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ecostore USA Review + Giveaway (Closed)

Giveaways, Giveaways, New Year, New Mama, Reviews, Reviews

ecostore USA Review + Giveaway (Closed)

189 Comments 05 February 2010

Ecostore-USA logoAs you know one of my resolutions for the year is to pay better attention to the products I’m using with my kids. I think to some extent, going green goes hand in hand with that goal. I want to avoid nasty and unnecessary chemicals and toxins when possible. But, I’m a realist and frankly don’t have time to research every single thing we bring in the home. So, for me, it makes sense to find brands that I can trust and use throughout our house. I think ecostore USA might be a go-to resource and safe, eco-friendly store.

About ecostore USA

ecostore USA  loves making a difference in people’s lives. We are passionate about improving the planet and bringing you everyday household products that are safer and healthier for you and your family. Originating in 1993 as a New Zealand-based manufacturer, wholesale distributor and retailer of sustainable household and personal care products, ecostore USA offers plant-based cleaning products as well as body and baby care products. The guiding principle of our formulations is that the end product must not only be good for the planet, but must also be good for the user.

ecostore USA Baby Care

Formulated from all natural ingredients, including plants and essential oils, ecostore USA baby care products are perfectly suited for baby’s soft, sensitive skin. We’ve been using the Baby Body Wash and Baby Nappy Balm for a couple weeks, and ecostore also offers Baby Shampoo, Soap and Massage Oil. And, you know I love to include photos in my reviews, but I will not be including pictures of my wee ones in the tub or getting a diaper change.

ecostore usa babynappybalmI love, love, love the Baby Nappy Balm. Made of a blend of olive, coconut and sesame oils, the Nappy Balm is a great consistency. It is not thick or goopy, and goes on clear. The first time I put some Nappy Balm on Toddler Girl’s bottom she had some irritation and a little diaper rash. And, I’m not exaggerating when I tell you her bottom cleared up the very first time I used it. I was impressed from that moment. My only concern is that the Balm is in a round glass container, and I’m not looking forward to digging it out when we get down to the bottom of the container. In that respect, squeezable dispensers are easier, but so far the Nappy Balm is worth a little inconvenience.

ecostore usa babybodywashThe Baby Body Wash does include some ingredients I can’t pronounce, but it contains no toxic chemicals, no dyes, no artificial perfumes and no parabens. (And that’s a good thing.) The smell is refreshing, not babyish at all, maybe eucalyptus? It creates a nice lather and is not too watery. I do wish ecostore USA offered a combo body wash and shampoo because, well, I like my products to multi-task like me.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Like I mentioned in the post, the Nappy Balm rid my daughter of a diaper rash the first time she used it. I really love the lightweight, but effective formula. And, most importantly, I like knowing the products contain No Nasty Chemicals.

Or Not to Buy… I’d love to see a combination Body Wash and Shampoo.

Shop! In addition to Baby Products, ecostore USA has products for your home, pets and bath and body. The Nappy Balm and Body Wash are $10 each. And, ecostore USA products are now sold in Meijer stores in the midwest!

Win! A $25 Gift Certificate to ecostore USA.

How to Enter: Visit ecostore USA and tell me one thing you’d like to own.

Bonus Entries – leave a separate comment for each you do:

* Follow ecostore USA on Twitter
* Fan ecostore USA on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this every day, just leave your tweet link every time you tweet.
Win a $25 Gift Card to ecostore USA and avoid
nasty chemicals @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/9f1wcM
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a RSS
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 19. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to ecostore USA for providing a product for the purposes of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

thinkbaby Review + Giveaway (Closed)

Giveaways, Giveaways, New Year, New Mama, Reviews, Reviews

thinkbaby Review + Giveaway (Closed)

263 Comments 29 January 2010

thinkbaby logoOne of my new year’s resolutions is to be more aware of the products my kids are using. Between Bisphenol-A and other unpronounceable chemicals, there’s a lot to be weary of. I figure the least I can do is try to shop smart and try to provide the best products I can for my kids. thinkbaby products are designed specifically with safety in mind and, thankfully, in addition to being safe the sippy cups are actually really great.

About thinkbaby

With a team of physicians and scientists focused on the latest chemical and biological science, thinkbaby continues to lead in the usage of safer materials for baby products. Our efforts are further energized by working with both our leading child advocacy partners and parents who seek alternative products.

Our Experience

I admit, with my goal of finding safe and eco-friendly products, I was a a fan of thinkbaby before I even received the 9 ounce bottles and sippy cup conversion kit. It’s hard to find fault with a company that is based in the science of keeping my kids safe.
thinkbaby bottle and sippy cup and conversion kitThe thinkbaby bottle 2-pack includes two slow-flow anti-colic nipples and travel cap. The conversion kit includes two sippy cup spouts and one trainer cup handle. The transition from bottle to sippy cup is super easy: The trainer cup handle fits snugly over the mouth of the bottle top, the spout replaces the nipple in the top and screws on to secure the handle in place. Toddler Girl has used the cup quite a bit from the time we received it. The handle is easy for her to hold, but we’ve also used the cup spout without the handle. The bottle is contoured so it is very easy for little hands to hold even without the handle.

The most important question for sippy cups, is, of course, the leak factor. I’m happy to report we’ve had very little leakiness! I used the bottle travel cap with the cup spout to throw the cup my diaper bag and while the inside of the cap was a bit wet my diaper bag was totally dry.

Toddler Girl has never really used bottles so I can’t speak to them our how well they work. But I do love the idea of using the same bottles for, literally, years with the ability to easily transition from bottle to sippy cup.

thinkbaby sippy cup review

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… thinkbaby products are free of BPA, Phthalates, PVC, Nitrosamines and lead, and that is a good thing. I love the bottle and sippy cup conversion kit and the ability to use the same bottle for years. My diaper bag appreciates the travel cap that prevents leaks and spills.

Or Not to Buy… The only thing that’s a different about the cup is it has a yellow-y tint to it. It takes a little getting used to and I kept thinking my daughter had gotten something in her water or really dirtied her cup.

Shop! thinkbaby products are available for purchase online. The two-pack of 9 ounce bottles is $16.99 and the Conversion Kit is $6.99.

Win! A thinkbaby 2-pack of 9 ounce Bottles and a Conversion Kit to turn bottles into sippy cups.

How to Enter: Visit thinkbaby and leave a comment telling me the product you’d like to try. (There’s stuff for moms, too.)

Bonus Entries – leave a separate comment for each you do:

* Follow thinkbaby on Twitter
* Fan thinkbaby on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this every day, just leave your tweet link every time you tweet. Win a thinkbaby bottle set and sippy cup conversion kit @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/dziiav
* Blog about this giveaway and include a link to this post and www.thinkbabybottles.com – leave five comments with the link to your post
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy, aka, follow in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a RSS
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 12. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Real Nappies for providing a product for the purposes of this review adn the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Real Nappies Cloth Diaper Review + Giveaway (Closed)

Giveaways, Giveaways, New Year, New Mama, Reviews, Reviews

Real Nappies Cloth Diaper Review + Giveaway (Closed)

264 Comments 28 January 2010

real nappies logoLet me start this review with a big time disclaimer: this was my first dip into cloth diapers. So, if it seems like I’m a beginner at cloth diapers, it’s because I AM. Completely, 100% new to this. My only prior experience with cloth diapers was when I wore them over 30 years ago. So, with that in mind, let’s get on with it!

Even though I have no experience with cloth diapers, when I got the opportunity to review Real Nappies I jumped at the chance. Was I hoping or expecting to be converted from a Pampers mama? Not necessarily. But I have often wished that I had just bitten the bullet and started using cloth diapers from birth with my kids so I was curious and intrigued to try the Real Nappies Intro Pack.

About Real Nappies

Real Nappies look like disposables, but are 100% natural, breathable cotton with a biodegradable liner and are as kind on your baby’s skin as they are on your pocket. They are easy to wash, and ultra-comfortable on your little one. Real Nappies make it easier than ever to do what’s best for your baby and the environment.

real nappies intro pack crawlerThe Real Nappies system is made of 3 parts

  • Nappy Liner: 100% biodegradeable and flushable (it looks like a dryer sheet)
  • Cotton Nappy Insert: highly absorbent 100% cotton
  • Nappy Cover: velcro fastening, leakproof and waterproof polyester

Great Cloth Diaper Experiment – Poo!

When the time came to try our Real Nappies for the first time, I called for reinforcements. My husband and I giggled as we struggled to get the diaper on the correct way, but were quite proud of the result. Turns out the joke was on me because about 10 minutes after getting it on, Toddler Girl pooped. In her brand-newly-washed-and-prepped-first-time-ever cloth diaper. I had waited for her to poo that day before putting it on and everything. But, you want to know what? It really wasn’t that big a deal to clean it. I just dumped the poo in the toilet, flushed and followed the cleaning instructions.

real nappies reviewReal Nappies incorporate a flushable nappy liner that makes cleaning messy diapers a breeze because the bulk of the mess is flushed away. If you chose you can soak the cloth insert before washing, but I didn’t.

Girl Fold

While the Intro Pack does come with an informative guide to using nappies, I apparently needed a remedial course in folding a cloth diaper because I just couldn’t get it right. Luckily, Real Nappies has a couple great YouTube videos. This short video explains a bit about Real Nappies and demonstrates the ideal fold for girls.

My cloth diaper experiment took a turn in the right direction after watching that video and improving the fold. Toddler Girl seemed more comfortable, the diaper fit better and I felt more confident I was doing it correctly.

real nappies giveawayOne the fold is mastered, the diaper fit is simple. There are two velcro tabs that really make it easy to secure and fit snugly and securely. It’s really similar to fastening a disposable diaper, actually, and I imagine it’s quicker and eaiser than snaps or clips.

Real Nappies Collection

Real Nappies are available in four sizes: Newborn (6 – 13 pounds), Infant (11 – 20 pound), Crawler (17 – 30 pounds) and Toddler (29 – 40 pounds). There are several different packages and the larger set you buy the more cost effective.

  • Essentials Pack: 1 cloth diaper, 1 liner, 1 cover $15
  • Top-Up Pack: 6 cloth diapers, 2 covers $39
  • Essentials Pack: 12 cloth diapers, 100 liners, 3 cover $69
  • Birth to Potty Pack: 24 Newborn and Infant, 18 Crawler and 12 Toddler cloth diapers; 800 diaper liners; 6 Newborn, Infant and Crawler and 5 Toddler covers; a number of accessories including swim cover and diaper sanitizer $499

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Overall, the experiment was fairly successful. That YouTube instruction changed the game and gave me more confidence. The Real Nappies system is very easy and not intimidating even for a newbie like me and I think much of that is due to the flushable liner. If you’re considering cloth diapering, I say go with the Essentials Pack and give it a real go.

Or Not to Buy… The Intro Pack is really not enough to get a good feel for what it’s like to cloth diaper, but it’s a great bet if you’re comparing brands and trying to find the best fit for your family.

Shop! Real Nappies are available in the US at RealNappiesUSA.com and on Amazon.

Win! Whether you’re an expert or novice, you can have your own cloth diaper experiment with the Real Nappies Intro Pack.

How to Enter: It’s easy. Visit RealNappiesUSA.com and tell me something you learned about cloth diapering or Real Nappies products.

Bonus Entries - leave a separate comment for each you do.

* Sign up for the Real Nappies newsletter on RealNappiesUSA.com
* Follow Real Nappies on Twitter
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post and RealNappiesUSA.com
Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Real Nappies cloth diaper Intro Pack giveaway @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/bBdtJV
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends February 12. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Real Nappies for providing a product for the purposes of this review adn the giveaway prize. Opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Sephora Giveaway from ShopAtHome.com (Closed)

Giveaways, Giveaways, New Year, New Mama

Sephora Giveaway from ShopAtHome.com (Closed)

950 Comments 13 January 2010

sephora logoEvery year for the past couple years I’ve made the same new year’s resolution: to be a little more “put together” and wear make up like a grown up. I totally admire those women who always look beautiful – hair brushed, makeup applied, tailored outfit. Me? I’m lucky to put on chap stick and brush my hair. It’s not for lack of loving beauty products! I just love, love Sephora. So, no matter what kind of mama you are, ShopAtHome.com has a great giveaway to pamper you and get you beautified!

What is ShopAtHome.com?

ShopAtHome.com is a free shopping portal that:

  • Gives you access to the best deals from your favorite stores
  • Sends you a rebate check 12 times a year just for shopping at your favorite online stores
  • Gives you a great selection of free catalogs, discount magazines, and free e-newsletters

Coupons & Cash Back

shop at home logoAs you know, I love to shop online. With two young kids, it’s simply more practical. So it’s not surprising that I did the majority of my holiday shopping online. Using the ShopAtHome toolbar I earned cash back without even trying – and it really adds up. For example, I bought a lot of toys for the kids at Target.com and earned 5% cash back, I got my husband some mouse thing at Apple and got cash back, and we even got cash back when we booked our rental car through Hotwire.

If you don’t have the toolbar, you can visit ShopAtHome to find coupons and then click through to shop at your favorite store. If you’re looking for makeup deals, the Sephora store page has Sephora coupons, deals and free samples and you earn 4% cash back from ShopAtHome!

Win! Two (2) readers will win a $100 Gift Card to Sephora!

How to Enter: Register with ShopAtHome.com! It’s that easy. AND, the first time you register you get $5 added to your account. Just leave a comment letting me know you’re a ShopAtHome member.

Bonus Entries - leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Fan ShopAtHome on Facebook
* Follow ShopAtHome on Twitter
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet. You may do this every day, just leave your link: Sephora Giveaway! 2 $100 gift cards from @ShopAtHomeWild & @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/8IZbEZ
* Blog about this giveaway and include a link to this post and ShopAtHome.com
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Be a Shopping Buddy: follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect

The Fine Print: Giveaway ends January 27 and winners have 48 hours to claim the prize before a new winner is selected. Membership to ShopAtHome.com will be confirmed by registered email address. Disclosure: I am a compensated member of the ShopAtHome Blogger Advisory Board.
New Year, New Adventures! Coleman Giveaway (Closed)

Giveaways, Giveaways, New Year, New Mama

New Year, New Adventures! Coleman Giveaway (Closed)

211 Comments 11 January 2010

coleman giveawayThe holiday season may be over, but the Coleman Twitter 50 days of giveaways continue! It’s the perfect time for this giveaway on The Shopping Mama, actually, because you might remember that one of my new year’s resolutions is to step away from the computer and get active with my family. Coleman is a great resource for all kinds of outdoor gear – from camping to tailgating to backyard adventures.

About Coleman

Our current catalog is thick with recently introduced products that make spending time outside a pleasure. There are coolers that keep food and drinks cold for several days. Airbeds that are comfortable and won’t deflate during the night. A complete line of LED lights that are really bright and last a long time. Portable grills that are powerful and cook with an authentic open-grill flame, and much, much more.

coleman giveaway basketYou’ll also be delighted to know that I found something at Coleman just for shoppers, too! The Collapsible Basket is perfect to throw in your trunk and use for errands. I also found lots of great products for the home, including organization and storage products.

Shop! Visit Coleman.com for everything you need for your family’s adventures.

Coleman 50-Day Gift Card Giveaway on Twitter: Follow @ColemanCampfire on Twitter for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate every day. Just tweet this and you’re entered: If I #win today’s @colemancampfire $25 gift card #giveaway, I’ll buy…

Win! To celebrate the Twitter giveaways, Coleman is offering a $25 Gift Card to one lucky reader of The Shopping Mama.

How to Enter: Follow @ColemanCampfire on Twitter AND  visit Coleman.com and leave a comment on this post telling me one thing you’d love to own (and include your Twitter name).

Bonus Entries - Valid only after you complete the first entry above. Please leave a separate comment for each you do:
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet. You may do this once a day: Win a $25 Coleman gift card. It’s a new year for new adventures! @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/5PnrxN
* Fan The Shopping Mama on Facebook
* Blog about this giveaway including a link to this post and Coleman.com (leave five comments including your link)
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader
* Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post on The Shopping Mama

The Fine Print & Disclosure: Giveaway ends January 22. Open to US mailing addresses only. Thanks to Coleman for providing the giveaway prize. The opinions expressed are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

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