Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent - Experiment!

Did you know that the laundry detergent you may be using could contain little-known chemicals called optical brighteners?
According to scientific research, these can cause allergic reactions, are toxic to small fish and other aquatic life, and can pollute your waterways.

When ultraviolet light hits optical brighteners coating your clothing, the brighteners convert UV rays into visible light to create an optical illusion. This tricks the eye into thinking the clothing is whiter and brighter, and therefore cleaner than it really is.

So how can you avoid these optical brighteners? Seventh Generation makes it easy because their laundry detergents are not only free of optical brighteners, but they’re also non-toxic . In addition, because Seventh Generation liquid laundry detergents are both hypo-allergenic and biodegradable, you can rest easy knowing you made a considerate choice for your family and the environment. I have been using Seventh Generation products ever since I discovered them online, and I currently use their disinfecting wipes, which work great! In my (about) 6 months of using them, I have never experienced any problems so I would definitely recommend this brand.

When washed in a conventional laundry detergent that contains optical brighteners, clothes appear to glow under a black light. When you use Seventh Generation liquid laundry products, you won’t see the same glow on your clothing. I tried this out myself using a black light and that is exactly what happened with the two different shirts that I washed! One looked a lot brighter and whiter, since they were originally a cream color, but now I know that my old detergent is actually bad for my clothes.

(This is MyBlogSpark's experiment!) 
Take a look at our experiment in the photo below (also attached). We took two identical organic cotton shirts and washed one in a conventional laundry detergent that contains optical brighteners and the other in Seventh Generation laundry detergent which does not use optical brighteners; we think you’ll see similar results!



Additionally, you can click here to save $1 on the purchase of any Seventh Generation Laundry Product. 

FTC: I received the prize pack from MyBlogSpark for me to review and conduct this experiment but these opinions are my own and are not influenced.

Fiber One Favorites!

With guilt-free and indulgent choices that now taste even better than before, Fiber One helps make it easier than ever to increase your daily intake while leaving your taste buds jumping for joy.

When hunger strikes and you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, Fiber One has you covered with at least 35% of your daily value of fiber in every serving of their cereals and bars. Check out the great new taste of three Fiber One favorites.

• Fiber One Honey Clusters have a brand new flake! Every one-cup serving is full of tasty honey clusters, antioxidant vitamins A and E, and 13 grams of fiber.
• Fiber One Raisin Bran Clusters now contain crispier, lightly sweetened whole grain flakes. With plump, juicy raisins and crunchy clusters it packs 11 grams of fiber and antioxidant vitamins A and E into every serving.
• With rich chocolate chips and a new and improved taste, Fiber One Oats & Chocolate chewy bars are a good source of calcium and contain 9 grams of fiber in each bar.

Your Fiber One favorites, including Fiber One Honey Clusters, Fiber One Raisin Bran Clusters, and Fiber One Oats & Chocolate Chewy Bars are all available at your local Safeway family of stores, so be sure to stop by your local Safeway (or Dominick’s, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Vons, and Genuardi’s) to try the great new taste of Fiber One today! 



The one that I like the most are their chewy bars, because I actually find that the other bars that they have are a bit too hard for my taste, so I enjoyed the oats & chocolate chewy bars a lot.

FTC: I have received all the information from Fiber One through MyBlogSparks and received a prize pack so that I could try out the cereal myself, but all my opinions are honest and not influenced by the company whatsoever!

Hamburger Helper: Show Your Helping Hand Campaign

To raise awareness about the national issue of hunger, Hamburger Helper^® is partnering with GRAMMY^® Award-winning singer, songwriter and actor Tim McGraw to help Feeding America deliver millions of meals to local food banks through the Show Your Helping Hand™ campaign. Tim McGraw will lend his voice to the campaign through a Public Service Announcement which will be distributed nationwide. Click here to view the PSA. I have seen this on TV and thought that it was a great cause to support, and how nice of Tim McGraw to be the spokesperson for this!

You cupport the campaign by simply submitting codes from specially marked boxes of Hamburger Helper at www.showyourhelpinghand.com or by logging on to make a donation. Hamburger Helper has already donated more than half a million dollars and will contribute up to an additional $100,000 to Feeding America through this program. Don’t think one code will make a difference? The 17 cents Hamburger Helper donates per code is enough for Feeding America to deliver one meal to a local food bank.

And you can also have a chance to win an autographed copy of Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice” CD by visiting www.showyourhelpinghand.com! How cool is that! I have listened to it myself and I love country so of course, he's one of my favorites!

FTC: I received a prize pack and the information from Hamburger Helper through MyBlogSpark.

Waterpik SinuSense Review

I received the new SinuSense Squeeze Bottle and Neti Bottle from Waterpik for me to review, which was about a month ago, and my hubby has been using the squeeze bottle every single week since then! I don't know exactly how it works because I have never tried it personally and I'm scared, to be honest, to use it.

But from what I've heard from my hubby, it works very well for his sinuses, even though he hasn't had problems with that in the past, the still wanted to try it. It clears up his head, makes him feel more awake and he loves using it! He really likes the design of it, because it's not a pot anymore, you squeeze gently to get the water flowing and you have complete control over it, so it's a lot more easier to use than the original Neti Bottle.



We decided to give the Waterpik SinuSense Neti Bottle to my brother-in-law since we couldn't use both of the products and he also gave positive feedback on it! He happened to get a cold (unfortunately) last week and was using it everyday until the cold went away, so he definitely saw some great results from it! It made him feel less drowsy, according to him, and made him feel better as well.

Here's some more info on the products:

·         Waterpik SinuSense™  Squeeze Bottle- allows you to customize the amount of water flow for a complete cleanse, simply with an easy squeeze. The SoftSeal™ nozzle maximizes comfort and the One-Way FlowControl™ valve prevents backflow to maintain solution purity.

·         Waterpik SinuSense™  Neti Bottle- a unique approach to the traditional neti pot; its ergonomic shape, SoftSeal™ nozzle and One-Touch FlowControl™ valve make the Neti Bottle easy to hold, comfortable against your nose and creates a controlled gravity-fed water flow that provides a gentle sinus cleansing.

Try one if you haven't before, and are not too scared to use it like me, haha! These will be great if you have to deal with sinus problems and it will ease your pain!

Mix Pups Party!!

I had a Mix Pups birthday party last month, using the Mix Pups MommyParties kit I had received from BSM Media. The party was actually for my cousin's daughter, since she is more age-appropriate for these Mix Pups than my daughter and I knew that she was into animals. She thought that the Mix Pups were so cute and could not keep her hands off of them, even before her party day.

It turned out great, we invited a bunch of her friends and had a fantastic puppy-themed party!
but for some reason, Blogger won't let me upload any photos... And I have no idea why, my computer keeps freezing and it just won't even let me browse for the pictures so I guess I won't be uploading any of them any time soon...
All the little girls (and a couple boys, actually) were amazed by how they could accessorize and customize them, almost like for Barbie dolls. They really got to express their artistic talents and taste in fashion! :)

Anyway, I loved the Mix Pups, they made an awesome gift for the guests to take home and play with, very very fun and worth its price, which isn't even too bad! Get one for your daughter (or maybe son?) this Christmas if they're into playing with dolls/Barbies!

Tiger Suit by KT Tunstall - Album Review

 

Tiger Suit by KT Tunstall was just released October 5th and I was lucky enough to get my hands on it, and I popped it into my computer and have been listening to the whole CD on repeat for a couple of days now! If you didn't know anything about her before this, KT's previous hit songs include - the Grammy-nominated "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree," "Suddenly I See," Other Side of the World" or "Hold On". Other Side of the World and Suddenly I See were my favorites at one point or another, and I probably only got tired of listening to them over and over again, but I've added hem to my playlist again! 

KT's voice is so clear and unique, but I would compare the style of her music to Regina Spektor. They are both great artists and unique in their own way! Anyway, out of all the songs in Tiger Suit, I think my favorite one would be Uummannaq Song because it's got a tribal feel to it but still has a touch of pop song and the usual style of KT, so I love it! It's fast-paced and the background music is just so lovely! It showcases her voice so much and the guitar complements it really well. Also, the variety of instruments used in this song is great and makes it sound a lot better. This song is definitely dance-friendly.

 

For those of you interested, KT will be heading out on tour this fall all over the U.S., so make sure you go out and support her if you can! I bet she would be amazing live.  

The album's rollicking first single, “Fade Like A Shadow" is available at digital retailers now and is already at Top 20 hit at radio.  Check out the video here! 

Another one of my favorites! :)

 

Disclosure: I was sent this CD by One2One Network for me to review here but these are my honest opinions and I am not getting paid to write this.

Crystal Deodorant Review!

Here a some facts about the brand to start ya off:

"Crystal® | Respect the body™

• Crystal® is the original mineral salt deodorant brand (established in 1984)
• Crystal® is a natural deodorant that actually works
• Simple ingredients, simple promise:  All day natural odor prevention
• Mineral salts create an invisible barrier that make it impossible for odor causing bacteria to grow
• Our deodorants are available in 28,000 stores worldwide (including Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid)
  

Product Line:

• Both unscented (Crystal Body Deodorant®) and lightly scented (Crystal® essence)
• Crystal® Body Deodorant is available in 4.5 ounce Stick, 2.25 Oz. Roll-On and 4 Oz Body Spray
• Crystal® essence (Pomegranate, Lavender & White Tea and Chamomile & Green Tea) is available in 2.25 Oz Roll-On and 4 Oz Body Spray
  

A Few Other Points of Interest about Crystal®:

• Mineral salts work as a buffer between your skin and odor causing bacteria.
• Goes on lightly, won’t leave a white residue.
• Won’t stain clothes.
• Crystal Body Deodorant Stick lasts up to a full year of daily use!  NO JOKE!
• Crystal deodorants do NOT need to be reapplied during the day.  A single application under each arm lasts the entire day. ( Can endure even the toughest, longest workouts.)
• Endorsed by Cancer Treatment Centers.
• Rated safest in the Skin Deep database / Environmental Working (www.ewg.org)
• Compact Signer of the Campaign for Safer Cosmetics
• Never tested on animals (member of Leaping Bunny)"
  

Okay, how amazing is that! The reasons I love my new deodorant the most are that it doesn't stain my clothes - unlike my old Dove deodorant, which smelled amazing but would sometimes leave a white residue - and that it will last up to a full year of daily use! And the best part about these is that they're not even expensive! They're actually very affordable, and CVS has an awesome deal right now!

SEPTEMBER Crystal® SALE PRICE PROMOTION: (Not coupons but rather limited time discount)

• CVS & CVS.com sale price September 1 – 30
  

• $1 off the Crystal® Body Deodorant Stick ( http://bit.ly/crystalstickCVS)
  

• $0.50 off the the Crystal® Body Deodorant Roll-On (2009 Winner – All-Time Top 10 Classic Best of Beauty Award by Better Nutrition)  ( http://bit.ly/crystalrollCVS)
  

• $0.50 off the Crystal® essence Pomegranate Roll-On (2010 Winner – Best Natural Deodorant by Better Nutrition Magazine)  ( http://bit.ly/crystalpomCVS)

I liked the smell of the pomegranate deodorant the best, it doesn't have an overwhelming smell and instead, smells very natural and light! I loved the applicators (the roll-on balls) because I've only seen perfumes in that form and have never owned anything like it, even though this product has been around for a while now. Definitely check it out, you will be amazed by the quality and price of the Crystal Deodorants!

One eskimO Review

One eskimO is a critically-acclaimed English band fronted by singer-songwriter Kristian Leontiou and includes musicians Pete Rinaldi (guitar), Jamie Sefton (bass, horns) and Adam Falkner (drums). They currently have the #1 adult alternative song called 'Kandi' which you may have already heard since it's the most played song on all adult rock radio 4 weeks and counting! I love that song! It's my favorite one from the whole album and absolutely amazing and catchy.

Billboard Magazine calls One eskimO's self-titled debut album "...catchy, ambient pop." and Los Angeles Times Magazine hails the song "Kandi" “a beautiful, aspirational track.” The album is available in stores now.
The album release comes in tandem with a full length animated film. “Hometime”, one of the tracks that an animated short was first done with proved to be quite a sensation. It received numerous honors at film festivals around the world, as well as a 2008 British Animation Award.

One eskimO is on tour May/June/July supporting Michael Franti in addition to festivals and headlining shows, so check them out if you ever get the chance! I haven't been to their shows yet but I've heard that they're just all so sweet and are great live performers, so you'll be getting your money's worth with this one.

Happy memorial day! Hope you all enjoyed your long weekends!

P.S.: Get a free download of "Astronauts" by One eskimO via Twitter here - http://bit.ly/97B94S

Ebeanstalk Toy Review

Ebeanstalk takes pride in only having the best and most unique toys on their website for you to buy. They have a team of child experts test out every baby toy before it goes on their website. That way, you know you are getting only the very best learning toys available!
I've recently received a toy to try out from them, and it was very high quality! I was pleased with it.
So check them out at www.ebeanstalk.com.

Playtex Bra Makeover

"Playtex recently launched www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com, a site where women can go to apply for a bra makeover or nominate a friend. If chosen, the winner will be flown to New York to receive a Bra Makeover with style expert Alison Deyette. Deyette is a fashion and trend lifestyle expert who has been featured on Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker and TLC's Ten Years Younger, as well as in print publications including Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, and O Magazine. Apply for your chance to win a Playtex Bra Makeover today. The last day to apply is Friday, May 21st, 2010.

The 10 winners selected for a Bra Makeover will also star in their very own webisode wherein a makeover candidate will receive a fitting with Deyette and walk away with the perfect Playtex products. A new webisode will premier on www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com every two weeks."

Isn't this awesome? Go ahead and nominate a friend or apply for yourself today, the clock is ticking! The website to go to is www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com, make sure you forward this link to all your female friends, they'll appreciate it!

 

Disclosure: By posting this information, I am entered into a contest hosted by Playtex. I did not receive any compensation for this post and thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

BioGaia Probiotic Products Review & Giveaway (CLOSED- Ended 4/17)

Hi everyone, I know that I haven't updated this blog in a long time and I feel bad for abandoning it, but my life has been hectic and I just did not have the time to write any new posts. However, I promise you guys that I will try my best to update my blog more often from now on! Because I love doing this and I love all of you guys out there who are reading this right now! =)

Let's get started... The image above displays the three forms of BioGaia probiotic products: the drops, chewable tablets and straws. I received all three of them from MomSelect a couple of weeks ago so that I could try them out (with my daughter!), review them, and host a giveaway of the BioGaia products right here on my blog. So read on if you want to learn more about this new brand of probiotics, and enter for a chance to win either a 5mL bottle of drops, a 30-count chewable tablet packet, or a 30-count pack of straws from BioGaia!

"Safe and convenient, the three forms of probiotics have health promoting benefits for the digestive and immune systems.  The drops, shown to significantly reduce symptoms of colic, are ideal for infants and toddlers because they can be added to a liquid like juice or water. The chewable tablets or straws work well for older children and are effective in preventing common tummy upsets and all three forms support overall gut health." - MomSelect

All of these products are absolutely amazing and you can use them for children of any age, yes, even infants, because the probiotic drops are specially designed for that purpose to make it easier to get your baby to take this "medicine". Honestly, these are just dietary supplements and I guess some people might consider them to be some sort of medicine, but they do not taste like medicine AT ALL! Which is one of the reasons why it's so great for small children - the tablets taste like lemon-flavored candy (I ate one myself because I was really curious), and they do look like pills but they are chewable as well. The straws just look like normal straws and that's how you use them, but the product is suspended in an oil droplet inside the straws and the probiotic is released after 2-4 oz of fluid has been sipped through the straw.

BioGaia Probiotics are excellent for children and adults alike. Overall, I really like all three forms of the product for the use of small children, even though I have never tried anything like these products before. The concept itself is very cool!
The BioGaia products have been clinically proven to improve gut health, and reduce symptoms of colic in infants. They definitely come with a lot of health benefits and I have recommended them to my friends with younger children, since they will probably find this product more useful that I do.

Time for the giveaway: MomSelect and BioGaia have offered me a chance to host my own giveaway so that one of my lucky readers can win a BioGaia Probiotic Product to try out for themselves!
To enter this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post answering these questions: How old is/are your child(ren)? and Do you or your child(ren) currently take any type of probiotic product?

You MUST have a valid email address in your comment so I can contact you if you win, and it will not be used for any other purposes.

To earn an extra entry, you can post the link to my review & giveaway on your blog, and include the link to your post in the comment. If you are an email subscriber to my blog (you can subscribe using the box in my sidebar, where it says "Enter your email address"), you can even get a third entry into this giveaway, therefore increasing your chances of winning. Just say "I subscribe by email" in your comment!

This contest will run until Saturday, April 17th at midnight, and I will pick the a winner using Random.org on Sunday the 18th. I will email you and ask for your shipping information if you are the lucky winner, but if you do not respond within 24 hours, I will have to pick a new winner!

Good luck to everyone who enters!