already a fan of the entire Episencial line (I use the Snuggly lotion on myself) so I was jazzed to receive this sunscreen in the baby box. Before I get to why I like this particular product, this company has some impressive accolades worth noting.

Screen Shot 2013-03-28 at 10.42.54 PMThis is a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. I like it because it’s lightweight, easy to apply, non-greasy yet moisturizing, gentle on sensitive skin, and doesn’t leave an icky white residue behind. It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Unlike harmful ingredients in chemical sunscreens that get absorbed into the skin, the active ingredients in this sunscreen, zinc and titanium, sit on the surface of the skin reflecting the suns rays. It also contains aloe and green tea extract to help keep skin cool and protected from infrared damage.

Waxelene The Petroleum Jelly Alternative. Hands down, this is one of the best products I’ve discovered in a while (thank you Ecocentric Mom!) If you haven’t already heard of Waxelene, get excited! You can use it for all the same things you would use petroleum jelly for (soothing and moisturizing dry or chapped skin, removing eye make-up, skin rashes on baby’s bum… the uses are endless) except it has NO petroleum, hydrogenated oils or other nasty chemicals. They use a patent-pending aeration process to create a silky smooth, non-greasy blend of 100% natural beeswax and certified organic and non-GMO soybean, rosemary and vitamin E oils that won’t clog pores. Plus, it comes in eco-friendly packaging and is made in a wind-powered facility. Love.

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Squishy Snack Pak. Well, someone beat me to it. A couple of years ago, I thought of inventing something just like this and here it is! These reusable food containers have resealable bottoms so you can fill it with homemade baby and toddler foods and purees. The packaging is BPA-free, features a choke-free lid and is super convenient and great for on-the-go. I also like it for that transition period when little ones can’t use utensils just yet but want to eat “by myself.” I have a feeling we will see these everywhere very soon. The Mompreneur behind this should go on Shark Tank… I can see these everywhere.

squishy snack pak

Well there you have it. I had a blast going through the Baby Discovery Box! This month’s box contains lots of high-quality goodies and coupons and costs just $17. Stay tuned for more great finds from next month’s Ecocentric Mom Discovery Box or sign up to receive your own!

Ecocentric Mom: March “Mom” Discovery Box Review

I was so excited to receive my first Ecocentric Mom box this month! In case you missed my last post, Ecocentric Mom is a fun and smart way to discover non-toxic, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free products from ethical, sustainable and honest companies.

Ecocentric Mom Logo 1

Each monthly box is packed with an assortment of hand-selected goodies and is delivered right to your door in chic, eco-friendly packaging. Members can choose between three Discovery Boxes for Mom, Mom-to-Be, or Baby, and also includes exclusive product discounts and monthly giveaways!

Ecocentric Mom March Mom Discovery Box

March “Mom” Discovery Box

Here are some of my fave standouts from the March Mom Discovery Box:

Treefort Naturals Hemp Lemongrass Soap. If you’ve been reading my site for a while then you know I’m very selective about which products I use and the ingredients in them. This Mama-owned company’s handmade soap ticks all of the boxes:

  • Natural, local and organic ingredients used whenever possible ☑
  • Vegan. Family/friend tested & approved! ☑
  • Handmade in small batches using old-fashioned cold pressed method ☑
  • No yucky synthetic colors, dyes, perfumes or preservatives ☑

I had been using the same unscented olive oil soap for a while and was excited to switch it up. I am prone to dry/sensitive skin and noticed how moisturized and calm my skin was after using it one time. Hempseed oil is rich in Omega essential fatty acids which is easily absorbed by the skin, and gamma linoleic acids, an essential skin lipid which promotes regeneration at the cellular level – a process that slows down with age.

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The soap is lightly scented with lemongrass, one of my favorite essential oils. I avoid anything too perfume-y but this has a nice and light uplifting scent that’s not overbearing. Lemongrass has been shown to relieve stress and insomnia, reduce headaches and irritability, and is calming but prevents drowsiness. It also has deodorizing and antiseptic properties that can help remedy skin ailments like eczema and psoriasis. I checked out their Etsy shop and they have lots of neat body care products for the whole family that also make nice gifts!

Go Raw 100% Organic Spirulina Energy Bar. I wasn’t sure what to make of this funky little green bar but tossed it in my handbag… and it came in handy. My toddler fell asleep in the car and instead of waking him, I pulled over to respond to some emails. Hungry and in need of an energy boost, I dove into the bar and washed it down with a bottle of water. I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty and satisfying it was. It’s kind of tropical- you can taste a hint of banana which plays off the nutty taste of the seeds.

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I managed a raw or “living” foods restaurants some years back and learned about the many benefits of spirulina. It’s rich in iron and has the highest source of vitamin B-12, which is essential for vegetarians. The sprouted seeds in this bar are also among the most nutritionally dense foods out there. I give bonus points for being gluten-free, vegan, raw, kosher and non-GMO. I’m going to pick up a big box so I can keep some bars in my handbag. They’re also perfect to keep in my doula bag when I need a quick and satisfying pick me up!

Mama Willow Tree Green Tea Herbal Eye Balm. I dig Mama Willow Tree’s philosophy. They strive to make all of their herbal products $12 or less and donate 5% of all sales to a non-profit supporting women and children. This mama-owned company also ticks all the boxes for me – all products are non-toxic, vegan, not tested on people, not animals, ingredients are organic, fair-trade sourced and responsibly obtained, scents are essential oil derived and packaging is recyclable, reusable or compostable.

Now, onto the product review. My eyes were in need of some serious TLC. I haven’t been getting as much sleep as I would like and I’m already prone to dark under eye circles. Plus, I’m staring to get some fine lines. Not wearing my glasses and staring at a computer squinting doesn’t help! After using this herbal eye balm twice a day for almost a week, I can see and feel why it’s their best-selling product.

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First and foremost, it was was quite calming and soothing. The area under my eyes is really sensitive and even the most natural products seem to irritate it so this was a big plus. The area under my eyes also looks a bit brighter and definitely feels smoother and firmer. I checked out the ingredients and the balm is made with sunflower oil which has high amounts of oleic acids and vitamins A, D, and E which are very nourishing for the skin. Elderflower, calendula, chamomile and lavender are soothing and help to reduce wrinkles and lines. It’s also infused with green tea extract which helps soothe tired puffy eyes and helps brighten dark under eye circles. Other interesting ingredients that sets this product apart from the others are carrot root, which aids in skin regeneration, fennel which helps to firm the fragile skin around eyes, and eyebright which has apparently been used for centuries to relieve eyestrain and inflammation. It also helps to brighten the eyes, hence the name.

I also like that it’s a balm opposed to a cream and is easy to apply. I can toss it in my handbag and apply it whenever I’m feeling dry. It also makes concealer go on smoothly. By the way, I caught my husband using it!

Essence of Vali “Sleep” A Bedtime Ritual. I have been waking up in the middle of the night lately with lots on my mind, like my never ending to-do list, and have had some trouble going back to sleep. Instead of cruising Instagram, I dabbed a drop of this essential oil blend onto the corner of the pillowcase. No joke, I drifted back off to a restful sleep in no time… until my toddler woke me. I used it again the following night before going to sleep and it helped to promote a sense of peace and relaxation. I imagine this would be great to carry on long flights too. It’s easy to understand why it this award-winning gem has a cult following.

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Waxelene The Petroleum Jelly Alternative. Brilliant product. If you haven’t already heard of Waxelene, get excited! You can use this for all the same things you would use petroleum jelly for (soothing and moisturizing dry or chapped skin, removing eye make-up, skin rashes, etc… the uses are endless) except it has NO petroleum, hydrogenated oils or other nasty chemicals. They use a patent-pending aeration process to create a silky smooth blend of 100% natural beeswax and certified organic and non-GMO soybean, rosemary and vitamin E oils that won’t clog pores. Plus, it comes in eco-friendly packaging and is made in a wind-powered facility. I’ve already used it to moisturize dry cuticles, remove eye make-up, tame my crazy eyebrows, and put some on my feet with cotton socks overnight for soft feeties in the morning!

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I had a lots of fun going through the Mom Discovery Box and trying out these awesome natural products! This month’s box contains more than $100 worth of high-quality goodies and coupons and only costs $17. If you want to try out Ecocentric Mom you can click here to sign up and membership can be cancelled anytime without a hassle. Can’t wait for more great finds next month!

Ecocentric Mom: Healthy Products for Mom & Baby + Special Offer!

I am excited to announce that Natureal Mom is an official Ecocentric Mom blogger team member!

Ecocentric Mom is a fun and smart way to discover non-toxic, eco-friendly, and cruelty-free products from ethical, sustainable and honest companies. Each monthly box is packed with an assortment of hand-selected goodies and is delivered right to your door in chic, eco-friendly packaging. Members can choose between three Discovery Boxes for Mom, Mom-to-Be, or Baby and also receive exclusive product discounts and monthly giveaways!

EcoCentric-Mom-Discovery-boxes

As you know, I am passionate about non-toxic and eco-friendly living. It can be overwhelming, expensive, and downright exhausting decoding labels and navigating through the greenwash to find high quality products that are truly natural, healthy and effective. Ecocentric Mom takes the time, money and guesswork out of researching products, brands and ingredients so you can discover and try different products that are safe for you and your family.

To celebrate my new venture with Ecocentric Mom, I am offering Natureal Mom readers a 10% discount on any subscription plan you choose. Just be sure to sign up here and enter code ECOMOM10 at checkout ♥

The Non Toxic Shop™ Synergy Skin Care Review + Giveaway!

Many companies with “natural” products on the market today focus on telling you what toxic ingredients they don’t contain, instead of revealing the toxic ingredients they do contain.  This is known as greenwashing.  For example, some companies will label their products paraben-free but use an alternative preservative such as phenoxyethanol which is almost as toxic as using parabens!

The best way to ensure you are purchasing truly non-toxic cosmetics and skin care products is by visiting the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database and reading ingredients.  While visiting the database I discovered The Non Toxic Shop which sells Australian made natural skin care products for the entire family.

The Non Toxic Shop keeps it natureal by:

  • Only using naturally derived or certified organic ingredients (that are truly non-toxic).
  • Not testing on animals and is vegan-friendly.
  • Using eco-friendly recyclable packaging. 

Their mission is to help reduce their impact on the environment and provide sustainable, non-toxic products at an affordable price.

I wanted to try a new skin care regimen and have been using the Synergy Skin Care line exclusively for the past 6 weeks.  My skin is thanking me for it.  These products feel really good and my skin is looking really good.  The Synergy line is infused with an all-star list of ingredients which work together to combat a myriad of skin concerns such as blemishes, free radicals, uneven skin tone, fine lines, loss of elasticity, pigmentation and sun damage.

 

Synergy Skin Care Prize Pack

 

I start my routine off with the Synergy Face Wash twice a day.  It works well on its own but I prefer putting a small amount on my Clarisonic electric face brush which makes a nice lather.  It removes make-up and dirt without drying my skin.

About 2-3 times a week I use a pump of the Synergy Micro-Refining Scrub in the evenings which is gentle enough for my sensitive skin, yet effective at exfoliating and helping to unclog my pores.  After rinsing it off  with tepid water, my skin feels silky smooth and has a nice glow!

Next I spritz my face with the  Synergy Toner which preps my skin for the next step.  Sometimes I spritz my face with the toner throughout the day to refresh my skin.

I follow up with the Synergy Moisturizer which is perfectly hydrating without leaving any greasiness behind.

In the evenings, I apply a pump of the Synergy Serum to my face, neck and eye area before moisturizing.  It’s jam-packed with ingredients such as Olive Oil, Coenzyme Q10, Resveratrol, Vitamin B3, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Colloidal Oatmeal, Arnica Extract, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Green Tea Leaf Powder, Ginseng Root Extract and Radish Root Extract.

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The Non Toxic Shop is generously offering Natureal Mom readers 25% off ALL products until September 21, 2012.  Simply enter code “naturealmom” in the checkout : )

Also, one lucky Natureal Mom reader can win a Synergy Prize Pack containing the above pictured products valued at $130 USD!

 To enter, simply follow the instructions below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Soft Star Shoes & Special Offer!

We let our babe go barefoot whenever possible. When he does wear shoes, we put him in minimalist shoes like Soft Star which are specifically designed for natural foot movement and healthy foot development. The wider design allows plenty of room for toes to wiggle around and spread out and the low profile, slip resistant soles helps to minimize trips when little ones are getting the hang of walking and running.

We’re onto our third pair of super soft Vegan Hotcakes which have been great for indoors and warmth and his Laguna sandals have gotten some good use in the warmer weather. I wanted a good pair of closed toe shoes that will carry into into Autumn and Winter so I was really excited when Soft Star sent us a pair of classic Dorados to check out!

Image © Natureal Mom 2012

Even though I’m already a fan of Soft Star shoes, I always share my honest opinions, experiences and findings in my reviews and never accept money to review products or services. For more information, check out my review policy.

Aside from being adorable, he’s able to walk in the Dorados easily and comfortably. The velcro strap at the ankle makes them easy to get on and off and the closed toe protects his little piggies from sticks, sand and pebbles.  We also received a pair of removable sheepskin innersoles that are supposed to keep feet warm in cooler weather and wick moisture away in hotter weather. It sounds counter intuitive but it’s been in the triple digits here and they do seem to keep his feet dry. I also love the nutmeg color with forest green strap and yellow star!

Image © Soft Star Shoes

Of course I have to give Soft Star kudos for keeping it natureal:

  • No toxic chemicals, dyes, or pollutants in these kicks! Only natural materials are used including formaldehyde-free leathers.
  • Hands down, one of the most environmentally and socially responsible companies out there.
  • Each pair is handmade making them one of a few shoe manufacturers whose materials and production remain entirely in the US.

Also worth mentioning:

  • You can Design Your Own shoes choosing from different colors, materials (including 100% vegan options) and motifs.
  • A selection of soft and durable Waldorf and Montessori classroom shoes are available.
  • Returns or exchanges are accepted on shoes that are in like-new, saleable condition, even on DYO!

★★★

The Elves at Soft Star are kindly offering Natureal Mom readers 10% off a pair of Dorados (Lilac, Nutmeg or Ultra Blue) now through Sunday, 8/12/2012 at 11:59 PM PST. Be sure to enter code: natureal10 when checking out!

 

Giveaway: Daughters of the Revolution Butterfly Dress

Image © Ramona Rosales

I was walking around the farmer’s market when I saw a young woman wearing a beautiful, flowy, feminine dress and just had to stop and ask her where she bought it. It turns out her friend Emily Cadenhead, a local designer and mother, created the dress for her clothing line Daughters of the Revolution. You can imagine how excited I was to learn that Daughters of the Revolution is committed to sustainable design. The family run team works on a micro-level to carefully select ethically and environmentally responsible techniques for their garments which are a combination of organic fabrics, natural fibers and silks that are dipped in chemical-free vegetable dyes. Most of their sequins and beadwork are also made of recycled materials.

Emily created this clothing line to evoke the sensibility of freedom, nature, love, and femininity that have marked her life. Her parents are hippies who live an environmentally friendly lifestyle, which liberally encourages creativity. Growing up in Malibu and Palm Springs with nature outside her window, Emily spent most of her upbringing painting and drawing. In 2007, she started Daughters of the Revolution with a small collection of hand painted dresses. Today, Emily’s print designs echo nature and fairytales with recurring motifs of flowers, seashells, feathers, animal and ethnic prints.

The focus of her designs are comfort above all else, therefore developing a loyal following of women from around the world. Her dresses have been seen on celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Eva Mendes, Elle Macpherson, Rachel McAdams, an expecting Alyson Hannigan, and second time new mamas, Kate Hudson and Kimberly Van der Beek. My favorite design is the Butterfly Dress – it’s very versatile and can be worn in the city or country, day or night and will flatter any shape. It’s also very nursing friendly.


ENTER TO WIN

Daughters of the Revolution has generously provided the pictured Butterfly Dress in a Blue/Black tribal “Ikat” print to one lucky Natureal Mom reader! The dress is made of 100% natural cotton and is valued at $245 USD.

To enter to win, please leave a comment on this post. This is REQUIRED in order to be eligible for a chance to win the giveaway.

For an optional additional entry (limit 2 entries per person) “Like” the Daughters of the Revolution Facebook page.

Please be sure to let them know that Natureal Mom sent you! Then return to comment here stating that you liked the DOTR Facebook page for your second entry. If you already like the page, just leave an additional comment (must be a second comment to be counted) stating that you already like the page.

This giveaway will remain open through midnight (PST) June 17th, 2012 and the winner will be announced on June 18th, 2012. Please submit a valid email address when entering. One winner will be selected at random and will have 72 hours to respond to claim the prize.

We hope you enjoy this giveaway! Please follow @NaturealMom on Twitter:


and “Like” the Natureal Mom Facebook Page to stay posted for more reviews, giveaways and all things natureal!

By entering this giveaway, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who participated!

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Congratulations to winner Alisa!

~Stay tuned for more natureal reviews & giveaways coming up next month ~

By Nieves “C” Perfect Skin Review & Giveaway!

Always on the lookout for high quality, natural beauty products, I was immediately drawn to By Nieves handmade body care products and was intrigued by her story.

Born by candlelight on the Canary Island of La Palma to vagabond parents, Nieves doesn’t remember hitch hiking across Europe as a baby – but her nomadic youth is unforgettable. For the better part of her childhood, Nieves traveled the West Coast of California with pack donkeys alongside her father, a folk musician and renegade intellectual. Because of her upbringing in the counterculture, she became acquainted with alternative therapies at a young age. Her earliest career goal was to become an herbal healer, and in her teens she became interested in aromatherapy. Working in the natural products industry for 19 years and having knowledge of cosmetic ingredients and the unhealthy effects of the chemicals used in them, she began creating her own natural skin care in 2001 and founded By Nieves in 2008.

“C” Perfect Skin is a potent, yet gentle serum made with stable and mostly organic essential oils packed with naturally occurring antioxidants and nutrients. After using this serum nightly for six weeks I can see a big difference in my skin, and as a busy mama it’s the ultimate trifecta:

  1. Organic Evening Primrose, Sesame and Jojoba oils along with plant-derived Squalane moisturize, balance and soothe my dry, sensitive skin without leaving behind any greasiness – just a healthy radiant glow that my mister even noticed!
  2. During my pregnancy, hormones wreaked havoc on my complexion leaving my skin discolored and scarred from blemishes. Ingredients like Organic Benzoin Resin (derived from tree bark), Vitamin C and rose oils help my skin appear noticeably brighter, smoother and more even.
  3. It has become a cherished part of my nighttime ritual. A magical blend of Frankincense, Palmarosa, Lavender and Cedar oils not only have wonderful healing properties but also relax and calm my senses. The earth-friendly amber colored glass bottle protects the potency of the nutrients and also adds a nice vintage apothecary touch.

At $35 for a 2 oz bottle, it’s quite reasonable  in comparison to over-priced, over-hyped serums that are ridden with yucky chemicals. There is also no water, emulsifiers or preservatives so a little bit goes a long way!

For a complete list of ingredients and their properties, check out the By Nieves Ingredient Glossary


ENTER TO WIN

Nieves and Natureal Mom are partnering up to give away one full size bottle of “C” Perfect Skin!

To enter to win, please leave a comment on this post. This first entry is REQUIRED in order to be entered for a chance to win the giveaway.

For an optional additional entry (limit 2 entries per person) follow By Nieves on Twitter:


and “Like” By Nieves Handmade Natural Body Care Facebook page:

Please be sure to let her know that Natureal Mom sent you! Then return to comment here stating you followed By Nieves on Twitter and “Liked” her Facebook Page for your second entry. If you already follow By Nieves on Twitter and/or “Like” her Facebook page, just leave a second comment (must be a second comment to be counted) stating that you already follow and/or “Like” her.

That’s it – two simple tasks and you’re entered for a chance to win a full size bottle of By Nieves “C” Perfect Skin.

Many thanks to Nieves for putting so much love and care into her wonderful handmade products and for this generous giveaway!

This giveaway will remain open through midnight (PST) May 28th, 2012 and the winner will be announced on May 29th, 2012.  Please submit a valid email address and/or Twitter handle when entering. One winner will be selected at random and will have 72 hours days to respond to claim his or her prize.

We hope you enjoy this giveaway! Please follow @NaturealMom on Twitter:



and “Like” the Natureal Mom Facebook Page to stay posted on more reviews, giveaways and all things natureal!

 

By entering this giveaway, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who participated!

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Congratulations to Melanie!

 

 ”I love your site and your family is just beautiful. I only use green products around my preschool and house and I recently started making my own. It’s going very well and my Amazon cart is not full of essential oils I can’t wait to try! Thank you for everything you are doing and all the wonderful information on your blog :)

 

Thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway!
~ Please stay tuned for more natureal reviews and giveaways ~