I’ve been MIA the last two days…so unlike me right?  To NOT post?  Crazy!  I’ve been in Anaheim, CA at Expo West (aka The Natural Products Expo) courtesy of Seventh Generation.  I still can’t figure out why there are 2 names (3 actually) for the same show.  The show, which is geared towards retailers, offers the latest in natural, healthy, organic products.  But the best part of the show is the opportunity to attend seminars with renowned physicians like Dr. Alan Greene and Dr. William Sears…

I also met celebrity author Anna Getty (again!) at her book signing (which by the way looks so amazing that I bought it and she signed it)…

And spent some time chatting with the founder (Jeffrey Hollender) and CEO (Chuck Maniscalco) of Seventh Generation…

And learned a bit about the science and safety behind the ingredients Seventh Generation uses in their products from Scientist Cara Bondi…

And chatted with Jennifer Taggart at her book signing…

And snuck in a few pictures i probably shouldn’t have taken (they have a strict no photography policy…shh!)…

And felt like I was invited into Seventh Generation’s “home” for the weekend…

I was challenged, educated, and inspired.  It was a great weekend…and I’m exhausted…

This week I’ll be blogging over at the 7Gen Blog….my working title is “Wellness Redefined.”  Stay tuned!  I’ll update you when the post goes live…

Seventh Generation provided a show floor pass, meals, and covered costs related to the event.  No other compensation was received and the experiences are authentically mine.

Having a baby is unlike any other experience.  Nothing else on earth compares to the overwhelming joy and intense love that overcomes you.  However, the physical act of delivering a baby, regardless of the method, is awkward, painful, and messy.  If it weren’t for complete and utter amnesia, I may not have endeavored to repeat the experience.

When my son was born, I knew my incision would be painful.  I knew that my body would shed what had been stored up for over 9 months.  But I was not prepared for the discomfort I would experience in the early days of breastfeeding.  There were nights where I would cry because the pain of latching my son was so severe.  I struggled with engorgement, plugged ducts, and multiple bouts of mastitis.

While I’ve yet to experience plugged ducts or mastitis, I have had my share of discomfort while nursing my daughter.  Earth Mama Angel Baby offers a line of all-natural breastfeeding products to help ease some of the discomfort.  Regardless of how easily a baby latches, I believe that some discomfort is inevitable.  Since I don’t like the sticky nature of lanolin, I usually dont use anything to ease the soreness.  Earth Mama Angel Baby offers a Natural Nipple Butter that feels nothing like lanolin and works just as well (if not better).  The company offers the first organic, all-natural, plant-based balm, designed to soothe sore nipples.  It’s made with organic calendula, cocoa butter, shea butter, and mango butter and feels incredibly rich and smooth (unilke lanolin which is very sticky).  It’s safe for moms and babies so it doesn’t have to be washed off before nursing.

I really like the texture.  It’s not sticky and rubs in very well.   The Natural Nipple Butter does a great job of providing relief for sore, irritated nipples.  It doesn’t have an odor and my daughter never even noticed I had it on (I’m not currently using it any more because I’m no longer experiencing soreness).  Right now I’m using it on her body after baths for massage.

I am so glad I have yet to experience a plugged duct or an episode of mastitis this time around.  I had an oversupply of milk with my son, which I believe was the result of excessive pumping.  This time around I did things differently.  While the first several I experienced a lot of discomfort from engorgement, my body has finally started to regulate itself and I’m no longer waking up engorged.

Earth Mama Angel Baby offers Booby Tubes, natural gel-free breast packs made with a 100% organic cotton shell and filled with all-natural flax seed.  They can be used warm or cold, but I always prefer heat when I’m engorged.  They’re easy to use (either put them in the freezer or the microwave) and effective at relieving engorgement when heated (I have never used them cold).  Heat can help maintain open milk ducts, encourage milk to flow, promote let-down and provide comfort during episodes of engorgement or mastitis.  I like to use them several minutes before I nurse or pump.  When used cold, they can help reduce swelling and tenderness associated with engorgement.

Earth Mama Angel Baby also offers Bosom Buddies, designed to ease the symptoms of engorgement, clogged milk ducts, and sore, cracked nipples.  I haven not tried this yet, but I would definitely consider it if warranted.

Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Postpartum Recovery line includes products designed for women who have had either a natural or casearean delivery.  Their C-Mama Healing Salve is amazing.  My incision became infected this time around and I ended up on antibiotics to clear it up.  I used the salve at the same time and felt like it helped ease the external discomfort at the incision site.  The C-Mama Healing Salve includes Vitamin C, essential fatty acids and amino acids to help with wound repair.  I’m actually still using this since it can be used on wounds, scars, stretch marks, rashes, and burns.  Be sure to check out the company’s entire Postpartum Recovery line for product designed to ease the discomfort from a natural birth.

Earth Mama Angel Baby recently introduced their Happy Mama Body Wash.  Stay tuned for my review coming soon!  Now through March 16th, you’ll receive a bottle free with the purchase of their Mama’s Pregnancy Essentials Kit.

Earth Mama Angel Baby is unique in many ways.  The company “uses the highest-quality, certified-organic or organically grown herbs and oils for [their] teas, bath herbs, gentle handmade soaps, salves, lotions and massage oils.”   Their products are “100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes.”  I appreciate their transparency with regards to the ingredients in their products and their view on pregnancy as a life stage (as opposed to an illness) aligns with my own.  Earth Mama Angel Baby is also green on the inside and the outside.  Their packaging is derived from eco-friendly recyclable or reused/resuseable materials.

For more information, just visit their website.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

I remember when grocery stores first started moving towards reusable bags.  The branded canvas totes offered by these stores were dull, but aimed to save our environment from the harmful effects of plastic.

Today, many companies are getting creative and offering reusable bags that you’d want to use for more than just groceries.  Radley London, a British company offering handbags and accessories, recently introduced a gorgeous line of Recycled Foldaway Totes. They’re more durable than I would imagine, given that they are very light in weight.  The bags are made from 100% recycled materials and fold away nicely into a zip-around patch.  They’re quite roomy, but I need a few of these to carry all my groceries.

As a mom, I appreciate the fact that the bag is durable enough to be used for groceries and fashionable enough to use for other occasions.  The Recycled Foldaway Tote is available in three patterns/colors and retails for 20 British Pounds (approx. $35).  Matching handbags are also available on the site.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

We live in a big city which offers a variety of conventional and natural grocery stores.  But in many parts of the country, shopping for natural, organic foods is a challenge.  My husband’s family is from the South and these specialty markets are few and far between.  It would be impractical to drive over an hour a week just to go grocery shopping (which would be required of my husband’s grandparents).  If they had internet access (or a computer!), they could go online to Abe’s Market, an online marketplace offering some of the best all natural products available.

What’s unique about Abe’s Market is the ability to learn about the products before purchasing.  Find out who makes the product, what’s in the product, and where/how it’s made. If you have a specific question, the site offers a live help option which allows you to chat with sellers so you know exactly what you’re purchasing and bringing into your home.  In essence, it’s like a virtual visit to your local farmer’s market.

While I was perusing the site, I realized that there are many natural companies I’ve never heard of (and I think that I have been exposed to quite a few)…like this Ultimate Cacao Muffin Mix from Purely Elizabeth.  Can you believe it’s free of sugar?  Must. try. it.

Speaking of baking, Abe’s Market offers an amazing assortment of mixes.  The site also offers natural products in the following categories:  Personal Care, Gifts, Baby & Kids, Food & Drink, and Home & Pet.  The company sent me an assortment of Peeled Snacks to get a feel for the company and the products they represent.  I can’t think of a healthier way to snack than to eat fruit.  The company strives to keep their snacks as close to natural as possible without adding or oil (check out their interview on the site). Their snacks include dried fruit and roasted nuts which act as a good source of protein and fiber.  Our favorites?  Apple-2-the-core!

For more information about Abe’s Market Natural Goods and the products they sell, just visit their website.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

As a green mom, I’m always excited to learn about new companies who are striving to ensure their products are safe, natural, and eco-friendly. Because what I put on my skin is as important as what I put in my body, I strive to use natural body products when I can.

Wembé, a company that makes organic soaps from Paraguay, recently launched their line of eco-lux brand soaps made with natural exotic ingredients from the Amazon rainforest.  The soaps are organic and free from parabens and artificial coloring.  Ingredients include essential vegetable oils and moisturizing butters.

One of the first things I noticed about the soaps was their smell.  The soaps smell very natural…they don’t have that artificial smell you find with conventional store-bought soaps.  I also find their shape to be rather interesting.  They’re square and rather large which means mine has lasted longer than I expected it to.  According to the company, the square shape allows for more layers of whole plants and herbs to be packed into it.

Many of the soaps do more than just clean.  I received the Mango Cleansing Blend and the Coconut Exfoliating Blend to try out.  I like the smell and feel of my skin a bit better after using the Coconut version.  Plus I like the added benefit of a mini-exfoliation.  The soaps are gentle enough to be used by men, women, and children with a variety of skin types.

Wembé products include a blend of tropical ingredients derived from Paraguay’s natural plants and herbs and only found in the Amazon rainforest.  Varieties include avocado, seaweed, black clay, mint, snow, and chocolate (yum!).

Soaps retail for $7-$11.  For more information, just visit their site.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

A little over a week ago, I received an adorable gift basket for our daughter, courtesy of Fresh & Easy.  The British chain of grocery stores has made it’s debut in the US, and offers consumers affordable foods and products that are free from artificial flavors, colors, and trans fats.  In some ways, the Europeans have an edge over us because they banned chemicals like parabens long before we did.

Fresh & Easy’s baby line includes wipes, oil, massage balm, hair & body wash, and diaper cream and are free from artificial colors, parabens, mineral oils or harsh SLS detergents.  In my opinion, they work really well despite the fact that they’re made with natural ingredients such as aloe, shea butter, botanic oils, and chamomile.  My favorite product is the baby sleep time massage balm.  Our daughter loves infant massage and I like the way this moisturizes her skin.  The products from the line are unscented or mildly scented which I appreciate.

Unfortunately I don’t have pricing information and their website doesn’t actually list their products. However, I’m certain if you go to the store you’ll find more information about their baby care line.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Fresh & Easy sent me the products as a gift, and I liked them enough to post about them!

On most days, water is the only beverage I consume.  Several years ago, when I was on a weight loss plan, I learned that I could cut a LOT of calories by sticking to water.  I’m usually pretty good about sticking to water, but I do get tired of it.  And when I’m “over” water, I usually turn to something that’s not great for me.  Drinking water also sets a good example for my son, who would drink juice all day if I allowed it.

H2Organics offers flavorful, nutrient-enhanced waters to give you a healthy alternative to juices and sodas. The company makes “USDA certified organic nutrient enhanced water, containing specially selected blends of prenatal vitamins, minerals and nutrients.”  The waters are low in calories, carbohydrates, sugar, and sodium.  They’re also free from preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.  The company recently launched a line of prenatal and postantal nutrient waters and a kid’s line. The waters are made with multi-filtered reverse osmosis purified water.

The line for moms includes a Prenatal and Postnatal option.  Their Prenatal water (available in Mandarin Orange) contains Folate, Choline, B Vitamins, Zinc, Magnesium, and Selenium.  The key ingredient is folic acid, which helps prevent birth defects and aids in healthy and normal fetal development.  The 20 ounce bottle actually offers 2.5 servings but, realistically, it’s an amount most people could consume in one sitting.  The entire bottle packs 50% of the vitamins/minerals listed above.  It’s important to take that into consideration, since most pregnant women are also taking a prenatal vitamin.  I actually like the Prenatal version better than the Postnatal version.  It’s mildly sweet, unlike other electrolyte enhanced waters which tend to be too sweet. Even if you were to drink the entire bottle, you would only consume 100 calories and 25 grams of sugar (less than juices or soda).

The Postnatal water (available in Lime) contains B Vitamins, Biotin, Zinc, Selenium, and Fenugreek.  Fenugreek is used to increase milk supply and is the key nutrient that distinguishes this water from the Prenatal version.  The nutrients in this water also help to promote healthy glucose levels and maintain healthy digestion.  The caloric, sugar, and sodium content is the same.  I’m not crazy about the Lime flavor and I’d love to see the company develop both versions in additional flavors.  While I think that the waters are a great alternative to juice or soda, I would probably only consume one a day to avoid taking in too many vitamins and minerals.

I find it incredibly difficult to get my son to drink water.  My favorite product from H2Organics‘ line is their Kids’ Nutrient Enhanced Waters.  Each 6.75 ounce serving contains 40 calories, 10 mg of sodium, 10 grams of carbohydrates/sugar, 100% Vitamin C, and 5% Calcium.  They’re available in three flavors (Grape Berry, Strawberry Apple, and Orange Tangerine) and my son drank them the first week we got them.  I only wish the kids’ waters included more vitamins/minerals.

You can find H2Organics at Whole Foods, Toys R Us, and Babies R Us.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

It wasn’t until I was in college that I got proactive about my beauty regimen.  A friend suggested I see a makeup artist to get my eyebrows shaped and a makeup lesson.  One of the tips she gave me was that the right brushes are just as important as the makeup I use.  With the correct brush, and a little lesson from a pro, I can create fabulous looks such as smoky eyes or a perfect red lip.

EcoTools offers an entire collection of cosmetic accessories and bath/body products featuring earth-friendly materials such as bamboo, recycled plastic, steel and aluminum, soybean oil, non-toxic inks, and crushed walnuts.  The company recently teamed up with celebrity makeup artist Meredith Baraf to offer products and tips for creating a “professionally pretty face.”  EcoTools just launched four instructional videos (available for viewing on YouTube) to help women create fabulous looks.

As a mom, my time is limited.  Admittedly, most days I either don’t make time have time to put on makeup, or do very little (lip gloss and eye liner).  I need DIY makeup tips that I can do quickly and easily.

EcoTools launched two new products with these videos…their 6 Piece Eye Brush Set and their Bronzer Brush.  The set features a Large Eye Shadow Brush, Angled Crease Brush, Petite Eye Shading Brush, Domed Highlighting Brush, Smudge Brush and compact travel Cosmetic Case with Mirror.  Each are labeled with the name of the brush for people like me who can’t remember. The back of the case includes a list of tips on using each brush (another great resource for people like me!). The Bronzer Brush can be used for achieving an even, natural glow.  I JUST started using bronzer a few months ago after the makeup party I hosted.  I can tell you from experience that with the wrong brush, bronzer looks fake and spotty/uneven.  A proper brush is very important for achieving a natural look.

The first thing I noticed about the brushes was how soft they are (likely due to the fact that the bristles are synthetic taklon).  I’m not a makeup brush expert, but they look and feel professional.  They’re compact enough to carry in a purse for touch-ups during the day, but still handle well.  I mostly use the Large Eye Brush and the Highlighting Brush for my everyday eye makeup application. Here are five tips on creating the perfect smoky eye:

STEP #1: Line with a pencil

The key to this look is continuous blending and smudging.  Start with an eye liner pencil, and apply along the upper lash line – don’t worry about getting a perfect line, because you’ll be blending it out soon!

STEP #2: Smudge

Go back with the EcoTools Smudge Brush, and sumdge the pencil line up and outward -this will help smooth out any hard lines.

STEP #3:  Intesify with shadow

Take a shadow (the same color as your liner) and go back over the pencil to set and intensify the line with the same EcoTools Smudge Brush.  The eye should really be taking on that smoky look at this point!

Step #4: Blend

Using the EcoTools Blending Brush, blend the line upward in order to gradiate the color.  You want the shadow to vary in intensity so that the look is subtle and sexy, not harsh.

Step #5: Highlight

Run the EcoTools Highlighting Brush through a light, shimmery shadow and apply under the brow and also in the inner corner of the eye for a pop of brightness amongst all the dark smokiness.

EcoTools offers an affordable line of eco-frienldy, professional brushes.  For more information on where to find EcoTools, just visit their website.

I did not receive compensation for this post. Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Ashley.  Congrats!

A couple of weeks ago, I told you about Bare Escentuals‘ new campaign, Rethink What Matters. Every week, Bare Escentuals, invites you to be a part of the conversation.  They want to hear what you think about a variety of topics by answering 5 short questions.  This week’s topic is “Rethink the Need to Find Yourself.”

I’m 32 years old and am very content with where I’m at.  I have more education than I could have ever imagined, two incredible children, am married to the man of my dreams, have traveled the world, and bought a house by the age of 30.  As a child, the only thing I really remember dreaming about was becoming a mom.  I’ve not done anything else in my life that compares to motherhood.

Have you found your true passion? Are you what you wanted to be when you grew up?  These are just two f the queBare Escentuals is asking women across the country.  So head on over…join the conversation…and enter to win something fun from Bare Escentuals.  Each week they’ll be 500 winners.  And this week’s giveaway is bareMinerals SPF15 Foundation. Here is a bit more info from the site:

Our Original SPF 15 Foundation gives you an incredibly flawless, even application and picture-perfect skin. Its silky, soft texture looks like a powder, but it feels like a cream and buffs on beautifully without settling into fine lines or drying out the skin. Made with only the purest, highest quality ingredients — and none of the chemicals and preservatives that can irritate skin.

Win It! One of you will win a SPF15 Foundation in the color/shade of your choice.  Simply visit the site.  Then leave me a comment related to this week’s topic.  Comments will close on February 25, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I received a product, courtesy of the company to facilitate this review.

I’ve purchased and reviewed a TON of green, eco-friendly, all-natural products.  I’m your eco-mama…your crunchy parent…your all-natural woman.  But never have I seen a bag made from candy wrappers.

Nahui Ollin is a company that makes incredible-looking totes, clutches, wristlets, and more…all from defective candy wrappers.  The designer, Olga Abadi, discovered the ancient Mayan technique of binding everyday materials into handbags at a cultural festival in Mexico (according to the site).  She learned that this process prevents the emission of harmful chemicals into the environment, resulting in a unique, fashionable line of accessories.  Up to 4,000 wrappers are used in the construction of a bag (a process that can take up to four days). What’s neat about the line is that no two bags are exactly the same resulting in a one of a kind piece.  The bags are made in Mexico and sales support local artisans.

The style is funky and features a woven pattern.  They’re made well and I could not tell that they were made from candy wrappers.  They have a waterproof finish which makes them feel more like vinyl (even though they aren’t).  I’m amazed at how they’re able to create bags with patterns and colors that seem to look perfect.

Nahui Ollin currently offers over 60 combinations, colors, and finishes.  Pieces from the collection retail for $20 up to $190 and can be purchased directly from their website.  My only small complaint is that I find their website difficult to navigate.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.