The Science of Chemical-Free Cleaning

July 17, 2010

If you have children, than you know that the sheer abundance of messes created by them is endless.  Sometimes I scratch my head in bewilderment, perplexed at how my son can get berries on my daughter’s swing during breakfast or rub diaper cream all over his legs in the short amount of time it takes me to get his clothes ready for school. Over 90% of the cleaning products in our home are safe, natural, and eco-friendly.  And while they’re effective at what they’re designed to clean, I often feel like I need several different formulations, depending on what I want to clean or where I want to clean it.

Earlier this year, I was invited to the Natural Products Expo in Southern California.  The invite mentioned that Bill Nye the Science Guy would be in attendance, discussing the science behind an innovative new cleaning tool called the ionator HOM.  This hand held appliance uses ionizing technology to convert ordinary tap water into a cleaner and sanitizer.  This could very well be the only cleaning product you’ll ever need (apart from a heavy-duty cleaner for tough dirt and stains).

The ionator HOM is capable of cleaning mirrors, stainless steel, wood, whiteboards, granite, glass, carpet, clothing, tile and more.  What makes the product so distinct (and appealing to this germaphobe of a mom) is it’s ability to kill 99.9% of harmful bacteria including H1N1 influenza A virus, Salmonella, MRSA, and E. coli.  How it does this, I’m not entirely sure.  But you can check out the Activeion website to watch Bill Nye the Science Guy discuss the technology behind ionator HOM.

In essence, electrically charged ionized water attracts dirt like a magnet to help lift if from the surface, allowing it to be wiped away.  In six seconds, nearly any nonporous surface can be clean AND microbe-free.  The Activeion technology is irreversible and completely breaks down the walls of bacterial cells, pathogenic viruses, and other germs…hence it’s disinfecting power.

Using the ionator HOM is so easy, it’s hard to believe that it’s actually working.  You simply fill the device with tap water (not distilled or purified water).  It’s recommended that surfaces be pre-cleaned, particularly if they’re heavily soiled and you want to disinfect.  You simply spray at a distance of 3-4 inches for 6 seconds and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

Use it on any room and any surface.

The ionator HOM doesn’t use chemicals, which means there are no residues, smells, or harmful ingredients.  Its healthy for you, your family, and the environment.  While I do find the price to be  steep at $179.99, it’s justifiable, considering that you’ll not likely have to invest in other cleaning products.  Here is a video I made demonstrating the ionator HOM:

For more information about ionator HOM, just visit their website!

No compensation was received for this post.  A product sample was provided via MomSelect to facilitate this review.

Modern Baby Product Guide: blabla kids

June 29, 2010

blabla means nothing and everything,

it’s a swirl of letters flying,

a small word for a big idea…

Sometimes I come across a site that’s so unique…so extraordinary…that I absolutely have to share it with anyone and everyone.  blabla kids is an eco-friendly children’s store featuring a collection of knitted clothing, dolls, rattles, backpacks, blankets and more…all crafted by Peruvian artists. Their collection is made from quality natural fibers from Peru. Their styles are modern but fanciful, appealing to both boys and girls.

blabla kids offers a variety of dolls, many of which are called Boogaloos.  Some resemble people or animals. Others, like Mr. X are left to a child’s imagination. Their dolls are incredibly soft and washable (fortunately).  And most importantly, my son adores his.

While I could easily purchase anything from the site, I find their children’s clothing to be the most unique.  They’ve just introduced little shepherd vests that I’d like to snuggle up with.  And I’d love to see my daughter in this pink flower hat.

Their prices are on par with what you’d find at a quaint boutique (and may in fact be lower).  I would highly recommend checking out their sale section.  I saw tees for $10.

No compensation was received for this post. A product sample was provided by the company to facilitate this review.

Better Baby Bums *Giveaway*

March 2, 2010

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner, Jo (#16)!

When my son was a baby, I went through almost every brand of diaper on the market.  He had (and still has) very sensitive skin and there weren’t many diapers that didn’t give him a rash. If I thought I could commit to cloth diapering, I would.  But I know that I don’t have the time or patience to deal with laundering that many diapers, particularly since I still have two still wearing them.

My husband and I work very hard to live the “green” life.  We recycle and purchase natural and/or organic products.  Since we do use disposable diapers, we *try* to purchase chlorine-free, sustainable diapers.  Better Baby Bums was started by two moms who’s mission was “to find healthy, natural ways to raise their children.”  The diapers sold by the company are better for the environment and better for your baby’s bum.

We had an opportunity to try two different types of eco-friendly diapers, courtesy of the company.  I thought I had exhausted the eco-friendly disposable diapers on the market, but it turns out that I have not.  Bambo Nature Eco-Friendly diapers are made in Denmark and very popular in the European Union (I told you I’m partial to European-made products). These diapers have the highest standards for environmental and health standards in the US.  While I was testing out eco-friendly diapers with my son, I found that many of them were not as soft as I would have liked.  For a diaper that is 100% biodegradable, Bambo Nature Eco-Friendly diapers are soft.  They’re also very, very absorbent.  I’ve been using them on my 10 week old daughter and it’s actually a bit difficult to determine how wet she is.  Her skin doesn’t seem to be as sensitive as my son’s and she has yet to have a rash.  These diapers do not contain any artifical whitening agents (the company uses oxygen in place of chlorine), perfumes, lotions, or moisturizers.  The raw materials used to make the diapers are free from any harmful chemicals.  A 30-pack of newborn diapers retails for $12.99 which I feel is very reasonable.

We also had our very first experience with compostable diapers. Broody Chick Diapers are 100% natural and the first fully compostable diaper on the market.  My husband and I have discussed the possiblity of composting…but we’re not there yet.  I do like the sustainable nature of these diapers.  We just don’t have a composter!  These diapers are soft…even softer than the Bambo Nature Eco-Friendly diapers.  They’re also free from chlorine, plastic, and fragrance.  Again, they’re highly absorbent (which actually surprises me since they’re eco-friendly).  A pack of 36 newborn diapers retails for $15.99.

Overall, I was highly impressed with both of the brands we tried.  I only wish they were available in locations like Target or Whole Foods.

Better Baby Bums offers Natural Baby Diapers, Natural Wipes, Bottles, Sippy Cups, Safe Toys, and more. 

Win It! One of you will win a $50 gift certificate to Better Baby Bums.  Simply leave me a comment with the name of another product you’d like from the site.  Comments will close on March 17, 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.

Vote for Rockin’ Mama for the Hot Blogger Calendar

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

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!

This product review was made possible by Mommy Go Green Blog Tours.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample provided by Better Baby Bums.


EcoTools *Giveaway*

February 6, 2010

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winners are Sharon and Kathy P. Congrats!

I recently told you about EcoTools‘ new cosmetic brushes, which launched a few days ago along with four videos offering makeup tips from celebrity makeup artist Merdith Baraf.  If you want to learn how to create fabulous looks from the comfort of your home, with your very own brushes, I highly recommend checking out the videos.

And to show you how easy it is to create these looks with brushes from EcoTools, two of you will win brush sets, courtesy of the company.

Win It! Simply check out one (or more of the videos).  Then leave me a comment with your favorite tip from any of the videos.  Comments will close on February 21, 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.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

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.

Post one of the 4 videos on your blog and leave the link in your comment (2 entries)

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 did not receive compensation for this post.

Green Your Beauty Regimen With EcoTools

February 5, 2010

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.

Candy Wrapper Handbags? Absolutely!

January 24, 2010

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.

Chic And Green!

January 21, 2010

As a green mama, passionate about my childrens’ safety and the environment they’re growing up in, I’m always open to hearing about companies who have taken steps to provide consumers with eco-friendly products.  Toting a reusable bag is one small way we can make a difference.  Over the years, I’ve managed to collect a handful of reusable totes.  Some are thin and plain…others more sturdy and fashionable.

Dandelion, a company offering earth-friendly products for babies, offers organic reusable totes that are both stylish and sturdy!  The totes are fashionable and roomy and made entirely of organic cotton.  The first thing I noticed was that the bag is thick and sturdy.  I could see myself using it for both of my childrens’ “stuff.”  The bag contains a ton of pockets to store everything from diapers and clothing on the inside to sippy cups or water bottles on the outside.  One of the “cool” things about the bag is the cotton rope shoulder straps (they definitely give the bag a chic look). The bags come in six different inspirational green phrases and designs (my favorite being Green is the New Pink).  And…the company was featured at the infamous Boom Boom Room, a celebrity gifting suite before the Golden Globes!  Celebrities took home these totes and other products from the company.

Dandelion has committed to using eco-friendly materials, dyeing processes and packaging on all their products.  If you’re looking for a company offering products that are safe for your family and the environment, I highly recommend checking the company out.  For more information or to purchase their products, just visit their website.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received a product, courtesy of the company, in order to facilitate my review.

Eco-Friendly Lunch System Provides Warm Meals For Kids *Giveaway*

January 13, 2010

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to evirt!

This post has been updated with answers to the questions I posed and a giveaway.

I have to admit that I’m not particularly looking forward to packing my son’s lunches when he goes to preschool.  It’s hard enough to think of things to feed him here at home (with his food allergies).  But that is the very reason I will have to pack his lunch.  When my son was in preschool last year, lunch was provided.  However, I had little control over what he was eating.  When we learned of my son’s allergies, I realized how important it is for me to pack his lunch.

The typical lunch includes a sandwich, drink, piece of fruit, and maybe a snack.  But from my own experience, sandwiches get boring and both children and adults tire from them.  As an adult, I can easily bring food that can be reheated in a microwave at work.  But for children, that is not an option.  They can either bring a cold lunch with them or eat what is served at school.

I was recently introduced to a product called Warmables. This eco-friendly lunch system is designed to keep food warm for 4-6 hours.  The system includes a plastic (BPA-free) food container, a cherry pit bag (to keep food warm), and a Warmables Pouch.  You simply heat up your child’s food in the morning (in the plastic container), heat the cherry pit bag that comes with the system (which is what helps keep the food warm), and seal both inside the Warmables Pouch. You must then place the pouch into an insulated lunchbox (not metal or plastic).

I like the idea of the system, but I think you need to practice with it a few times to get it right.  For example, you’ll want to make sure the food is heated thoroughly, something that isn’t always the case when you microwave food.  I tend to microwave food for a certain amount of time, stir it, then heat it again so it’s hot all the way through.  When you heat the cherry pit bag, I recommend heating it in intervals (shaking the bag in between heating cycles) so you don’t burn the pieces.  It took about a minute for them to be hot enough in our microwave, but the directions say it can take anywhere from 45-90 seconds.  Once the food and the cherry pit bag are heated, I recommend putting everything in the Warmables Pouch immediately (and then into the lunchbox) to get the best results.  The company also suggests that the moister the food, the longer it will stay warm.   As an FYI, I like the reusable, eco-friendly neoprene insulated lunch bags from BUILT NY.

As a mom, I think this is a great product to have on hand to give your children warm food for lunch.  I do have some questions and concerns about the system (which I am addressing to the company). I will be sure to update this post when I hear back. The first concern I have is that it’s a bit bulky.  A traditional lunch box is not going to fit everything.  My next concern is where to put other foods that are not warm.  If you were to put a cold food next to this, the heat would be canceled out.  Lastly, I wonder about whether there is a potential for bacteria to grow, given that the food is out for so long (4-6 hours).

The company was kind of enough to answer the questions I posed above.  Here is their response:

Bulkiness of product:  We suggest a lunch box with top or side compartments for drinks, piece of fruit or other snacks.  Warmables definitely requires re-thinking how to pack lunch, but is well worth it. After using it a few times you won’t even think about it anymore.

Bacteria: If the food is heated well, the container creates a vacuum, almost like making jam. It slows bacteria growth down tremendously. Think about putting stew in a thermos or eating at a hot buffet….the only thing we do not recommend is re-heating that same food if a child did not finish the portion.

Ice Packs and Cold Food:  You cannot use an ice pack next to the hot cherry pit bag. It will cancel out the heat.

Warmables are made in the USA and are eco-friendly and reusable.  The system retails for $27.95 and is available for purchase on the site.  The site also offers a system for the office which retails for $37.95.

READERS DISCOUNT FOR WARMABLES LUNCH SYSTEMS (save $ 7.95 each)

How to get Warmables for the office for $ 30.00 plus shipping and the kiddie version for $ 20.00 plus shipping:

Sign up for our weekly newsletter along with 2 more friends.
Send us an e-mail with your three names and e-mail addresses. (Make sure to confirm your subscription after signing up, link will be sent to you)
Write “MY WARMABLES DEAL” in the subject line.
Place your order for any number of either Warmables lunch systems.
Include your shipping address.
You will receive a safe, easy to pay PayPal invoice. (No Pay Pal account needed)
Once you are paid up we will promptly send you your very affordable and super cool Warmables set(s) via USPS Priority mail.

The company guarantees their product with a money-back guarantee.

Win It: One of you will win a Warmables For Kids.  Simply leave me a comment (after visiting their site) with something you liked or learned (not mentioned above). Comments will close on January 28, 2010 at 10 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.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

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 did not receive compensation for this post.  I did receive a product, courtesy of the company, in order to faciliate my review.

All About Baby: Fresh Organics *Giveaway*

January 9, 2010

This contest is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. Congrats to Nan Lara!

When our baby girl was born (3 weeks ago!), my husband had an opportunity to help with her first bath.  The nurses naturally wanted to do it right away (apparently to “disinfect” the baby!).  Since we did not go to the hospital that day thinking we would be greeting her, we did not have a bag packed.  It’s amazing to me that the standard product used on all newborn babies contains sodium laureth sulfate.  We opted to wait until my husband could go home and pick up one of the natural baby products we keep on hand.

Fresh Organics offers organic, hypoallergenic baby care products free from potentially dangerous chemicals.  Being a so-called “green mom”, I have had the opportunity to try a number of all-natural, organic skin and baby care products. I had an opportunity to try the company’s Bubble Bath and Shampoo & Body Wash.  The two things I immediately noticed about the Bubble Bath were that it smelled lovely and it made a lot of bubbles (which my son was thrilled about).  The company discloses all ingredients right on their site, which I appreciate, considering one of the first things my son did was try to eat a mouthful of bubbles!

The Shampoo & Body Wash also lathers well.  I suggest using just a little on a child’s hair, since it can be a bit difficult to get out with a squirmy toddler.  Both products are tearless…thankfully…because it’s rare for me not to get any soap at all in his eyes when he wiggles.

While I think both products smell lovely (and clean really well), I prefer to use unscented products on new babies and scented products on my son (who is a toddler).  My son has very sensitive skin and I found myself avoiding all scents and chemicals when he was a baby.  I’ve used it on our daughter and so far she hasn’t had any skin reactions.  But I’d love the company to develop a fragrance-free version.

Fresh Organics also offers a Velvety Soft Moisturizing Baby Lotion and a Baby Bottom Balm.  Each 8 oz tube retails for $7.99 (which is a very good price in my opinion).

Win It! One of you will win a tube of Calming Bubble Bath and a tube of Conditioning Baby Shampoo and Body Wash.  Simply leave me a comment with something you liked or learned on the site.  Comments will close on January 24, 2010 at 10 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.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

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 did not receive compensation for this post.  I did receive a product, courtesy of the company, in order to faciliate my review.

Eco-Friendly Valentine’s Gifts from Alex and Ani *Giveaway*

January 6, 2010

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

We just barely took our Christmas tree down and now I’m talking about Valentine’s Day!  I am a hopeless romantic who adores chocolate, roses, and jewlery.  My husband does so much to let me know daily that he loves me, but every once and a while, it’s nice to get an actual gift from him.

Alex and Ani offers eco-friendly jewelry and is well known for their expandable bangles adorned with personal charms.  The founder named the company after her first two daughters (which I think is just lovely).  The entire line is created from recycled materials and most of the pieces are expandable (and therefore adjustable), which means they’ll fit most people.  The company uses a sliding mechanism as opposed to a traditional clasp.

I received the Crazy Love Expandable Wire Bangle, courtesy of the company.  I wasn’t sure how it would fit, given the expandable design.  You can “open” it to get it on and then it closes back down so it fits properly.   I like the fact that this isn’t particularly visible and doesn’t take away from the beauty of the bracelet.  This particular bracelet is available in Russian Silver or Rusian Gold (which I received).  You can wear it as a single bracelet or add additional bangles for a different look.

The site offers rings, necklaces, and earrings (many of which I’d LOVE to have hubby…ahem!), however, I am particularly fond of their bracelets.  The designs are unique and I think the quality warrants the prices on the site.

Alex and Ani also offer a Bangle Bar, which allows you to customize your own bracelet.  You can design a piece in any budget and include birthstones, initials, personal and sacred charms, and colorful vintage beads.  I know that Mother’s Day is far away, but I actually think this is a great gift idea for moms.

Pricing varies tremendously, however, you can find gorgeous pieces in a variety of price ranges to fit your needs.

*Update*  Right now you’ll save 10% off your order with the code “IC2010″ (case-sensitive, no quotes).

Win It! One of you will win a Love Expandable Wire Bangle Set (RV $108).  Simply leave me a comment with another piece from the site you’d like to have.  Comments will close on January 21, 2010 at 10 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.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

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 did not receive compensation for this post.  I did receive a product, courtesy of the company, in order to faciliate my review.

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