natural — MomStart

Reduced Environmental Footprint with iQ Cleaning Solution

July 6, 2011 By Momstart 10 Comments

I’d call myself a brand loyalist. I have select brands I love to use in my life, and I use them religiously. For my cleaning I use a store bought concentration. I fill the bottles myself and am sometimes too lazy to use a funnel so I lose valuable product and it really is money down the drain depending on that day’s aim. I have recently been converted to a REFill® (Reduced Environmental Footprint) cartridge technology by the iQ cleaning line which involves reusable bottles and no mess, perfectly measured concentrated cleaning solution for my entire house.

EASY! In the first picture, is the reusable bottle and cartridge (so you know what you’re looking for). The middle picture is the reusable bottle filled with water to the premeasured line. The cartridge has been placed and rests on top of the bottle; a hole in the middle of the cartridge is just the perfect size for the straw of the spray nozzle. The last picture is me attaching the spray nozzle to the bottle at which time the cartridge released the cleaning concentrate. Brilliant, no? Any the best part … wait for it … no, don’t … YOUR CHILDREN can do it! Get your children to help you clean and making it fun as they can watch the mixture form. “The mix” is made from plant based and ecologically sustainable ingredients.

The iQ cleaning line, brought to us by Planet People, reduces plastic waste by 80% by having purchasers switch to 3½-inch REFIlls eliminating the need to product millions of fill-sized plastic containers. iQ also helps save the environment by not shipping “water” across the continent. Erin Green, president of Plant People, “It takes an astonishing gallon of crude oil to make just 29 bottles of household cleaner and even more to transport it across the country or continent. For a product that is 95% water, the costs to the environment – and to the consumer – just don’t add up.”

The iQ Starter Kit, which includes your refillable bottler and one REFill cartridge, will run you about $5. Then a REFill replacement cartridge will only dig into your pocket for approximately $2 each.

I love iQ. It cleans perfectly, smells great (you know the clean smell – they have it nailed with hints of green tea, bamboo berry, nectarine and plum), and is easy to use! Highly, highly, highly recommended from me; as I stated, I’ve converted to iQ.

You can purchase Plant People products, including iQ and REFill cartridges on Drugstore.com, Alice.com, or a local retailer near you. Locate the Planet People on their website, and also find iQ cleaning products on their site. Find out more about iQ cleaner by Liking iQ Cleaner on Facebook. Track the Planet People and their products on Twitter @PlanetPeopleCo.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Summer:

Summer is very active in our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm.

Filed Under: green Tagged With: green, iQ cleaner, iQ cleaning line, iQ cleaning solution, natural, natural cleaner, Reduced Environmental Footpring, REFIll

Jenerations Baby Collection: Organic Shampoo, Lotion, Gel, and Conditioner

June 3, 2011 By Momstart 3 Comments

Founded by hairstylist and salon owner, Jennifer Reilly, jenerations baby enables mothers to feel comfortable in developing healthy hair and body care regimens for their children at a young age while bringing sensitive and organic products to the children’s market. The jenerations baby collection includes shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, body lotion, body wash and soap with prices ranging from $7.00 – $15.00.

I received four samples from jenerations baby and I loved the smell of each of the products.

Jenerations baby Shampoo Bodywash

The shampoo and bodywash is lightly scented completley natural and organic made with extra sensitive mild ingredients. Including extracts of comfrey, chamomile and rosemary giving it that wonderful scent. Plus, NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels. Hypoallergenic and physician tested. It’s the ultimate in luxury for your little one!

Jenerations baby Head to Toe Lotion

The baby lotion keeps your child’s skin smooth and silky with a light creamy fresh smell. The lotion has the moisturizing shea butter and sweet almond oil in it giving you a non greasy easy absorbing feel. There is NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels. 100% sulfate and paraben free, completely natural and organic, hypoallergenic, and physician tested.

Jenerations baby Hair Gel

The baby hair gel is a great consistency to work with. And yes, I use gel on my kids and even used it on Miles at a very young age. I loved his curls and would do anything to keep them in. This safe children’s hair gel is completely natural and organic, and 100% sulfate and paraben free. Define curls, tame flyaways, or simply create a fun style of your own! Contains NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels. Hypoallergenic and physician tested.

Jenerations baby Conditioner No Tangles

Zoe loves to have her hair braided but the tangles kill us both. Or at least they kill our mood. I have to use either a detangler or conditioner. With sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, and panthenol, this conditioner adds moisture and shine like none other. 100% sulfate and paraben free, completely natural and organic, hypoallergenic, physican tested, and with NO lavender or tea tree oils, which may cause unhealthy increases in hormone levels.

Filed Under: green, organic, review Tagged With: Conditioner, green, Hair Gel, Jenerations baby, lotion, natural, organic, Shampoo

The Ecological Solution to Moisture & Odor Zeelytes Review

May 2, 2011 By Momstart 3 Comments

I live in the Pacific Northwest and you’re known for our moisture … well maybe more for our precipitation, but it does tend to stay moist in my pantry, bathrooms, laundry area and closets. If you have the same problem then I can recommend Zeelytes to you!

Zeelytes will help you with your PLEDGE TO STAY GREEN and $ave green.

You’re save energy costs of running fans; According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “Dessicant dehumidification could reduce total electricity demand by as much as 25% in humid regions.” You’ll ask save by extending the shelf life of your food by reducing moisture, the spread of bacteria, and cross contamination. I’ve had mine in my pantry for about a month now and I’ve VERY impressed; the can tell the difference in my pantry were I store my potatoes, garlic, and onions. They aren’t stinking up my pantry and they are lasting longer than their normal shelf life in my pantry.

Zeelytes also works in air conditioners and makes them more efficient as it pulls the moisture out the air which reduced the amount of energy your AC needs as it will work less to process the air it’s pumping into your house.

Zeelytes is an environmentally friendly green product that is 100% biodegradable and non-toxic. Zeelytes is made from Zeolite which is a naturally occurring porous mineral. Zeelytes obtains their Zeolite from mines in the United States. Zeolites are also listed by the FDA to be GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe), which designates a substance safe by experts. Plainly, Zeelytes is safe to be in your pantry and refrigerator or other areas of food storage.

To get your own Zeelytes shop their site. EWize Zeelytes can also be found on Facebook.

About Summer:

Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.

Filed Under: green, Summer Tagged With: absorbs moisture, Dessicant, Eco friendly, green, natural, Zeelytes

At Last Naturals Gift Basket Giveaway

February 28, 2011 By Momstart 235 Comments

You know I had a hysterectomy over a year ago and I don’t have PMS exactly but I’m having a lot more trouble controlling my emotions than I used to and I wasn’t exactly sure what to do about it. So I decided to give a few At Last Naturals products a try. At Last Naturals are a line of all natural products for women developed by a woman. Each product helps an ailment we all receive from PMS or menopause. At Last Naturals are available in topical creams, gels, and as herbal supplements. Each were primarily developed to restore the body to optimum balance helping women to embrace that change in life. Each Wild Yam product includes a proprietary blend of wild yam root, which is also known as Dioscorea. Wild Yam is known for helping to assist with natural PMS relief, as well as relief from perimenopause and menopause imbalances. Out of fear of giving anyone medical advice, or saying anything is a cure all, that I’m not qualified to give, I’m just going to give you guys the product descriptions and let you decide for yourself if you wish to use them.

At Last Naturals "Get Lucky" Sweepstakes

Test your luck this month and enter for chance to win the At Last Naturals, “Get Lucky” Sweepstakes! Each week during the month of March one lucky winner will be randomly selected to win the At Last Naturals gift set including the entire line of At Last Naturals and much more! Connect with At Last Naturals on Facebook (www.facebook.com/atlastnaturals)!

About two-thirds of regularly menstruating women experience PMS to some degree, with symptoms including insomnia, headaches, food cravings, breast tenderness, etc. At Last…a way to help….

At Last Naturals® Wild Yam Cream

This natural cream is rich in diosgenin, a plant compound derived from wild yam that is structurally similar to those found in the body that can naturally help support women gently and effectively during times of imbalance. This, together with its exceptional moisturizing properties, the Wild Yam Cream assists the body in fighting hot flashes, mood swings and other menopausal, perimenopausal and PMS related issues. Suggested retail price: $16.95

Wild Yam Extra Strength Gel

Formulated for women experiencing more bothersome symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings and other menopausal, perimenopausal and PMS related issues, the extra strength gel offers a higher concentration of diosgenin (derived from wild yam). At Last Naturals Wild Yam Extra Strength Gel assists the body in fighting more severe symptoms related to menopausal, perimenopausal and PMS. Suggested retail price: $21.00

At Last Naturals® Wild Yam Vaginal Gel

The non-irritating, water-based gel formula with Vitamin E provides naturally soothing relief for vaginal dryness and to help restore a women’s natural lubrication. Use every day, during sexual activity or as frequently as needed. Suggested retail price: $8.95

At Last Naturals^® Wild Yam Meno-Herbs^®

An all-herbal tablet formulation containing not only diosgenin, a plant compound derived from wild yam, but also a proprietary blend of key botanicals, such as red clover, dong quai, black cohosh, raspberry, chaste tree berry and other important herbs for women. It works synergistically to help balance and support the female system. Suggested retail price: $16.00

At Last Naturals^® Meno-Herbs2^®(with Protykin^®)

An all-herbal, proprietary tablet formulation made with 10 botanicals, as well as Protykin^®, a standardized Trans- RESVERATROL high potency 200:1 extract of Polygonum cuspidatum (root). This powerful antioxidant and cardioprotectant contains 50% phytoestrogens (natural plant estrogens). As a phytoestrogen, Protykin^® helps provide natural menopause relief by helping maintain normal estrogen activity, reducing hot flashes, balancing mood swings and promoting healthy bone density. Derived from the root of Polygonum cuspidatum, an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, Protykin^® contains more than 1,000-times the amount of the same antioxidant ingredient in red wine that is believed to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the effects of premature aging. In addition, the formula contains red clover, black cohosh, dong quai, wild yam, raspberry, chaste tree berry and other important herbs for women that work synergistically to help balance and support the female system. This unique, extra-strength herbal combination provides a rich source of isoflavins and natural plant estrogens. It can be taken alone or as a safe and effective adjunct to the entire At Last Naturals^® topical line.Suggested retail price: $24.50

At Last Naturals^® Equigest^® Progesterone Cream

This external cosmetic progesterone cream is applied to specific areas of the body to deliver just the right combination of quality ingredients to help maintain a healthy hormonal balance. At Last Naturals^® Equigest^® Progesterone Cream contains USP micronized progesterone (the process of micronization allows for steady, even absorption). USP classifies the progesterone as the highest quality available. It is formulated in a cream base that also contains vitamin E, vitamin A and pure aloe vera. Suggested retail price: $26.00

Always consult your doctor before starting to use any new regimen.

Enter to Win:

· At Last Naturals Wild Yam Cream (2-ounce tube: $17.75)

· At Last Naturals Wild Yam Extra Strength Gel (2-ounce tube: $22.50)

· At Last Naturals Vaginal Gel (5-ounce tube: $9.75)

· At Last Naturals Wild Yam Meno-Herbs^®(90 tablets: $17.75)

· At Last Naturals Meno-Herbs2^® (with Protykin^®) (90 tablets: $26.95)

· At Last Naturals Equigest^® Progesterone Cream (2-ounce tube: $26.00)

Total Value $120.00

This giveaway is open to US and Canada

To Enter:

Leave me a comment telling me which product you are most interested in trying.

Extra Entries:

Like At Last Naturals on Facebook

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

At Last Naturals Gift Basket #Giveaway http://bit.ly/gW0zSI Value 120.00 US & Canada Ends 3/14

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This giveaway ends March 14th. Summer received samples to facilitate this review. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: At Last, Dioscorea, hysterectomy, menopause, natural, perimenopause, PMS

Eating Healthy and Natural Bear Naked Soft-Baked Cookies

January 31, 2011 By Momstart 2 Comments

By Summer:

I’ve been trying to stay within my calorie count for each day as I’ve been actively trying to reach my weight lose goals using Lindsay Brin’s 60 Day SlimDown. So lucky for me, Bear Naked offers deliciously, natural cookies you’d swear are homemade had you not just opened the box. The bonus over homemade is having the calorie count and other nutrition statistics on the box, and you won’t eat half the cookie dough while you cook (when I make cookies it becomes “two spoonfuls on the tray and one in the mouth”). To Bear Naked, my mouth (and waistline) thanks you … and kids like them too!

The Bear Naked^TM 100% Pure & Natural Soft-Baked Granola Cookies are offered in two flavors: Double Chocolate and Fruit & Nut. Like all Bear Naked’s products, these cookies are made with minimal processing and contain NO high fructose corn syrup, NO artificial preservatives, NO artificial flavors, NO cholesterol, NO hydrogenated oils, and 0 grams trans fats. Calling their cookies pure means you can read, recognize and pronounce all the ingredients in Bear Naked’s 100% Pure & Natural Soft-Baked Granola Cookies. All the cookies can now be purchased in major grocery stores nationwide as well as online. An 8-count box is $3.19 SRP. These high quality treats offer the nutrition of 10g of whole grains and simple ingredients for natural energy to fuel the everyday lives of active people.

So here’s the deal … REALLY A DEAL!!! You can join the Bear Den FREE and you’ll also receive 5% off every online order. You’ll get 100% YUM for less! Joining The Den will also connect you with other healthy, active people. Keep up with Bear Naked on Facebook and Twitter @LiveBearNaked to stay up to date on the latest.

Lastly, let me leave you on a green note (as would be my nature). Bear Naked has taken a proactive environmental stand by continuing to serve you even after your snack is gone. Bear Naked has partnered with TerraCycle^TM to reduce the amount of bags that end up in landfills by repurposing them into products such as backpacks, shower curtains, umbrellas, and t-shirts. When you help Bear Naked with their Sustainable Packaging Project you also get to either earn points to get repurposed gear of your own, or earn cash for a school or organization of your choice.

In order to write of this post I was given full box samples of each cookie variety.

About Summer:

Filed Under: green, natural, review, Summer Tagged With: Bear Naked, Bear Naked Cookies, cookie review, green, natural, savings, Soft-Baked Cookies, Terracycle

Interview with Bethenny Frankel From The Real Housewives of New York City to Pampers Ambassador

January 30, 2011 By Momstart 5 Comments

Last week I had the opportunity to interview Bethenny Frankel over the phone. Bethenny is a new mom to a 7 month old girl named Bryn, she has been learning how to juggle being a mother while maintaining a career as a famous business woman. Bethenny is widely known for her role in The Real Housewives of New York City and for being a natural foods chef who has a no nonsense attitude about feeding your children healthy home made food.

I really enjoyed interviewing Bethenny, I found her responses real and relatable as a mother of two children myself. I haven’t seen a single episode of The Real Housewives in any city, can you believe that? So because I live under a rock, I had no idea who Bethenny was until Pampers introduced her to me. To me, she’s another busy mom with great advice on how to juggle being a mother and a career.

Check out her great responses on feeding your children natural home made food, juggling parenthood and a career and learning how to deal with much less sleep. Oh and I love how she said that Pampers Baby Wipes are her most used item with Bryn. I have to say, we use a LOT of Pampers Clean ‘N Go Wipes.

Pampers Gifts to Grow is a rewards program for purchases of all the diapers and products you use from Pampers. When we first started using diapers, programs like this were on a hiatus and I’m so excited that Pampers brought it back. I love rewards programs. For every package of Pampers diapers you purchase you can enter the rewards points to use when you reach a certain amount towards different items you may want. If you check out the Pampers Facebook page you will see that a Radio Flyer is valued at 5,075 points. Pretty cool!

I’m a member of the Pampers Baby Board and I was under no obligation to publish this post or interview!

Filed Under: Announcement Tagged With: Bethenny Frankel, clean n go, healthy eating, natural, pampers, Pampers gifts to grow, pampers wipes, rewards program, The Real Housewives of New York City

In Kind Hair Care, Facial Care, Hand Care and Body Care made from Natural Ingredients Giveaway

January 9, 2011 By Momstart 366 Comments

I wonder how many times this year you’ll see me say, “oh how I love to take a bath” or something along those lines. I love taking baths and trying out new bath time products. Between this blog and using coupons and sales, I haven’t purchased shampoo for myself in three years. (oops, last time I went to the salon I did buy a shampoo, ‘cause I thought I needed a color safe shampoo (all the good that did)). Aside from that, I’ve tried quite a few products and this is the first product that my husband actually said something about.

He said I smelled really nice!

Which products did I use that day?

I used the new In Kind products from Safeway. You may already know that Safeway is a leader in healthy living products like O Organics™ and Bright Green™. Because of their desire to improve healthy living Safeway is proud to announce entrance into the natural, personal care category with In-Kind™ for the body, hair, face and hands. Developed by leading category experts, In-Kind is a comprehensive line of natural products that deliver nurturing personal care from head to toe that smells delicious.

I received the Daytime Facial Firmer with shea butter, Sensitive Body Lotion with aloe and chamomile, Moisturizing Shampoo with sunflower seed extract, and Natural Hand Soap with mint and green tea extract to review.

The In-Kind line is exclusively available at the Safeway family of stores, including: Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Dominick’s, Carrs/Safeway, Randalls, Tom Thumb and Genuardi’s. It features 30 new, affordable products that contain natural ingredients including grapefruit, cucumber and mint extracts as well as coconut, rosemary and olive oils. These products effectively cleanse, moisturize and nurture the body, while protecting it from harsh chemicals and synthetic colors that can be harmful to the body and damaging to the environment.

In-Kind uses a unique system called Oleosome Technology that naturally provides more effective moisturization without emulsifiers that can cause skin irritation.

That’s important to me because I have extra sensitive skin, my face being the most sensitive of all. Each of the products that I tried had a different smell and each one reminded me of the ingredients it was made with. One of my favorite scents is coconut and the shampoo smelled beautifully tropical with that coconut flavor.

Enter to Win:

In-Kind spa package filled with all the same great products that I tried (Daytime Facial Firmer with shea butter, Sensitive Body Lotion with aloe and chamomile, Moisturizing Shampoo with sunflower seed extract, and Natural Hand Soap with mint and green tea extract), as well as Facial Foaming Gel with grapefruit extract and Exfoliating Facial Scrub with rosemary

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite natural scent is.

Extra Entries:

Tweet:

In Kind #Natural Spa Package #Giveaway http://bit.ly/ezRvYo

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Leave a comment for every entry, This giveaway ends January 24th. I received the samples listed above for review purposes. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway, green Tagged With: Body care, facial care, hand care, In Kind, lotion, natural