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Ella’s Kitchen Review and Giveaway CLOSED

April 21, 2010 By Mom 128 Comments

A Mom’s Impression is celebrating Earth Day on Thursday by offering wonderful Eco-friendly products and giveaways all week long.  Be sure to check back everyday for a new product (or 2) that will help make the world a cleaner and greener place.

I want to introduce you to a wonderful Organic Baby Food company called Ella’s Kitchen.  Ella’s Kitchen creates kid friendly, organic, Eco-friendly healthy food for your baby.

Here is a short note from the creator of Ella’s Kitchen, Paul Lindley:

Hi,

Ella is my ten-year-old daughter and I set up Ella’s Kitchen because I passionately believe that she, along with her generation, should have the opportunity to eat better food and also to discover that healthy food can be fun, tasty and cool.

We think it’s important to always approach things from a child’s point of view. So, we’ve taken simple, natural ingredients that ooze goodness and created foods, and packaging, that should really connect with kids – with flavours, colours, textures and even names that will appeal to all of their senses.

I have been admiring this baby food at Babies R Us but hadn’t purchased any when I got my package from Ella’s Kitchen for review.  First, I love the packaging.  There isn’t a lot of waste when using this product, you can squeeze every little bit of food out of the pouches.  

BJ loves his Ella’s Kitchen organic food.  He has tried and love the Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Apples and Blueberries.  I love the interesting combination of flavors.  I am able to introduce more flavors into BJ’s diet by feeding him different combinations.  In addition to traditional baby foods Ella’s Kitchen also has two different smoothie options for your child, the yellow one and the red one.  The smoothies contain nothing but organic fruit in them. You can feel comfortable knowing that your child is eating quality organic foods that will help him or her grow up strong and healthy.

Buy It:

You can purchase Ella’s Kitchen products from Toys R Us, Babies R Us and Target stores.  For additional stores visit Ella’s Kitchen Where to Buy Page on their website.

Win It:

One (1) lucky winner will receive a sample box of Stage 1 baby foods and Smoothies (The 8 pouches pictured above).

How to Enter:

Visit Ella’s Kitchen and tell me what flavor you are most interested in having your child try. (You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information. This giveaway will end at midnight on May 5. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

This product review was made possible by Ella’s Kitchen.  I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample provided by Ella’s Kitchen. All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Baby, Earth Week, Eco-friendly, Food/Snacks, Giveaways, Organic, Review Tagged With: Baby, Earth Week, Eco-friendly, Food/Snacks, Giveaway, Organic, Review

Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3 (Giveaway) CLOSED

March 22, 2010 By Mom 76 Comments

I craved milk when I was pregnant with BJ.  I would drink about a gallon a week.  I felt great, and I knew that I was getting all of the calcium that my body needed and my little guy needed.  Before and after pregnancy it is a different story.  I buy organic milk (the expiration date is a lot longer than regular milk) and I am lucky to finish it before it expires. I basically just use it on my cereal.  My husband’s milk drinking doesn’t exist.  He hates milk.  I recently tried Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3 and was impressed by how good it tasted.  In spite of being lowfat 1% milk, it was very rich and creamy and tasted exactly how chocolate milk should taste.  Not sure if chocolate milk has as many nutritional benefits as regular milk? You might be surprised. Flavored milk provides the same nine essential nutrients as unflavored milk (calcium, potassium, phosphorous, protein, vitamins A, D, B12, Riboflavin and niacin), and can help kids meet their calcium requirements. Flavored milk consumers did not have higher total fat or calorie intakes than non milk consumers. And, lets not forget that kids love the taste of flavored milk.  You don’t have to talk them into drinking a glass of it!

Why include DHA Omega-3?

DHA belongs to a category of healthy fatty acids known as Omega-3′s. Found in high concentrations in the tissues of the brain and eye, DHA Omega-3 is thought to help support healthy function in these areas. DHA has also been shown to help support heart health.
• DHA provides a nutritional boost for children’s growing minds and bodies. Children’s brains grow incredibly fast. In fact, the brain nearly quadruples in the first five years of life.
• DHA is a key structural component of the brain, yet many young children don’t get their recommended daily amount of DHA as it is found in a limited number of food sources.
Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk Plus DHA Omega-3 is fortified with a natural, 100 percent vegetarian and sustainable source of DHA – a safe, wholesome, delicious way to bring more of this important nutrient into your family’s diet.
Visit http://www.horizonorganicdha.com/ to learn more!

Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3 is a great tasting, lowfat beverage that provides calcium and DHA for your family.  I can see myself drinking milk more often if I have this in the fridge. What is there to think about?  Go out and buy some for your family and see how delicious lowfat milk can be!

Buy It:

You can purchase Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3 at your local grocery store. You can find a store near you using Horizon’s store locator.

Win It:

Two (2) lucky winners will each receive:
- 2 coupons for free Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega -3 half-gallon  and a
- 2 coupons for $1 off  half-gallon Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3.

How to Enter:

Visit Horizon and tell me another product you would like to try from Horizon Dairy.

(You must complete this entry before completing any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk@AMomsImpression http://wp.me/pFQZQ-hM (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
  • Follow A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog.
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
This giveaway will end at midnight on April 1. Winner will be picked from Random.org. 
Good Luck!

I received 2 coupons for free milk from Horizon to facilitate this giveaway. All opinions are 100% mine.
Filed Under: Food/Snacks, Giveaways, Organic, Review Tagged With: Food/Snacks, Giveaway, Organic, Review

Kiss My Face Review and Giveaway (Closed)

January 18, 2010 By Mom 552 Comments

I am not a big fan of wearing makeup (probably because I am not very good at applying it).  I do like dressing up and getting made up for a special night out.  I like getting made up for a special day or family night.  However, when I have a weekend home with nothing to do, I love to sit back in my pajamas and play with my son with my hair in a ponytail and nothing on my face.  In order to get away with this I have to take really good care of my skin.  Finding great skin care has been a slight problem for me because of my sensitive skin.  Once I find a product that works I rarely try something new.  If it isn’t broke, don’t try to fix it.  

I contacted Kiss My Face because I heard great things about their kids product line.  To my surprise when I heard back they asked if I would be willing to review their organic facial care line Potent & Pure.  I was a little hesitant because I already have a skin care regimen that works for me, but I did a little research on the product line and decided to give it a shot.  Potent & Pure facial care products combine natural organic botanicals and antioxidants with the latest scientific research to give you a great skin care line. Potent & Pure doesn’t contain any chemicals and is safe enough to eat (although I wouldn’t recommend it).  I felt like the benefits to using this product line far outweighed the risk of possible breakouts or rash that I could get if I tried it, so I did.  

To my great surprise, Kiss My Face generously sent me almost the entire Potent & Pure product line to review.  My regimen begins in the shower with the Clean For A Day Creamy Face Cleaner on my face and neck.  I absolutely love the smell of this product, it is naturally fragranced with hints of vanilla and tangerine that made me say “Yum” out loud to myself in the shower the first time I tried it.  I thought to myself if this works as well as it smells, I am sold.  After the shower is over I follow-up with the Balancing Antioxidant Toner spritz all over my face and neck.  I love doing this in the morning as I get ready for work.  The spritz wakes me up and it smells delicious.  Next, I use the Ester C Serum designed to prevent the signs of aging (a girl can dream).  This product smells like oranges and literally makes me want to drink a glass of orange juice after I use it.  I end my regimen with the Cell Mate Facial Creme that includes a SPF 10 sunscreen.  I know that this sounds like a lot of steps, but it actually doesn’t take that long to do (I will tell you that some days I skipped the Ester C Serum and the toner and just used the cleanser and moisturizer).  I used these products for the past 5 weeks to make sure that my review would be thorough and honest.  I can say that after 5 weeks my skin looks and feels fantastic.  My skin is so soft and free of blemishes (I am lucky that haven’t had a lot of blemishes in the past but when I change products I will sometimes break out).  I love that I don’t need to wear a lot of makeup to look good, and I feel like Kiss My Face Potent & Pure facial care has helped me to look my best.  I haven’t even mentioned the best part yet.  Kiss My Face is not only produces high quality natural organic products, they are affordable.  The Potent & Pure skin care line is actually cheaper than my previous skin care line.  I get a company that I believe in and products that work that fit my budget, I have already re-ordered the Creamy Face Cleanser.  This company is amazing.  Please check out all of their product lines for women, men, and children.

Buy It:  You can buy pure and natural products  from Kiss My Face on their website or at a retailer near you.  

Win It:  

Kiss My Face is offering a lucky reader a selection of products from their Potent & Pure product line (This selection will include several items ARV $75 to $125). 

How to Enter:

To enter visit Kiss My Face and tell me what product you would like to win if you are the lucky winner. (You must complete this entry before any of the bonus entries, don’t forget to leave a comment)

Bonus Entries:

  • What is your secret beauty product?
  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win several products from Kiss My Face Potent & Pure Line@AMomsImpression http://wp.me/pFQZQ-90
    (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
This giveaway will end at midnight on February 12.
Good Luck!

For purposes of this review, I was sent a selection of products from Kiss My Face free of charge.  This review is my honest opinion and is not influenced by any other source. 
Filed Under: Eco-friendly, Giveaways, Mommy, Organic, Review Tagged With: Eco-friendly, Giveaway, Mommy, Organic, Review

Fresh Organics Review and Giveaway (Closed)

January 7, 2010 By Mom 77 Comments

Diaper rash.  BJ and I cannot stand it when he has a diaper rash.  It seems like poor little BJ has had more than his fair share of skin issues, one would think he would be spared from the diaper rash.  To be completely honest, this is one skin condition that doesn’t flare up all the time, but when it does I feel awful for my little guy.  He has enough to deal with his eczema that I want the diaper rash to clear up as fast as possible.  I have tried several different diaper rash ointments in my short life as a mother and I haven’t found one that I really love until I tried Organic Baby Bottom Balm from Fresh Organics.

Fresh Organics is a company that was founded by a father who had a son who had unexplained allergies and skin problems (sound familiar?). He researched baby products and found that his son was reacting to ingredients contained in baby products.  He set out to create products for people everywhere that were organic, hypoallergenic and free of potentially damaging chemicals. His company, Fresh Organics, launched their Organic Baby line in 2008.  Fresh Organics carries a Men’s line and a Women’s line in addition to their Organic Baby product line.  

We were sent Organic Baby Bottom Balm and Calming Bubble Bath from Fresh Organics for review.  Like I mentioned above, I love the Baby Bottom Balm.  In fact, I will not go back to any other diaper rash cream after using this product.  I am sold.  This balm doesn’t have any perfumes in the product wich means that my hands didn’t smell funny after application.  I have to say after using several other diaper rash creams I am very thankful for the non-smelly factor.  The Baby Bottom Balm works, and it works quickly.  BJ’s rash cleared up almost instantly (I know it sounds too good to be true, but it really seemed to be extremely fast). It is such a wonderful peace of mind to have a product available that doesn’t irritate my son’s skin any worse than it is already irritated.  We have also had a lot of problems with baby washes and bubble bath formulas with BJ.  There are a lot of products out there that claim that they are hypoallergenic but they still irritate my son’s skin.  The Calming Bubble Bath was a wonderful addition to our bath time routine.  The bubble bath was truly hypoallergenic and gentle on BJ’s skin.  I highly recommend Fresh Organic products for everyone looking for gentle baby products for their children.

Buy It:  You can purchase products from  Fresh Organics from their Online Store  Here.

Win It:  

Fresh Organics is offering a lucky reader a Baby Travel Kit and your choice of Bubble Bath in Pom Fig or Lavender Vanilla. 

How to Enter:

To enter visit Fresh Organics and sign up for their newsletter. (You must complete this entry before any of the bonus entries, don’t forget to leave a comment)

Bonus Entries:

  • How do you keep diaper rash away?
  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win A Baby Travel Kit and Bubble Bath from Fresh Organics @AMomsImpression http://wp.me/pFQZQ-7L
    (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
  • Become a Fan of A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
This giveaway will end at midnight on January 20.
Good Luck!

I received products from Fresh Organics at no cost to myself in exchange for a review. The review is based on my own opinion and is not influenced by any other source.
Filed Under: Baby, Giveaways, Organic, Review Tagged With: Baby, Giveaway, Organic, Review

Belle's Biscuits Review and Giveaway (Closed)

December 24, 2009 By Mom 49 Comments

Teething is not a fun process to go through for any parent.  We thought BJ was getting his first tooth at 3 1/2 months, but at 8 months (tomorrow) he still hasn’t cut those first teeth.  I have tried many different teething toys to help ease the pain of teething.  While I was doing my research I came upon a little company called Belle’s Biscuits.  I wanted to try Belle’s Biscuits because of BJ’s skin sensitivities.  Allergies run in our family and it is important to have a teething biscuit option that was dairy, soy, and wheat free.  

Belle’s Biscuits was born out of a mother’s desire for a better teething biscuit option for her little girl.  Belle’s Biscuits are used from all organic natural ingredients from Maine.  They have even recently introduced a Gluten-free Maine Maple Spice flavor option.These biscuits are wrapped in packs of two for convenience.  If they become too moist you can stick them in the freezer and hand them to your toddler for a cool treat that feels good on sore gums.  

We received two packages of Belle’s Biscuits in the Original Vanilla and Wild Maine Blueberry flavors. Belle’s Biscuits are intended for toddlers, so BJ has only stuck one in his mouth once while he was heavily supervised.  I am glad that I have them for when he is a few months older and cutting some more teeth.  My nephew is trying to get some molars in and I plan on giving him a box of Belle’s Biscuits.  I know that I can trust that I am giving him the healthiest teething biscuit around and I am supporting a mom entrepeneur at the same time.  

Buy It:  

You can go to Belle’s Biscuits website to purchase your own pack.  

Win It:  Belle’s Biscuits is offering one lucky winner two packages of their teething biscuits. 

How to Enter:

To enter visit Belle’s Biscuits and tell me something you learned about the company. (You must complete this entry before any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

  • Do you have some secret teething remedies to share?
  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win two packages of Belle’s Biscuits@AMomsImpression http://wp.me/pFQZQ-6R
    (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
  • Become a Fan of A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
This giveaway will end at midnight on January 8.
Good Luck!

I received a product at no cost to myself in exchange for a review. The review is based on my own opinion and is not influenced by any other source.
Filed Under: Baby, Giveaways, Organic, Review Tagged With: Baby, Giveaway, Organic, Review

Nature's Baby Organics Review and Giveaway (Closed)

December 14, 2009 By Mom 116 Comments



Cold and flu season is tough on any parent.  Nobody likes not being able to breathe, reaching for tissues, taking cold medicine, and feeling run down and rotten.  What is worse is having to watch your children go through that. I recently posted about one product that helped get BJ through his first cold, and I am going to introduce you to the other product that help BJ sleep, Ah-Choo Chest Rub by Nature’s Baby Organics.

Nature’s Baby Organics is a family owned and operated business founded by a mom who wanted the best natural products for her daughters.  Founder Adena’s second daughter suffered from severe eczema. BJ suffers from severe eczema as well and so I can relate to how Adena feels about wanting the best natural, organic products that will not irritate very sensitive skin.  

For review Nature’s Baby Organics sent us the Ah-Choo Chest Rub.  This product came just in time for our first bout with the cold.  I was very thankful for a product that I could put on BJ that wouldn’t cause his eczema to flare up especially when he was already dealing with not feeling well.  BJ’s first night with the cold was awful.  He didn’t sleep very well at all and he woke up several times during the night.  The next night I put just a dab of the Ah-Choo Chest Rub right below his nose.  He slept much better that night, he only woke up once.  I have repeated this ritual with the Ah-Choo Chest Rub every night that he has a stuffy nose and thankfully he hasn’t had a repeat of the sleepless night.  The Ah-Choo Chest Rub‘s eucalyptus sent clears the airways as your child (or yourself) breathes.  I love that it is 95% certified organic and that it doesn’t stain clothing.  I also love the fact that because you only need to use a little bit, this little jar will last me a very long time.

Buy it:

 You can purchase Nature’s Baby Organic products from their online store or you can find it at many major retail stores.  You can use their retail store finder here.

Win it:  Nature’s Baby Organics is offering a lucky winner their choice of (1) product from their product line (excluding gift bags).  This giveaway is open to residents of the continental US only (They can not ship to PO boxes).  

How to Enter:

To enter visit Nature’s Baby Organics and tell me what product you will choose if you are the lucky winner. (You must complete this entry before any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

  • How do you soothe your little one during cold/flu season?
  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a product of your choice from Nature’s Baby Organics@AMomsImpression http://wp.me/pFQZQ-5O
    (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
  • Become a Fan of A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
This giveaway will end at midnight on December 31.
Good Luck!

I received a product in exchange for a review. The review is based on my own opinion.
Filed Under: Baby, Giveaways, Organic, Review Tagged With: Baby, Giveaway, Organic, Review

SproutBaby Review and $25 Gift Card Giveaway (Closed)

December 9, 2009 By Mom 119 Comments


I have an obsession to confess.  I am addicted to finding the best quality organic food for my son.  I think this addiction started when I felt guilty about not making my own baby food for BJ.  When I was pregnant I had dreams about going to the local farmers market every Saturday and finding the freshest produce from local farmers, then taking the produce home and cooking until the freezer was full of homemade baby food.  What happened?  I frankly just don’t have the time.  Thus my obsession began.  In my quest I have been introduced to many great companies that offer organic food for my child.  One of those companies is SproutBaby. 

SproutBaby offers consumers eco-friendly products including diapering, toys, books, baby care, mommy care, feeding utensils, eco-friendly disposable diapers, and organic baby food.  For review I received a case of Sprout Food’s Organic Baby Food for babies 7 months and older. SproutBaby offers Sprout Food online at their website (SproutBaby doesn’t make the food). Here is a little bit about Sprout Food’s Organic Baby Food from SproutBaby’s website:

SproutBaby.com aims to make purchasing products, essential to the development of healthy children, accessible and effortless. We began this process by offering Sprout Foods baby food, an amazing new line of organic, gourmet, shelf-stable and delicious baby food, created by celebrity chef (and dad), Tyler Florence. 

I was really excited to try out all of the different varieties of food that Sprout Foods have to offer, after all I am a huge fan of Tyler Florence. When the food arrived I opened up the box to find the food packaged in pouches.  Sprout Foods uses pouches because they reduce waste and they can be recycled.  I was a little weary of some of the products being to “mature” for BJ’s palate, but I didn’t have to worry.  We started with the Sweet Peas and Garden Green Beans.  The ingredients include, Organic Peas, Organic Green Beans, Filtered Water, and Organic Mint.  I was worried about the mint.  Would BJ like it?  Well the answer was an astonishing YES!  I was very impressed that he was able to be introduced to mint in a fashion that BJ enjoyed.  I have always feared that my children would be picky eaters, but by introducing different flavors early on, that fear is diminishing.  Sweet Peas and Garden Green Beans is healthy as well. Full of Protein, Vitamin A and Vitamin C, Peas and Green Beans are also a source of dietary fiber for good digestive health.  BJ also enjoyed the other flavors of Sprout Food that came in our variety pack, especially the  Sweet Baby Carrots, Apples and Mango (I tried some too and it was delicious).  

If you struggle, like me, with the idea of giving your child less than the best organic foods please visit SproutBaby and check out their baby foods.  While you are there you can shop for other eco-friendly baby products for you and your little ones.  You will be impressed by what SproutBaby has to offer.  

Deal Alert:  AMI readers will receive 15% off of their entire order at SproutBaby.com by using the code: SBBL116 at checkout!

Also, any order between now and December 15th is an entry in SproutBaby’s  $2500 cash giveaway!

Win It: One lucky AMI reader will win a $25  gift certificate to SproutBaby.com

How to Enter:

To enter visit SproutBaby and tell me you will pick out if you are the lucky winner of the $25 Gift Card. (You must complete this entry before any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

  • What is your favorite eco-friendly product for your family?
  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win a $25 Gift Card from SproutBaby @AMomsImpression http://wp.me/pFQZQ-55
     (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
  • Become a Fan of A Mom’s Impression on Facebook
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)
  • Purchase something from SproutBaby.com and use Coupon Code SBBL116 to save 15%. (5 entries, please leave 5 separate comments)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
This giveaway will end at midnight on December 21.
Good Luck!

I received a product in exchange for a review. The review is based on my own opinion.
Filed Under: Baby, Food/Snacks, Gift Cards, Giveaways, Organic, Review Tagged With: Baby, Food/Snacks, Gift Cards, Giveaway, Organic, Review

Ecostore USA Review and $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway (Closed)

December 3, 2009 By Mom 74 Comments

I have very sensitive skin.  Unfortunately I seemed to have passed that trait down to my son.  My son has had every skin issue you can think of for a little boy of 7 months.  At first we thought he might be allergic to cow’s milk, but it all comes down to bad skin.  He has eczema like his mommy.  With all of our sensitivities, I try to be very careful about what products I put on our skin.  We use dye-free laundry detergent, special soap, and a lot of lotions and potions.  I am constantly looking for products that will work for my family.

The Ecostore USA specializes in eco friendly, plant-based household cleaning products that rival department store name brands.  They also offer body and baby care products that are gentle on your skin.  While I enjoy using organic eco-friendly products, it is hard sometimes to purchase them because they cost so much more than their counterparts.  The Ecostore USA found a way to super-concentrate their formulas therefore passing the savings on to the consumer.  The products they sell are the same price if not cheaper than brands sold at your local supermarket.

We were sent a bottle of Vanilla Shampoo and Vanilla Conditioner for review.  I don’t know about how you ladies fared during pregnancy, but my hair has gone through dramatic changes since giving birth.  I am still trying to figure out how to take care of my hair now that it seems after 30+ years of life my hair has gone from dry and frizzy to a bit oily.  I wasn’t sure if it was the shampoo I switched to shortly after my son’s birth, or if my hair was truly changed after pregnancy.  I was eager to try a new shampoo.  The first thing I noticed about the Vanilla Shampoo was that it didn’t lather up in my hair the way that I am used to.  I am not sure if that has to do with the lack of chemicals in the shampoo or not.  I didn’t have to worry about it because afterwards I knew that the shampoo was getting my hair clean.  After a few shampoos I noticed a difference.  There hasn’t been a dramatic difference, but my hair feels less oily than it did before, and I feel great about the fact that I am putting fewer chemicals in my hair.  A little side note about the Vanilla scent, it is very subtle with this shampoo, but I didn’t mind that at all. If you enjoy heavily perfumed shampoos you will probably not like this product. 

When I received my package from Ecostore USA it came in recycled materials.  Everything was made out of recycled materials including the packing tape used to tape the packaged closed.  I really appreciate how far this company goes to reduce their carbon footprint on the world.  It is just one more reason to purchase products from the Ecostore USA.

Deal Alert:  The Ecostore USA is offering 40% off of all their plant and mineral based product until the end of the year!

Win It:  Ecostore USA is offering one reader a $25 E-Gift Certificate to their online store.

How to Enter:

To enter visit The Ecostore USA and tell me about what you would choose if you won the $25 Gift Certificate. (You must complete this entry before any of the bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

  • What is one of your favorite household cleaning items?
  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win $25 E-Gift Certificate from The Ecostore USA @AMomsImpression http://wp.me/pFQZQ-3N  (You may enter daily, just leave a comment with each Tweet’s link)
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments: Please remember to confirm your subscription)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information.
This giveaway will end at midnight on December 12.
Good Luck!

Filed Under: Gift Cards, Giveaways, Household Items, Organic, Review Tagged With: Gift Cards, Giveaway, Household Items, Organic, Review

Tastybaby Organic Baby Food Review

December 1, 2009 By Mom 1 Comment

When I was pregnant with BJ I fantasized about making my own baby food.  Being able to control the products that go into my son’s food would be fantastic and reassuring that he was getting the best nutrients that he possibly could.  The only problem, I don’t have the time to do that.  I have a full time job, 10 hours a day, and the remaining time I want to spend playing and interacting with my husband and son.  After a long day at work that last thing I want to do is to cook.  I feel a little guilty feeding BJ out of a jar even if it is organic.  Well, I have found the answer to my little problem, Tastybaby brand baby food. 

Tastybaby was created by two moms who wanted a product that focused on their children’s well being.  They also wanted to advocate for sustainable agriculture, organic foods, and making the best choices for our environment.  They offer organic infant cereals, frozen organic purees, and their newest product organic fruit gummy snacks.  Their Organic Infant Cereals are formulated for different times of the day.  They currently have three different types of cereal, oatmeal, multi-grain, and brown rice.  BJ has eaten all three types of cereal.  I was impressed by the size of the flakes of cereal.  I was used to using Gerber oatmeal brand and these flakes were much fluffier.  The cereals also include DHA and ARA fatty acids, which help brain and eye development.  The cereals also contain Prebiotics (FOS) that aid digestion and protect against allergies.  Both JD and I have allergies (even our dog has allergies) so anything we can do to help BJ not have to suffer with them as well is appreciated.  BJ loved the cereal (although, to be fair, I haven’t really found a food he doesn’t like yet). I loved the piece of mind that I was giving him the best cereal I could find.

We were also fortunate to test out Tasty Brand Organic Fruit Gummy Snacks.  BJ is obviously too little to have gummy snacks so JD and I tried them.  The package says that it is the “Ideal snack for healthy kids and grown-ups on the go.” As soon as the gummy snack hit my husband’s mouth he said it was an explosion of flavor.  These snacks are good!  As a kindergarten teacher, I have had my fair share of gummy snacks and I can confidently say that these are the tastiest and the most nutritious gummy snack that I have had.  The snacks are made with real fruit juice and without high-fructose corn syrup.  It’s a good thing that BJ can’t eat them yet because my husband and I are already arguing about who is going to finish the box. 

The last product that Tastybaby produces is their Frozen Organic Purees.  They have several different flavors to choose from ranging from stage 1 to stage 3.  These frozen organic baby food are gluten-free, sugar free, salt free, preservative free, and contain no trans-fats.  They are blast frozen at the peak of freshness to preserve all the nutrients that you get from homemade baby food.  I love the names of their purees like Bangos, Sweetie Pie, and Hip 2B Pear.  These purees are the next best thing to making your own baby food.  Tastybaby also has recipes you can make using their purees on their website.  Check it out here. 

Buy it:  You can purchase Tastybaby Organic Infant Cereals and Organic Fruit Gummy Snacks from Tastybaby’s website.  You can purchase Tastybaby Frozen Organic Purees from local supermarkets (check out the zip code locater here) or from Amazon.com.

Filed Under: Baby, Food/Snacks, Organic, Review Tagged With: Baby, Food/Snacks, Organic, Review

Late July Organic Snacks Review and Giveaway (Closed)

November 12, 2009 By Mom 108 Comments

This Giveaway is now closed, Thank you!

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Late July Organic Cookie and Crackers…Official fuel for the carefree childhood!

What a great slogan for a fantastic company.  Late July sells cookies and crackers using very selective ingredients to create healthful and quality organic snacks. Late July only uses products produced without dangerous pesticides.  There are no trans fats or high fructose corn syrup in their products, as well as no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.  The milk chocolate in Late July’s cookies is made from sustainably sourced organic cocoa and organic milk from small family owned dairy farms. 

Late July 1

Late July’s newest cookie, Organic Mini Sandwich Cookies, has teamed up with the Jane Goodall Institute to raise awareness of endangered animals and to promote sustainable livelihoods.  Each cookie features one of 7 different endangered animals, the Sumatran Rhino, the Pygmy Rabbit, the Black-Footed Ferret, the Leatherback Sea Turtle, the Red Wolf, the Chimpanzee, and the Giant Panda. 10% of all profits from these cookies will go to the Jane Goodall Institute. 

Late July 2

Late July sent our family a box of Organic Mini Sandwich Cookies in Milk Chocolate and White Chocolate for our review.  I was impressed on how good the cookies tasted.  I didn’t miss the high fructose corn syrup or the trans fats. I like the small size of the cookies. They are the perfect size for little mouths. I am impressed that these cookies carry a message with them with their endangered species design.  As a teacher I am always looking for ways for kids to learn about their environment.  I would feel very comfortable giving these cookies to my family.  You can find Late July Organic Snacks at many grocery stores nationwide.  You can visit their website to find the closest location to you.  My personal philosophies about food are very similar to that of Late July Organic Snacks and I have already purchased more crackers and cookies from them at my local grocery store!  

Deal Alert!

You can receive over $5 in coupons from Late July by emailing your mailing address to offers@latejuly.com.

Giveaway

Win A Box of Late July’s Organic Mini Sandwich Cookies in Milk Chocolate and a Box of White Chocolate Mini Sandwich Cookies along with a sample of a Late July’s Single Serve Sacks

 

How to Enter:

Visit  Late July’s website  and tell something you have learned about this great company.  (You must do this before any bonus entries)

Bonus Entries:

  • Tell me about one of your families favorite snacks.
  • Follow me on Twitter and Tweet: Win 2 Boxes of Late July’s Mini Sandwich Cookies @AMomsImpression http://wp.me/pFQZQ-1D
  • Blog about this giveaway (Please leave a link to your post)
  • Grab my Button and post it on your blog
  • Subscribe to A Mom’s Impression by Email (2 Entries, please leave 2 comments)

Please leave a comment about each entry, include a valid email address or you may contact me directly with your contact information. 

This giveaway will end at midnight on December 6.

Good Luck!

Filed Under: Food/Snacks, Giveaways, Organic Tagged With: Food/Snacks, Giveaway, Organic