Teething Got You Down? Camilia by Boiron Review

Teething. The thought makes me shudder. And yet, at just almost 4 months it seems that's where we are heading all too quickly with Miss Annie! My kids are early teethers and very slow, painful teethers. We get fevers, rashes, icky diapers, etc. that lasts for months. And sleep if there ever was any, out the window! I've tried Tylenol, Motrin, amber necklaces and other homeopathic tablets. For my son, nothing worked! Until a friend introduced me to the wonders of these bitty little drops...

Oh Camilia, how I love thee! Let me count the ways... 

How Not to Screw Up Your Kid

Thirsties All in One: Review

The other day I was placing my millionth Amazon order for Camilia(more on that stuff later) and you know, just can't resist the 25$ minimum order free shipping. Crafty, crafty marketing! In addition to the things we truly needed, I decided to get a new cloth diaper to try out: The NEW Thirsties All in One! Honestly I didn't even know it was new at the time. Then after ordering of course saw a ton a buzz on the 'net about them.

Look at me lookin' like I have some clue as to what's going on(not really).

Bottombumpers AIO diaper: Review

Who doesn't love a bitty in some cloth diaper fluff?!

Honeysuckle Breastmilk Storage Bags

In my quest for breastmilk storage bags, this time I turned to Amazon to see what was out there. Sure, I could get the usual Lansinoh or Medela in town. But I haven't been thrilled with them. The Medela ones were just too small and stiff in my opinion. And Lansinoh I dislike even more. After using them for almost 4 years, I decided we were through playing the 'Is this one going to break and we'll lose all that milk?!' game. 

Silikids Siliskin review

A little while back I was sent a pair of Silikids Siliskins for baby food jars to try out! My kiddo is largely past baby food now at 16 months but we do still carry some on the go for emergency snack situations. (He is always hungry) Silikids carries several different silicone sleeves that are great for all kinds of things. First, here's the baby food jar skins in action:

Here you can see the small and large size jars to get an idea of what they look like. 

It is probably hard to discern, but there are bumps to aid in grip. 

And here's a side and bottom view. The hole on the side I used to pull the skin on the jar. It was easy. 

Silikids is a relatively new company started by a couple of moms tired of the toxic garbage in kid products. (We can relate!) They opted for silicone as it's safe, clean and hygienic. This is due to silicon's non-porous properties. It's easy to sterilize, germs in general can't hang out and it's soft, making it great for many different uses. Silicone also is not made with BPA, lead, PVC or phthalates. 

The idea behind these silicone skins is to reduce breakage in your diaper bag or via dropping your glass jar, bottle, etc. The skin both protects the item and serves to give you(or baby) a better grip. They are dishwasher safe; technically you could even throw them in the freezer or microwave. There are several siliskins you can purchase of varying sizes- including ones with the glass or glass bottle already in them!

I've been carrying around those two jars in my bag for a good week now. They've taken all the standard beating, getting banged around, dropping the bag, stepping on the bag, etc. So far, so good! We'll be taking them with us to Arizona tomorrow. I'd really love to try the 6oz glass 4-pack that Silikids carries, too. We have some well-known plastic sippie cups we've been using and I'd love to toss them and go to glass. Plastic issues aside, dentists for years have been saying it's better to get our kids to use cups rather than sippies, anyways. They are also on my list to buy for my kids' Kleen Kanteens. Every time they drop their Kleen Kanteens I cringe; wouldn't have to if we had Siliskins on them!

You can purchase Silikids Siliskin products on their website at www.Silikids.com! The pair of baby food jars is only 6.95. Definitely worth checking out if you are a glass user or wanting to switch to glass but concerned about things getting broken.

Follow Silikids on facebook and twitter. 

**I received product in order to provide my opinion and experiences; I was not compensated monetarily. The words contained herein are my own and not influenced in any way.**

SCOTT Naturals review- 4 Week Test Drive

The company SCOTT Brand, known for their paper products like napkins, paper towels and bath tissue, has recently come out with a new line called Scott Naturals! SCOTT Naturals are a made with a blend of recycled and new materials. The result are hybrid products that both perform well and are kinder to our environment. 

(Sorry, wasn't smart enough to grab a picture BEFORE I opened and used the product!)

I've been participating in their 4 Week Test Drive to see just what I think about their new products firsthand. Now I'll preface the following with this was actually a little difficult for me. 'How hard can it be to use paper towels and napkins, Stacy!?' Well, you'd be surprised how hard it is to break a 4 year habit! Since shortly before my daughter was born, we switched to using mostly cloth. That being said, I recognize cloth is not for everyone and am thankful for efforts being made by companies to use more recyclable materials. SCOTTS Naturals Brand Manager Jennifer Nobui states, 'If we all used SCOTT Naturals products for four weeks, we'd save over two million trees.'

So obviously, if cloth products aren't an option in your home, it would be eco-prudent to consider using ones that contain recycled material. I can hear what you're thinking. 'I've tried them before and (insert product here) fell apart, didn't work well, wasn't soft, etc.' Oh yes, I've been-there-tried-that 1-ply recycled toilet paper!(Yuck!) But after giving SCOTT Naturals a go for the past 4 weeks, I can tell you they are indeed both functioning and eco-friendly.

Here's a break down of what I tried:

Bath Tissue: SCOTT Naturals tissue is 2-ply and contains 40% recycled material. Even the packaging is made from 20% post-consumer recycled plastic and the cardboard tubes are 100% recycled material. 

My take: Not bad for a recycled bath tissue. My family will tell you, I've bought some pretty tough stuff, but I've heard no complaints from them while using SCOTT.

Paper Towels: SCOTT Naturals towels are made from 60% recycled material. They also offer the option of using half a sheet versus a full one. The packaging is again 20% post-consumer recycled plastic and the cardboard tubes are 100% recycled material. 

My take: I really can't tell a huge difference between these and ones made from all new materials. They function just as they ought! And amazingly enough I actually WAS thankful to have them available while struggling with morning sickness. We'll leave it at that. 

Napkins: SCOTT Naturals napkins are made from 80% recycled material. 

My take: I love that they have such a high content of recycled material. Again, you really can't tell the difference between these and those made from all new materials. They were quite handy for my daughter's tea party!

Flushable Moist Wipes: SCOTT Naturals flushable moist wipes are made from 100% sustainable resources. Available in tubs or refill packs. The tubs contain 30% recycled material, the refill pouches contain 25% and the bags the pouches come in are 20% recycled material. 

My take: This is the only product to date we haven't used. Why? Because I'm saving them for Arizona! What better test than a 24 one-way trip with 2 kids?

I found it interesting how the recycled content percentage varied from product to product. Part of me wishes it were all 100%, but the logical part of me knows that isn't possible if we want a product that people will actually use. (Because I totally know just how fun that 100% recycled, 1-ply tissue is!) Bottomline, I truly believe you'll find SCOTT Naturals to be a quality, eco-friendly alternative to products made with no recycled materials. 

'Take the 4-Week Test Drive' Sweepstakes!

(From the sponsor) In honor of Earth Month, the Scott Naturals brand is challenging Americans to take an easy green step by testing out its line of hybrid paper products for four weeks- and to enter the brand's 'Take the 4-Week Test Drive' sweepstakes for a chance at winning a new 2011 Ford Fusion hybrid sedan.

For more details and official sweepstakes rules, visit www.ScottBrand.com. Promotion ends 9/30/11.

SkinMD Natural Shielding Lotion review

A few weeks ago I was sent a bottle of SkinMD Natural Shielding Lotion to try out! I'll be honest- I'm not a huge lotion fanatic. You won't find me at a certain large bath products shop as scents make me nauseous and we're really trying hard to reduce product use in the home that contain parabens, sulfates and the like. SkinMD is definitely my kind of lotion, although it took me a while to really start to use it since it hasn't been habit.

This little bottle packs a lasting punch!

What I like best about the Shielding Lotion is how non-greasy it goes on. A little bit goes a long way and it absorbs readily without leaving you feeling like you might need to wash your hands to rid the residue. It also doesn't have a scent, which I greatly appreciate(as does my husband). Of course the big question is if it works- and I'm happy to say that under the most dire, roughed up, dried-out gardening hands, it truly does.

This is all I put on. Initially you can apply every 2-8 hours, then once or twice a day. I probably use it twice a day due to gardening. 

In the last week of gorgeous weather we've really put the Shielding Lotion to the test. One of the worst things I get from gardening without gloves(I know, I know, just can't stand wearing them!) are these prickly bits of skin that stick up on my fingers and grab on to anything with texture. Getting dressed can be pure torture!  However, after a couple applications of the lotion, the condition of my hands greatly improve. Even to the point I can pull on my cotton, sweater-knit top and not cringe!

There are other things I appreciate about the SkinMD Natural company. For one, they don't do any animal testing. They are also free of animal products and use 100% solar energy to manufacture their product. If only every company made such efforts.

SkinMD Natural has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and you can even request a sample to try before purchasing here! They have two formulas; the original and one with SPF 15. You can purchase on their website or use the store locator for a retailer near you.

Catch up with SkinMD Natural on facebook and twitter for the latest news and deals.


***I was sent a complimentary bottle of lotion in order to base my review; it in no way influenced my review and the words contained here are reflective of my honest opinion and experiences with the product.***

Muttaqin Diapers review

We've been cloth diapering in our family now for about 3 1/2 years. Along the way I've literally tried a hundred different kinds of diapers on both my daughter(who's almost 4 and potty learned since 2 1/2) and son(13 months). One of my favorites I've tried in every size is a Muttaqin diaper- fondly referred to as 'mutts'  by diaper enthusiasts.

Podsshoes and Patterns review

A few weeks ago I noticed my sweet prince's tiny toes pushing against his soft shoes. Time for a new pair! Now that he is a walker(and so proud of himself) I think it important he have something more than socks on his feet while walking at the store, church, mall, etc., but also don't want to impede the natural forming of his foot and gait with an improper shoe. After much debate I decided to stick with a traditional soft shoe with no padding or cushion until the next pair. 

Moo Custom Business Cards review

A couple weeks ago a friend told me about this company she was getting business cards through- Moo. Curiosity- in part due to their name- got me to check them out. And then I had to upload a picture and test out their program. Which led me to, of course, buy some. And I don't regret it! Check out my sweet business cards:

Wildtree with Amanda- Review

This past week I had the pleasure of testing out a product from a line that's new to me- Wildtree! Wildtree products are all natural; peanut free, msg free, additive free and dye free. That is very important to me- I try not to serve products to my children if they do not meet that criteria! Amanda from Wildtree kindly sent me a box of their focaccia mix and the Whole Wheat Pizza Dough.

Winks & Daisies- Birth, Engagement, Wedding, Holiday cards

Are you needing a last minute, inexpensive holiday card? Or maybe a birth or wedding announcement? Check out Winks & Daisies on etsy.com!

Hevea Pacifier Review

A couple weeks ago we were sent a pacifier from The Natural Baby Company by the brand Hevea Baby.

Hevea Baby USA is a company that seems to have gone above and beyond everything they could think of in terms of sustainable material and a solid design. The packaging itself is even recyclable and printed on 100% recycled paper with soya-ink.

CSN Stores.com and BabyKicks Review

Remember my teaser post on a CSN Review here?

What I decided to test out was... the BabyKicks Organic Fitted Diaper!

I know. Over 200+ stores and I choose a cloth diaper. What can I say? We love cloth! At one point after I first started cloth diapering my then 4 month old daughter, I actually dreamed about them. Maybe I shouldn't tell people that... moving on!

Eufora Fortifi review

I've been using Eufora products for 3+ years now- having been introduced to their company through a local salon. After my daughter was born, it was time for a haircut! I'd been having a lot of post-baby hair loss and was really starting to worry about it. Due to my infrequent haircuts(two a year?) and the texture of my hair(a little wavy/coarse/dry), my stylist recommended trying Eufora's Moisture Cleanse shampoo and conditioner. In the past I've found certain big brand products to really strip my hair and dry it out terribly. Eufora did not do this and I was pleasantly surprised at the condition of my hair when it was time for the next haircut. No split ends were in sight! My hair loss had also slowed considerably.

Coming Soon! CSN Review preview

If you are not already familiar with them, I'd like to introduce you to one of my favorite places to browse and shop online: CSN Stores.com.
CSN Stores.com is an online mecca of just about anything and everything you could possibly want. With over 200+ stores a person could browse for days(in your jammies!) and still find something new the next time they visit.

Ella's Kitchen- It's in my bag!

I first heard about Ella’s Kitchen organic baby food through a  few blog reviews I read back in August. Everyone that tried them loved the products, but I wasn’t convinced. Why would I need them if I make my own baby food?

Do you have your legs? BabyLegs, that is!

It was at an online cloth diaper store a few years ago I first set eyes on rainbow stripes and fell in love! My daughter was an infant at the time, maybe 5 months old. We were getting into cloth diapers and all their fun accessories when I came across those BabyLegs. It didn’t take long after that for my baby girl to be known by her funky leg warmers and cloth diapered bum!