Mother-ease Review and Giveaway

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Winner- #57

My son Grayson is 7 months old now and I have been using cloth diapers for the last six months. I think that they're great for the environment and they are a great money saver. The down fall has been that at night my son seems to wet a lot and I have had to go back to disposal diapers which I really would rather not. It really defeats the purpose of having cloth diapers. So when my friend introduced me to the Mother-ease website I was excited to try their product.

Mother-ease diapers were created by a mother in 1983 who wanted a better cloth diaper. Better than the traditional flat, rectangular cloth diapers, which need to be folded and pinned, along with the plastic pant which went over top to keep his clothes dry. That's when she created breathable All In One cloth diaper. With an exclusive side ventilation system, it combines an outer waterproof cover with an inner absorbent cotton material. Plastic snaps make cloth diapering easy and it fits a baby’s bottom snugly.

Mother-ease soon discovered a need for a cloth diaper for heavy wetters. They designed their Sandy’s™ cloth diaper and appropriately named it Sandy after their son. With a snug fit it is shaped to fit a baby’s contours, but is of a heavier construction and snaps shut at the sides. The diaper comes in two sizes. In order to make it waterproof, this cloth diaper requires a separate cover.

Sandy's Systems

I tried the Sandy’s™ cloth diapers which comes in two main sizes: Small (8-20 lbs.) and Large (20-35 lbs.) They also offer Newborn and Toddle-ease cloth diapers which offer a custom fit for newborns and toddlers. These cloth diapers are made from our same soft stretchy terry cloth using the same quality of workmanship, but they have an extra layer of absorbent terry sewn to the inside of the diaper. The fit of the cloth diaper is slightly roomier. Elastic at the waist front and back as well as the leg openings, together with the snap closures at the sides create a clean pant-like look. A surged edge finishes the diaper. Our large Sandy’s™ cloth diaper is one of the most absorbent cloth diapers ever, and holds 15 oz. When used together with our Sandy’s™ Cloth Diaper Liners it makes an extravagant nighttime cloth diaper.

I also added the leak-free cloth diaper cover that refuses to compromise breathability. The Air Flow™ Snap Cover, with adjustable snaps at the waist and leg opening has an air ventilation system between the snaps. This allows for maximum air circulation as the baby moves, reducing the risk of bacteria by keeping the temperature in side the diaper down.

The first time I put the diaper on I thought it was a little bulky even for a cloth diaper but it worked. I have been using the diaper at night since. Grayson is now sleeping better and I am too. It's a great diaper for heavy wetters at night. I will be buying a few more so that I don't have to wash it everyday.

Check out Mother-ease to see what other diapers they have to offer.

Want to win the Unbleached Cotton Large Sandy's Diaper, a Large Unbleached Cotton Liner and a Med-Large (20-27 lbs) Air Flow Snap Cover?

To Enter: Leave me a comment telling me what your favorite Leak free cover is! You can also get extra entries for following GGG through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on August, 29, 2011. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only.

~Tracy~

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

22 Days Nutrition Power Pack Bar Review and Giveaway

22daysnutrition.com

*Giveaway Closed* 

Winner is entry #50 

Congratulations BeautyToLove

I am a long time wanna-be vegetarian, but the drastic change from a life long meat eating diet to a meatless diet isn't as easy as flipping a switch from on to off. When  other's in your household don't believe in meatless meals it is even more difficult to change. I like the 22 days to change approach to change from 22 Days Nutrition. I recently reviewed some of their blissful treats.

The review: I received 2 power packs, 4 vegan bars in each box. None of the bars contain high fructose corn syrup, gluten, soy, trans fats or cholesterol. They are also all low in sodium. Out of six flavors I was mailed 4 flavors to try: Nut Butter Buddha Crunch, Enlightened Pumpkinseed, Cherry Chocolate Bliss and Daily Mocha Mantra (all vegan bars). Cherry Chocolate Bliss was my absolute favorite. The name suits the bar very well. well. My taste-buds were blown away by the perfectly textured and perfectly flavored nutrition bar.

On the other-hand I felt the  complete opposite about the Daily Mocha Mantra bar. I couldn't finish the bar. This is by far the worst bar I have ever tasted, but keep in mind I am biased. Why? I am not partial to coffee. In fact, I hate (strong word I know) coffee. I can't stand the smell or taste of it and this nutrition bar has plenty of coffee taste and smell to it. I'm sure anyone else who loves coffee would love this bar

The Nut Butter Buddha Crunch is a tasty bar too, but because of the 3 digits temperature in my hometown the chocolate melted in my mail box. I learned sticking the bar in the freezer solves that problem. The chocolate... so subtly sweet. The crunch... perfect.

I wasn't too fond of the Enlightened Pumpkinseed bar. It wasn't terrible like the Mocha bar, but it isn't a bar I would buy. However, my two year loved it.

At almost $3 a bar I found that the small bars to be a bit expensive for my pocketbook. Still, small as the bars are, they are packed with a lot of raw organic nutrition inside them. These bars are great for breakfast on the go, healthy, filling and easy to eat. On sale, I'd order a couple of boxes of Cherry Chocolate Bliss, for a bar a day, and take part in the 22 day challenge. Could a bar as delicious as this change my meat eating ways? Possibly.

The Giveaway: Open to U.S. only. One lucky winner will get 1 power pack to sample. *Deadline: June 30th, 2011.

Mandatory Entry: Visit 22 Days. Then leave a comment below to tell me what flavor you think you would like best.

Additional Entries: (leave one comment for each additional entry you complete)
-If you follow GGG on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar)
-Put the GGG button your blog (please leave link)
-If you follow GGG on Twitter
-If you follow GGG on Facebook
-Follow 22 Days on Twitter   http://www.twitter.com/22DaysNutrition
-Follow 22 Days on Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/22days

Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email before a new winner is selected.

Disclaimer: 22 Days provided me with a free sample of this product to review. I was under no obligation to review it if I chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

SPF15 Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Review and Giveaway

www.skinmdnatural.com

*Giveaway Closed* 

Winner is entry #3 

Congratulations Amanda

I love reviewing lotions, especially eco-friendly made lotions made for sensitive skin. As a green blogger with sensitive skin I know what I like or don't like in a lotion. So, when the opportunity to try Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion, SPF 15 came my way I took it.

My review: I reviewed, a 4 oz bottle of SPF15 Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion. 4 ounces of lotion doesn't sound like a lot of lotion to sample, but a little bit of this lotion goes a long way. I also found the size and shape of the bottle to be the perfect size to store and find in my purse.

Greasy? When I sit down to type up a review I often have the product I'm reviewing near me to taste, touch, see, listen or feel again. It helps reminds me (my notes do too) why or why I didn't like a product. One thing I often notice about lotions is their greasiness. If they are greasy the greasiness often smears onto the keyboard buttons and my fingers slip a little or they feel so greasy I have to rub the lotion off onto a napkin to make it comfortable to type again. I didn't have this problem with Skin MD.

Skin MD has a thin (not too thin) layer of moisturizing lotion that absorbs into my skin right away leaving behind a lustrous look and smooth feel on my skin. I had no skin irritation from it and the soft scent is very pleasing. I also had no need for reapplications during the day.

How affective is the SPF 15 in preventing sunburns? To be honest, with temperatures soaring in the 3 digits here... I stay indoors as much as possible. So, I have no idea if the sun protection works or not.

However, I am impressed that the facility where the lotion is made is 100% solar powered. "Our lotions are made to be free of parabens, petrochemicals, dyes, and other irritating ingredients. They are also vegan, cruelty free, and ego-friendly. We don't participate in animal testing or use any animal products in our lotions and Skin MD Natural is formulated in the United States in a facility that uses 100% solar power" (http://www.skinmdnatural.com/).

I could do without the small print at the back of the bottle. It was difficult for me to read "other ingredients". It is important to me to be able to read the ingredients so I know what I'm actually putting on my skin. What I do like is Skin MD's break down of ingredients on their website here. Still, I'd like Skin MD to make the font larger or clearer to print on the bottle.

What kind of score does Skin Deep give this lotion? According to the EWG's Skin Deeps Cosmetic Database this lotion scored a 5 (a moderate score) in the ratings in November 1999. This was the most updated rating I could find and may or may no longer be accurate.

The Giveaway: Open to U.S. and Canada. One lucky winner will get 4 oz. full-sized bottle of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion. *Deadline: June 30th, 2011.

Mandatory Entry: Visit Skin MD. Then leave a comment below, tell me what you learned about natural skin care.

Additional Entries: (leave one comment for each additional entry you complete)
-If you follow GGG on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar)
-Put the GGG button your blog (please leave link)
-If you follow GGG on Twitter
-If you follow GGG on Facebook
-Sign up for Skin MD Natural Skin Care news letter http://www.skinmdnatural.com/newsletters/newsletter.php
-Follow Skin MD on Twitter   http://twitter.com/skinmdnatural
-Follow Skin MD on Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/skinmdnatural
-Sign up for Skin MD Natural Skin Care news letter http://www.skinmdnatural.com/newsletters/newsletter.php

Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email before a new winner is selected.

Disclaimer: Skin MD provided me with a free sample of this product to review. I was under no obligation to review it if I chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Mama Palooza- CozyPads Review and Giveaway

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Congratulations! Winner  #17 Ms. M

Like disposable diapers, disposable pads are convenient to use, but they add to our landfills and can deplete our bank accounts. Reusable pads are a great way to save money and to reduce waste. This is a review of reusable pads from Tamarack Creations.

What I received: CozyPad Cloth Maxi in Turquoise and Lime Flowers and CozyPad Mini Green and Blue Dots. The pads I received have a plastic snap button on the wings of of the pad to allow for easy and quietly wrapping around the panties. Quietly is important to me because I feel it allows users to be discreet with usage. Disposable pads often have that noisy plastic/paper strip glued to the bottom of the pads and on the wings. When taken off it is loud and crinkly. Everyone near the bathroom door can hear who is on their period.

These reusable pads are also soft, thin and even lighter than I expected them to be and so they are comfortable to use. Reusable pads, depending on the type of pad (how they're made and who makes them) can be slightly heavier and thicker to wear than disposable pads. This can become uncomfortable.

I didn't feel either of these pads I tried are absorbent enough for heavy days. They would have to be changed out too often, in my opinion, but they are great for medium to lighter days. I haven't tried the JazzyPads available on the website, but I believe the JazzyPad line would be more suitable for heavy days.

Price comparison: Reusable pads tend to be more expensive than disposable pads initially, but over the long hall they are more affordable than disposable. Why? Because they can be reused over and over. Use them. Wash them and then use them over and over again. The environmental impact is great too. The entire pad is reusable. There is nothing to throw away, no pad wrapper, no pad, nothing. Even better, Tamarack Creations reusable pads   are more affordable than other reusable pads on the market today, cutting the cost even more.

Fun comparison: The design of both pads are very attractive. Taking a look at the website many of the pads on Tamarack Creations have fun and attractive designs to choose from.  When the time comes, I plan to introduce my daughters to disposable and reusable pads. I hope fun designs like this will help when them over. I'll make sure to let them know about the environmental and financial benefits of the reusable, of course.

Promo-code: INTRO10 for 10% a single order.

Giveaway: One winner can win a a CozyPad Cloth Maxi and a CozyPad Mini. Deadline: April 30, 2011. To ENTER [MANDATORY ENTRY (you must do this FIRST)] visit Tamarack Creations and tell me what design is your favorite.

Additional Entries (optional)
(Please leave a new comment per additional entry):
-If you follow GGG on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar)
-Put the GGG button your blog (please leave link)
-If you follow GGG on Twitter
-If you follow GGG on Facebook
- Follow Tamarack Creations on Facebook

Disclaimer: Tamarack Creations provided me with a free sample of this product to review. My opinions are my own.

Mama Palooza-Tropical Traditions Hair Oil Giveaway

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Congratulations! Winner  #5 June

I have the unfortunate problem of bad hair. Though I don’t color my hair, perm it and on rare occasion use hair styling products to fix my hair, my hair still looks damaged. As of late my thinning hair has become rather frizzy and so I’ve sought out organic hair products, like Tropical Traditions, to help me bring back my healthy hair and tame the frizz.

Tropical Traditions sent me an 8 oz bottle of Organic Hair Oils  (Lavender) to sample and review about mid February. It is now April. So, I’ve had plenty of time to really see how well the oil works with my hair.  

The review: Tropical Traditions Lavender Organic Hair Oils smells great. It has a soft lavender smell that is so welcoming. I love the way it makes my hair and my hands smell. Not long ago my sister was visiting me and she noticed the hair oil on the shelf above my desk. She immediately took to its smell and told me what a great scent it had. I welcomed her to try some. She did and she liked the way it felt in her hair.

A little goes a long way. A few drops of this organic hair oil rubbed into the palms of my hands and then through my hair (roots, tips of hair, etc) is just enough to cover my thin shoulder length hair and help tame my hair frizz. I didn’t apply the oil every day, but usually only when I noticed my hair was extremely dry and frizzy. Because a little goes a long way if I was not careful and used too much my hair would become greasy and heavy (lifeless), but if applied just right, my hair becomes soft, light and manageable. Finding the right balance took some time to figure out but I think I mastered it. I have also used the oil in my little girls’ hair to tame any of their wild hair. They too loved the smell and I loved how well it worked. There are other deep conditioning methods to try the oil, but I felt I never had the need to use it this way. Still I’m glad they are an option.

The hair oil is made with only 7 ingredients and they are all organic, easy to read and understand. What I don’t love: The product is oil so the bottle can get oily and slippery if any of the oil drips or spills. I don’t think much can be done about it though.

Giveaway: Open to U.S. & Canada. One winner can win a bottle of Tropical Traditions Hair Oil. Deadline: April 30, 2011. To ENTER [MANDATORY ENTRY (you must do this FIRST)] visit Tropical Traditions and tell me which product you would like to try. 

Additional Entries (optional)  

(Please leave a new comment per additional entry):

-If you follow GGG on Google Friend Connect (right sidebar)

-Put the GGG button your blog (please leave link)

-If you follow GGG on Twitter

-If you follow GGG on Facebook

-Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter @troptraditions

- Subscribe to Tropical Traditions email Sales Newsletter here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/subscribe_for_special_sales.cfm

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.