Mama Speaks

Warm Whiskers Eye Pillow

A Pillow For All.

The cutest eye pillow I've seen in a while, the Warm Whiskers Eye Pillow [$18] comes in the shape of bunnies, kitties, polar bears, brown bears and puppies. We have been trying out the soft adorable puppy, and I'm not sure who likes it more -- me or the kids! Stuffed with herbs -- Lavender, Chamomile, and flax seed -- you can heat it up in the microwave for just the perfect treatment for dark under eye circles, illness, or simply for a relaxing stress relief. Place it in a plastic bag and chill in the freezer for a soothing relief of swelling or puffiness.

And when it comes to the kids, it makes an excellent boo-boo friend. Since herbs do not freeze it's a soft cooling feeling that your little one might actually leave on! Whether you're shopping for yourself, the kids or friends, everyone can find a use for the Warm Whiskers Eye Pillow.

-Brittany

Boon Bug Pod & Flo

Snug As A Bug

This is one bug you won't mind in your tub. The Boon Bug Pod [$35] adds a splash of color and fun. In red and black all ladybug-style, the Bug Pod is THE shower caddy with a whole lot of function! Quickly clear the clutter after bathtime as you scoop up the toys, drain 'em, and keep 'em put until next time. The convenient attached base even houses the soap and shampoo. Quite a tidy fly lady.

The Boon Flo [$15] safely covers the sharp edges of the water faucet and even dispenses bubbles, spilling the water out with a water-fall effect (Mom, you'll love this come hair rinsing time). And it's about time you replaced that big yellow rubber duckie faucet protector... babies are so mod now, don't you know?

Oh, and 10% of Boon's profits support charities specifically benefiting children in need, so you can feel good from the bathroom wall and beyond.

-Steph

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Miessence Purifying Skin Care

Organic Essentials

I always had great skin. Smooth, vibrant. I was that girl that could wash my face with bar soap (or not at all!) slather on body lotion and call it done. All through the teen years when puberty struck and just about everyone I knew struggled with there skin I slid by with just a stray pimple here and there. And then my twenties arrived and my face seemed to decide to make up for lost time. With pregnancy, nursing and the aftermath, it's been even further downhill. Blemishes abound, blackheads, combination spots. And nothing from diet changes to prescription potions have done much to help.

Needless to say, when you don't feel you can put your best face forward, it's had to put a good face on at all. And anyone who's struggled with adult acne and the like knows that most of the products our there that focus on such issues are those that your tween is probably reaching for. And, well, you probably don't even what to start looking up what's on that ingredient list.

Miessence Skin Care products available from Ely Organics won't leave you searching for Dr. Google to decipher long ingredient lists and labels. But they will do what they say you will. While they have lines for any quality of skin we took the Purrifying line (for oily/problem skin) for a test drive and am so glad we did.

The Purrifying Line uses Plantain, Echinacea, Witch Hazel, Jojaba and more to purify, sooth, repair and mosturize all without leaving your skin feeling stripped and dry. With specific products available for cleansing, conditioning, mosturizing and blemish treatment you can be on your way to a happy, healthy face in no time.

The Cleanser [$41] removes the top layer of dead cells, oil, perspiration and pollution to prevent breakouts and congestion. The Skin Conditioner [$23] feeds the skin with nutrients in the water-soluble botanicals, organic herbs, vitamins and essential oils and provides a hydration base for the moisturiser to lock in. The Moisturizer [$40] creates a protective barrier against free radicals and moisture loss while hydrating. And for problem spots and emergency breakouts the Purifying Blemish Gel [$23] will heal and calm skin with amazing speed.

Each item is available individually or in an Essentials Pack [$98] and if you're often on the go or want to take the line for a test drive we suggest giving the travel size essentials pack [$40] a go.

We love that each ingredient this certified organic line is readily listed with not only a fun, identifiable image and name but what it's purpose in the product is. Even more importantly that you'll never find anything artificial inside.

I can't say that the purifying line worked miracles and I now have perfect skin, but I've seen more improvement than I have with other products and my skin is definitly under control. So much so, that I'm ready to move onto the using the rest of Miessence products from head to toe.

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Want it?
Place your order, then email info@elyorganics.com with your invoice and you'll receive a 10% rebate check.

MBeze

Scent Sweet

We're always on the look out for healthy new products that live up to all of our natural senses and that sixth one we have for the planet and are always pleasantly surprised when companies get that just because it's natural doesn't mean it has to be boring. Or bland. Or smell like the great outdoors. MBeze (pronounced embeez) gets all of that and then some with their gorgeously presented and great working line of skin care and cosmetics.

It's hard to find a fragrance that isn't chock full of caustic chemicals, let alone one that's worth smelling but MBeze's line of body mists, oil and perfumes [$15-$30] will leave you longing for another sniff. In 8 light scents (including one that's all you) made from all natural and organic ingredients you can finally indulge in a little luxury you may have avoided at risk of smelling like a forest. And not only will this line find it's place in your everyday routine but makes an exquisite yet afordable gift for any gal you celebrate.

Continueing to help you smell super sweet MBeze's darling Deodorette's [$10] succeed in doing something I never thought I'd say... making deoderant chic. Again, we all know how deoderant of the natural world can quite literally stink (or let you do just that) but not only do these work well, but their sized to come along for the ride should you need to freshen up on the go. Even though they seem impossibly tiny each stick if used once a day will still last you about a month. And most importantly theses too are made with natural and organic ingredients leaving no room for aluminum, parabens, or propylene glycol.

We've found a million reasons to fall head (nose?) over heals with MBeze from the great product to their commitment to remaining creulty free to using less packaging or only using that which is recyclable and less wasteful. Instead of using boxes they use small paper tags to display product information and all packaging used for shipping is made of cardboard and paper and is therefore recyclable and re-usable.

So go ahead, indulge, you'll smell a little bit sweeter for it.

Want it?
MBeze is currently offering a buy 1 Deoderette, get one half off promo as well as free shipping on all orders over $50.

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Urban Decay

Spoiled Rotten

I've been known to land myself in a makeup rut a time or two and then can be found staring blankly in the cosmetics aisle at cheap eye shadow that really isn't so cheap. I can never tell the difference between what's in for me or what's in for grandma.

Urban Decay has taken out pretty much all that guesswork for me now, but there's nothing gross or decaying about it. With every color in and over the rainbow available, anything goes. It's no holds barred.

I'm in love with the Cream Shadow [$17] that conveniently has an applicator brush (imagine lip gloss for your eyes- it's heavenly) and has some serious staying-power. I'm quite a fan of the metallics- it truly makes your eyes sparkle- not spackle- unlike other cream shadows I've used.

The Big Fatty Mascara [$20] adds inches to those lashes and more. It's a crazy chunky mascara with a far-out tube. Even moisturizes thanks to hemp oil. Dude! All the cool kids are definitely doing this one.

It's your makeup rebelling and it's oh so right.

-Steph

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The Spoiled Mama

A Little Spoiling Never Hurt Anyone

Pregnant mamas need all the support--and pampering--that those around them can muster.  I love shopping for gifts for my fellow preggo friends, in fact I sometimes find that gifts for moms-to-be can be just as fun for me, even though I'm not currently expecting.

That was definitely the case when I got the change to try out some of the products from The Spoiled Mama.  Who doesn't love belly butter, right?  It was also elbow butter, foot butter and hand butter, and worked just as fabulously.

This Best of Bump Box (pictured above) [$15] is not only filled with three fun and fresh products, but the packaging is so lovely that it's something you'll keep and want to recycle for the next gift (or just keep yourself and enjoy as a jewelry box!). 

Fun and pretty isn't all these products have to offer--they also happen to be all natural and organic, cruelty free and certified vegan.  And yes, that last sentence makes me swoon.  All this, and the prices are uber affordable...what are you waiting for?

-Arianne

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Skip Hop Hare

Not a Stray Hare

My little boy has long curly locks. So long that almost daily he's mistaken for a girl but hey, we love it. Unfortunately the older he gets and the longer his hair gets, taking care of it has become quite the struggle. So much so that we've recently had to make a chart and explain that if we don't take care of it we have to cut it off. (This is where I whisper, "Please take care of it! I REALLY don't want to cut it off!")

There are times that no amount of trickery or enticing will convince the kid to let me brush, or I should say that there were times... it all changed when Skip Hop's Hare [$20] entered our routine. This clever little Rabbit-esque grooming set features a kiddie sized comb and oh so soft brush. The rounded, padded handles are perfect for tiny hands to do it themselves and substantial enough for the 'rents to step in and use the same tools.

If the comb/brush ears and tiny face weren't enough, grab the bunny by the tail and turn him over for the baby-safe mirror on the base. You and your babe can coo and comb every hair into it's perfect place. Oh, and of course, being plastic and all Skip Hop has put safety first and making this little guy BPA, Phalate and PVC free.

Alima Pure

Nothing But Glam

Smoky eyes and rosy cheeks do not have to be a thing of the past if you are going for a more natural way of living. Alima Pure mineral makeup is made of the purest cosmetic-grade mineral pigments- perfect for sensitive skin and those of us that want to be earth friendly.

For the first time in my life I have the soft, flushed cheek glow thanks to the delicious Candy Luminous Shimmer Blush [$15] - and I'm addicted. Go easy on the eyes or go wild with Luminous Shimmer Eyeshadows [$9] in any color imaginable. And if you need a hue for a special occasion or just for fun, splurge on a sample jar [$1] or two. Apply wet or dry- Alima Pure minerals are forgiving and allow for a lot of experimenting- no matter if you want to be all dolled up or look like you're not wearing any at all.

Win it!
We're giving away an Alima Pure Luminous Shimmer eyeshadow! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Alima as your subject and let us know which color you like best. Giveaway ends 12.09.08

 -Steph

Kiss My Face Kids

Smoochably Sweet From Face To Feet

We've been using the same natural kids soap since my son was born. Don't get me wrong, it's great- gentle, safe, healthy, works well and most importantly doesn't cause his skin to become a red, blotchy, itchy mess. But, it's b.o.r.i.n.g. Same plain bottle, same non-smell, smell, and which we both sigh over as we walk past the brightly colored, bold smelling soaps in the kids aisle of the "normal" store. Time after time we've departed to a chorus of "But Mama! That soap has REAL. LIVE. ANIMALS. On iiiit!!!" Needless to say, I've had to get pretty creative in trying to explain to my near rabid "But it's soap mom!" toddler why I would never let that stuff anywhere near his skin.

Finally, we can both have our way. The new Kiss My Face Kids line [$6-$10] features toothpaste, detangler, soaps and shampoos that are safe and fun. Packaged in bold orange and green tubes and bottles with endangered safari animals on the sides and fresh fruity smells, your kids will be begging you to wash up. You'll be happy to let them knowing that all of the products contain no artificial colors, fragrances, parabens or SLS.

So, we know Kiss My Face Kids is visually appealing to the kids and the ingredient list is right but does it fall short in the functionality department as so many natural cleansers do? No way! The soaps (available in liquid, foam and whale shapes) got my son squeaky clean, washing away a days worth of creative stinky play, the detangler will tame the wildest hair with a couple of sprays, the bubble bath, bubbles up big and somehow the lip balm has found it's way it my bag. The only problem I'm a wee bit embarrassed to report is the 20 minutes I wasted trying to wrestle the foaming soap into pumping only for my wee one to discover you squeeeeeeze the bottle. Of course! My foamy faux pas aside, these suds are here to stay.

*In addition to the Kiss My Face webstore, we've just got word you can buy at Target stores!

Nature's Baby Organics

Good Enough to (Almost) Eat

My kids all have such sensitive skin, that some nights when the right soap isn't stocked in the bathroom, the only "clean" my boys get is a good rinsing.  Or three.

It's difficult to find really pure products, since so many ingredients may sound good or smell good, but rarely are truly clean.  This is why I was happy to discover Nature's Baby Organics.  A company started out of a need--it's founder decided to create bath and body products that her own children could tolerate without breaking out in rashes.  Like many of us, she worked hard to keep the things that go in and on her children healthy, and was frustrated when she wasn't satisfied with the choices of healthy children's products that were available.

We got a chance to try out the Shampoo & Body Wash [$10], as well as the Conditioner & Detangler [$11] on our children, with fantastic results.  Each comes in two scents, and we used the Vanilla-Tangerine much to the delight of my sense of smell and taste. Warning: do not use these when hungry, because you will be jonesin' for an orange creamsicle like crazy.

The products are so soft and gentle on my baby's lovely locks, that I'm tempted to try them out on my own hair the next time (tomorrow? next week?) I get a chance to shower.  If you're looking for a new product for your little sweeties, and know the importance of pure, organic ingredients, be sure to give Nature's Baby Organics a try.   

Want it?
Enter code "Mommies" at checkout for 15% off your order!

-Arianne