My first thought when I began using Mrs. Meyer’s Liquid Handsoap was that it smelled lovely.  After about a week of use, I was content with the fact that my hands weren’t dry (we wash a lot of hands around here).  Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is a line of household cleaners, laundry care, and body care products derived from natural ingredients and essential oils  Despite the fact that you won’t find ammonia, bleach, parabens or phosphates, the products smell fantastic and are very effective at removing dirt.

The products are not only safe for your family, they’re safe for the environment.  All of the liquid products are biodegradable while some of the powder products contain minerals that break down into non-harmful products (rather than biodegrading).  The packaging is recyclable and the company does not participate in animal testing.

I was really pleased with the Liquid Handsoap and am interested in trying some of the other products in the line.  Through the end of June, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day is touring the country to educate and inspire communities towards a healthy, green, sustainable lifestyle.  Booths and hand wash stations will be set up in Boston and San Francisco at local garden clubs, green workshops, parks and recreation groups, eco-friendly volunteer events, and more. Samples, coupons, and seed packets will also be available at these events.

For more information, or to locate an event in your area, just visit Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Community Garden Party.

No compensation was received for this post.  Product samples provided.

If you’ve read my blog over the years, then you know that I’m partial to European made and inspired products.  Yube’s personalized furniture system fits perfectly into our design style and the look we already have in our home.  Yube is a modular furniture system comprised of recyclable, biodegradable materials.  You can assemble the modules into any furniture design and configure, build and decorate to suit your personal style.  Create tables, desks, shelves, and more by snapping the modules together.  Here is a little video demonstrating the process of putting a module together:

Putting the module together was relatively easy and took about 15 minutes.  The best part about putting the unit together was that we didn’t have to use tools!  The instructions and the video were helpful in visualizing how the module was to look when complete.

I am quite impressed with how sturdy the module is, considering the fact that it’s made from sugarcane and Woodlite (non-toxic moldable plastic mixed with Bamboo).  We are using the module for office supplies underneath my desk, however, the number and type of configurations is only limited by your creativity. Here are some images from the site demonstrating possible configurations:

Each modular unit (which includes 4 snap-together frames with pre-assembled outer panel, 1 back panel, 1 set corner frame lock & clips, 1 set mounting pins to connect yubes) retails for $29.50 but the price decreases a bit when you purchase multiple units.  Be sure to check out their Customizer tool which will help you create the perfect configuration for your space.

Right now you can purchase modules for the price of $10.70 each plus shipping with the code “rockmama1010″

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.