Mama Speaks

Sun & Earth

 For everything under the sun.

I always love finding new eco-friendly cleaning product lines - it means more options for all of us when it comes to protecting the Earth and our families. I've tried many of them over the past few years comparing effectiveness and price, and I have to say that Sun & Earth is way up there on both fronts. I tested a whole slew of their products, and not one of them failed to do anything short of an excellent job in achieving its intended purpose. Even more impressive to me is how comprehensive the Sun & Earth line of products really is, including some items I don't think I've ever seen in an eco-friendly, non-toxic, cruelty-free and vegan form.

Let's start with their collection of laundry-related items [$5-12]. In addition to the 2X Concentrated and Deep Cleaning Detergents, Sun & Earth has a few little additions that are pretty rare. The Dryer Sheets are hypoallergenic, biodegradable and available in Unscented and Fresh Citrus. I have to admit, I've really been missing dryer sheets, so this was pretty exciting for me. And I've never actually used fabric softener before in my life so to do so with theirs was also a welcome surprise. But I have to give special props to the new Sun & Earth On The Spot Instant Stain Remover. Seriously, I don't know how they did this, but it's awesome. I believe my husband's exact words while using it on his newly salad dressing-stained pants were, "This is amazing . . . How does it do this?"

Now onto the kitchen sink. Their line of dish products [$3-6] includes the Ultra Dish Liquid, the Xtra Concentrated version of the same, and the Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Pacs. All are great (and affordable!). And that's really saying something because I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been searching for an effective detergent for use in the dishwasher - I've had some that, while non-toxic and safe, really just don't do the job and leave me standing there, staring into the machine trying to figure out if it's been run. But not so this time. This one is biodegradable, safe for use even for kid items, and it totally works. No more drinking from glasses with my own lip stains.

Shall I keep going? All righty then. They have general housecleaning products too - an All-Purpose Spray Cleaner and a Glass Cleaner [$4], which, between the two of them, pretty much cover every possible surface that one needs to clean. They do the job and smell great too. The Fresh Citrus Scent for all of these products comes from orange oil, which is sweet, natural and not at all over the top.

When you're done with everything, wash your hands of it all with the Liquid Hand Soap [$4], which, like so many of their other products, is ideal for those of us with sensitive skin.

Sun & Earth products are available at many of your local retailers and on their website.

Win It!
We have a Sun & Earth Reusable Folding Shopping Bag filled with coupons for a free dishwashing liquid, an all-purpose or glass cleaner, and a laundry detergent, fabric softener or dryer sheets. To enter email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Sun & Earth as your subject and tell us what makes these products smell so yummy. Giveaway ends 4.24.09.

- Beth

Lisa Monet - "My Best Friend"

BFF

Lisa Monet is at it again with the remastered and eco-friendly repackaging of "My Best Friend - Songs To Grow On " [$15]. Like her previous works, the collection includes many traditional tunes as well as several composed by Monet, herself. In fact, these originals are the tracks that really stand out with the fun and snappy "Goin' To A Restaurant" and the heartwarming "Hearts and Hands - The Sign Language Song." Her lovely renditions of previously written songs include "We All Sing With The Same Voice" and a really excellent "La Bamba," the one bilingual piece of the group (for more of her Spanish and bilingual pieces be sure to check out the "Tingaleyo" CD). But the clear highlight of this collection is the title song, "My Best Friend," which is sweet, heartfelt, and layered. In fact, the first time it was played in our house I stopped what I was doing to come downstairs and find out what was so successfully taking me back to my own childhood memories of friendship bracelets and holding hands.

-Beth

BUY

Win It!
We're giving away two copies of "My Best Friend." To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with My Best Friend as your subject. Giveaway ends 3.18.09

Sloppy Baby

Sloppy Chic

Are you tired of the excess laundry that having a baby generates?  Tired of pre-treating drool and spit-up stains on you’re precious little ones adorable outfits?  I was, until I found Sloppy Baby’s stylish bibs and burp cloths [$25].

Bibs are so great for stopping wet messes, but not so great for an accessory to a cute outfit.  Ducks, teddy bears and race cars aren’t my thing so when I found the Samantha bib and burp cloth, I was thrilled.  The modern chocolate and pink dot print looks adorable!

The best part is the absorbent fleece layer on the back, thick enough to stop even the drooliest teether! And, the burp cloth makes a great changing pad in a pinch.   Anyone who wants a fashionable way to stop soggy-chest syndrome should give these necessities a try.

Win it!
We're giving away a Samantha Baby Blanket [$48]! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Sloppy Baby as your subject. Giveaway ends 01.10.09

-Brittany

BUY

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

Excite Books

the site: Excite Books

the stuff: Excite is sort of like Netflix for kids books.

• Just choose a monthly membership plan [$5 shipping fee plus...]
  
  • 1 book per month [$5]
  • 2 books per month [$10]
  • 3 books per month [$15]
• Choose an age or grade level
  • Infant
  • Toddler
  • 1st - 5th Grade
  • Teen
  • Cookbooks
  • Puzzle Books
• The Books are shipped to your door
• You (or your kids) read them
• Best of all there's no need to return them! BUT after 12 books are shipped to you Excite will send you an envelope so you can donate some (or all, or none) of your books to school library in need.

the pros: All of the books are age appropriate by category and "teacher approved". You don't need to return anything, can cancel anytime and can try it out for a month for free!

the cons: This really is a great service but we were disappointed at the prevalence of character and movie/television themed books, especially in the infant and toddler categories.

Protect-A-Bed

  Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite

One third of our lives are spent sleeping however, that bed of yours can be a pretty unhealthy place to be. Especially if you or anyone in your family has asthma, allergies or skin sensitivities. Whether we like it or not there are tiny little critters that lurk where we lie. Dust mites are the most certain and bed bugs are on the rise. Not only do these little guys make our skin crawl but they can cause some serious allergy issues.

The line of mattress, crib and pillow protectors from Protect-A-Bed are here to let us all rest a little easier. The Aller-zip line encases your entire mattress that provides an impenetrable barrier to those bugs and bites. I've personally struggled with dust mite allergies all my life and while my mattress is new and doesn't cause me problems I have a trusty old pillow that is, well old. It's the place I get the best rest but if I use it I wake up stuffy, well, at least that was the case until we I put on an Aller-zip pillow protector.  From that first night forward I've been sniffle free.

Of course, mattresses don't just need protecting if you have allergies. As we sleep, we all sweat and secrete and as we go about our days things get spilled, sometimes on top of our beds. Since mattresses themselves are difficult if not impossible to clean, you should always keep it covered. From this thinest layer of protection to the super snuggly Elite all of Protect-a-Bed's offerings will keep your mattress safe and clean and can be easily machine washed themselves.

The features really are endless. These are the first mattress covers I've found to provide waterproof protection (without that telltale crunch) and breathability (you know, so you don't feel like you're sleeping on plastic wrap). The expandable skirt will ensure they easily fit any mattress depth from 8" to 20" and as we're always concerned about what we're inhaling in our slumber I'm happy to say that all Protect-a-Bed items are tested for harmful substances according to strict Oeko-Tex Standard 100 allowing us all to sleep a little easier.

Win it!
We're giving away a Protect-a-Bed cover in winner's choice of size crib to king! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Protect as your subject and let us know what the original name of the company is. Giveaway ends 12.30.08

Last Minute Gifts For Everyone On Your List

It never fails. Christmas Eve rolls around and you discover there's someone on your list you've forgot to buy for. Showing up to that holiday party empty handed is not an option so what are you to do? We've compiled our favorite last minute gifts for everyone on your list.

Best for Children Big and Small
Every kid on the planet LOVES Build a Bear and their adorable Hal and Holly Moose [$12 each] are guaranteed to make any kid grin. Each Moose is 16in of snuggly soft and Hal's antlers have Christmas lights that really light up! If you're brave enough to well, brave the mall today you can pick up a premade, or you can order online and print it out or send a gift e-card.

Best for Parents to Be or Newbies
Help any new mama or papa keep their bundle close with a sling or wrap for nonny & boo. Printable E-Gift Certificates [$25-$100] are now available for use on any item at their main or Etsy store and they're offering 20% off any Gift Certificate purchase through Christmas Day with code MASGE20.

Best for the Guys on Your Gift List
You can't go wrong with a tee and Threadless [$5-$200] has a little something for everyone. You can spend a little by scooping up one available in the $5 Holiday sale, go the way of the Gift Certificate or spend a lot and set them up for the Tee of the Month club.

Best for Anyone
Gifts that keep on giving can be the best kind to give and receive. We love to shop the online gift catalog at Heifer International. You can give the gift of animals and other essential resources (or a share of one) to people all over the world in need. Even better, part of the program is that they pay it forward by passing along offspring to another family. You can let your gift recipient know you've honored them by with Heifers selection of e-cards and printable cards.

Win it!
We're giving away a $10 Bear Bucks card for Build-a-Bear! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Christmas Eve as your subject. Let us know what your favorite last minute gift is. Giveaway ends 12.27.08

Today's Gift Guide Giveaway

 

12.20.08 - Set For Shadows ($78)

Bloom Lumen by Adam Frank Inc + 2 Chilewich Placemats

to enter: email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Shadows as your subject. Let us know the name of one other Lumen (other than Bloom) Giveaway ends 12.25.08

Medela Nursing Camisole

Sweet & Discreet

Nursing Moms love fast access to nurse their hungry babies, and if you can do that and look cute at the same time, well that's even better. Medela's Nursing Camisole [$45] fits snug in all the right places. I love having a nursing tank to wear beneath another shirt for that layered look and also extra coverage when breastfeeding in public. This camisole is attractive however you prefer to wear it, and the snaps for the openings aren't too obvious. The great support system from an extra layer of fabric between bra shelf and outer layer means no need for a bra underneath. Love that!

The bamboo/cotton fabric actually has anti-bacterial properties and feels fantastic against your skin. Available in white or black- you can have one to go with any outfit or just wear them to bed! In sizes small to extra large, I think they are sized appropriately if you order your post pregnancy size. 

Win it!
We're giving away a black Medela Nursing Camisole (size medium). To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Medela Nursing as your subject. Giveaway ends 12.23.08

-Steph

Yum, Yum, Give Me Some

We're always on the lookout for new treats for ourselves and our little ones. Some of the latest that have caught our eye...

Primo Water - We're all for staying away from bottled water as much as possible but there are times when it's convience is well, convenient. Primo water is 99.999% pure and guaranteed to be free of chlorine and fluoride. Even better, rather than being made of crude oil Primo bottles are made of plants and can be recycled or composted for zero waste.

Oskri Organics - Snacks that travel well a must for any busy families on the go but it can be hard to find healthy snack bars for the whole family, especially when dietary restrictions come into play. Oskri Organics snack bars are all gluten free and most are completely vegan as well. The Sesame and Jalow bars are great for fueling up and the Coconut bars an amazing sweet treat.

RW Knudsen Sensible Sippers - Oh, the juice box, childhood staple or stay away? RW Knudsen has introduced a new juice box that will please the kids and take a bit of the guilt away. Sensible Sippers are Certified Organic, kid friendly juice boxes that will delight in Fruit Punch, Banana, Apple, and Mixed Berry and moms will enjoy the fact that they're actually 50% water and contain no added sugar, artificial flavors or preservatives.

LIVE Energy Drink - We all need a pick me up every now and then but your run of the mill energy drink is full of toxins. LIVE Energy is in a league of it's own in providing a boost that's all natural, sweetened with organic sugar cane juice and contains no artificial sugar, colors, or preservatives in 6 great flavors. Better yet, they donate a staggering 50% of profits to the charity mentioned on each can.

Snacktrition likes to reward us for eating healthy snacks by enriching the typical almond or cashew with a sprinkle of calcium or a dash of fiber.  Our favorite, the Calcium Sea Salt Almonds are health baked and sprinkled with Sea Salt making them ridiculously yum.

Win it!
We're giving away 10 cases of Primo Water! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Primo as your subject.  Giveaway ends 12.17.08