Saturday, May 3, 2014

Woo Bamboo Sprout Kids Toothbrush Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
The Bamboo "Sprout" from WooBamboo is an eco-friendly bamboo-handled children's toothbrush. It is the perfect size for little hands and has nice, soft bristles. 
 

Do you struggle to live a green lifestyle? We all know that sometimes a green lifestyle encompasses little steps at a time. It is hard to balance it all but I calm myself when I know I can do one thing to make a difference. I remind myself I really do what I can as a mom and a resident of our good Earth. I recently heard about a great company called WooBamboo that certainly does their share to remain eco-conscious. I never considered the impact of discarded toothbrushes but it totally makes sense. Three of us...we throw out toothbrushes every 3-4 months and start with a fresh one. Geez, that IS a lot of plastic going in the trash!

WooBamboo is a company that thinks green every way they can. They look to make a difference every day with their eco-friendly products for adults and children. I recently received a WooBamboo toothbrush for kids and I love that I can make a difference morning and night when my child brushes her teeth. My child has enjoyed brushing her teeth with the WooBamboo soft toothbrush for the past few days. It was comfortable for her to use and the brush was soft and gentle. It also gave us an opportunity to talk about ways that our family could be even greener...like shutting the water off when we brush our teeth!

WooBamboo has adult toothbrushes as well so I reminded myself to check them out too on their website. I found their WooBamboo children's dental products to be of excellent quality and using them is a fantastic way to make a small difference every day.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway to win your own Woo Bamboo Sprout Eco toothbrush.a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
 

Dr. Carey’s Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide Review + Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Some of those baby care books out there are just encyclopedias. Like you really have time for that. Right. You just had a baby. You are sleeping so little. Trying to get back to yourself. Some kind of schedule. Integrate the new baby into a routine. You need to get some answers and figure out the basics.  Here's your ultimate solution:  Dr. Carey’s Baby Care: First Year Baby Care Guide. 

Think of this book as a user’s guide to your baby’s first year, an office visit to your baby’s physician found between the covers of this book. It’s arranged so that the most common questions are handled by topic. It is not an overwhelming book either. Each chapter is short so even if you have only a few minutes you can really learn something useful. 
I love how the book is set up and organized. Dr. Carey's goal is to answer a lot of the questions parents have that their own physicians may not spend the time to really answer. You get a clear, simple answer that is easy to understand. One thing that is excellent is all the really life pictures so you know what to look for whether it is diaper rash (that photo hurts but at least you know what it looks like so you can get it remedied faster!) or colic. This book has almost 100 pictures. Let's face it...as a new mom you are running on minimal sleep so more pictures and less words are the perfect solution. I mean this. Think about it. Pictures are easy to absorb and understand.  


This is a primer for the baby essentials. Nothing is meant to be a substitute for your own pediatrician or health practitioner. If you have a serious issue you need to immediately consult with your own pediatrician. There are certainly many medically related questions that are best answered by someone in the medical field, but for baby basics, this is the book you want. Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win your own copy of this excellent book. a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


Stocks, Bonds and Soccer Moms Book Review and Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


No one ever told you the real story before you got married and had kids and started squeezing. You know just what I am talking about. I squeeze every single day. Squeeze a shower, breakfast, healthy meals (I really try!), gym time, hubby time, kid time, an occasional manicure or pedicure...it never stops. My friends that don't work pick up even more of the work at home and that is no bargain either. Are you juggling motherhood, marriage and a career like me? Whether you're a career woman  or a stay-at-home mom, you want to give your all in every part of your life.  It is a real challenge though, I must admit! Not that I don't love every minute of my life....well most of the minutes at least!

Personal time and romance are not as frequent...okay. Sometimes stress levels really get a little kooky here in my home especially when a business meeting looms and it overlaps with the big end of the year theatre performance for one of the kiddos. I just try my best to keep pedaling steady.  I will ask hubby to pick up some of the pieces and do extra when this happens. You just have to or you're gonna lose it. Michelle knows all about it and she writes about her struggles in a new book that really hits home for moms like me.

I was interested to hear about a new book by Michelle Perry Higgens that recently was launched called Stocks, Bonds and Soccer Moms.  This book brings back into focus some of the checks and balances that are critical for long term fulfillment. The nice part about the book is that is gives you 7 easy steps to bring back that better balance.

Some of the key areas the book focuses on:
  • Put the romance back in your marriage 
  • Learn to set boundaries and ask for help 
  • Let go of perfectionism and the damaging myth of the Supermom
  • The secret principle that will change everything
My thought on this book:

Michelle Perry Higgens really hits a lot of critical points for moms that we sort of put on the back burner. I think she makes some excellent points because she is coming from a place of total understanding. She isn't speaking out of her you-know-what.....she is a real mom just like you and me. She has struggled and walked the walk. She shares her visions and what has worked for her to improve her life and her marriage. Even if you only pick a few tidbits out of her book to integrate into your own life then I would consider that a home run.  She puts some great thoughts out there and I agree with her. Some of the things I have learned myself already through trial and error like asking for help. I used to try to do it all and you just end up mad and resentful. You have to ask. Give specifics too.  The guys don't get it unless you give them specific instructions on how they can help take the load off you. You both will be happier for it. You might know some of her tips but others may be new to you and it could really help you be happier and improve your relationships with your spouse and family.

I recommend you picking up Stocks, Bonds and Soccer Moms and I hope it helps you as well.  Don't forget to enter my giveaway and you could win your own copy. a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Eco-Friendly Party Favor Herb and Shaped Crayons with Seeded Plantable Paper Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
It can be a challenge to come up with a cute but useful party favor when you are the party planner.  I was able to check out two of the most adorable party favors recently from Favor Creative. They actually have a variety of innovative favors including Organic Soaps, Potpourri Sachets, Herb in a Box, Custom Shaped Crayons with Seeded Plantable Paper and Color Me Herb Kits.  Favor Creative uses organic and all-natural items and works diligently to research sustainable companies for packaging and other product elements. All their packaging is made from biodegradable, recycled or compostable materials. Now that is what I call GREEN.

One of the things I love about the favors I received is that both of them are totally green, useful and super cute at the same time. A win-win for everyone. The first one is called Herb in a Box.  This popular eco-friendly party favor is a fun and unique green gift that just about anyone would enjoy.  I know my little one would be so excited if I came home from an event with Herb in a Box. It would be great for anyone from gardening novices to green thumbs, all year round since you could use it inside or outside.  This herb favor comes in a 100% recycled favor box – inside the box is a 2″ biodegradable pot, a soil pellet, instructions for planting and organic herb seeds of your choice.  They offer 14 different herbs/flowers so there is a lot of variety too! They choose different seeds for each participant so it is a surprise too.


The second adorable favor is perfect for adults or kids.  It is Shaped Crayons paired with Seeded Plantable Paper.  A perfect option for a child's spring or summer birthday party. A great solution to eliminate that junky candy! My little one thought this was just amazing. The cute crayon favor part comes in a variety of shapes including flowers, butterflies, lady bugs, building blocks or bones for this fun party favor and activity. The shaped crayons are paired with wildflower plantable seeded paper. Participants can spend time coloring and having fun and then plant their drawing when they get home and watch it grow!! (Instructions are included.) Crayon colors are solid (red, green, yellow, blue) or a mixed colors (red, green, yellow and blue) so you can even match it to themes.  I received the mixed colors which were fun...a pretty blend of bright colors.

The favors I received are both unique and fun.   Totally perfect for all business and even ideal for personal events. Favor Creative has a minimum of 10 favors per order.  T Kids and adults alike will love the ones I received for sure. They are part of an eco-friendly party favor collection by Favor Creative.  Check out their site and see all the options that are available.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.