Lifefactory Glass Beverage Bottles

Feb 28,2012 / By Maria / 1 Comment

Without going into great detail, I wanted a reusable bottle that wasn’t plastic or metal (that leaves glass, LOL!) and was easy to sip without a straw. It also needed to be easy to clean, and I preferred not to have to unscrew a lid each time. I’d heard of Lifefactory glass baby bottles, and I happened to be browsing around the time their flip tops were introduced. They were (and still are at the time of my writing) part of Amazon.com’s buy 3 get 1 free promo, so I bought 4!

They have a silicone sleeve to make it easier to grip & less likely to break (though they are still glass of course!) You don’t have to remove the sleeve to wash the bottle, and the whole shebang is dishwasher safe.

They are available in 22 ounce bottles and 16 ounce bottles. I pre-ordered all 4, but only the 22 ounce bottles arrived. The 16 ounce bottle hasn’t shipped yet.

The tops are interchangable between sizes, and you can buy the tops separately.

The flip top moves all the way back out of the way, or just push it back a little bit. The handle makes it really easy to carry.

I haven’t broken one yet and the water tastes great. The opening could stand to be a tiny bit bigger. I like the oval shape (I don’t dump water on myself) but it kind of makes a “glug glug glug” noise as the water comes out.

The 22 ounce bottles (including flip cap and sleeve) are $24.99. 16 ounce bottles are $22.99. The bottles with the standard screw on caps are cheaper, and Amazon’s prices are a little less all around.

I love these & I wish they had a thick glass “cup” with sleeve for kids who are too big for sippies but not quite big enough for regular glasses!

FTC compliance: I purchased the pictured items at normal retail prices, with a promotion available to the general public. I was not compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

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Zoe b Organic Sleepy Hat & Natursutten Pacifier Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 12/29)

Dec 22,2011 / By Maria / 4 Comments

I talked about Zoe b Organic last month when I reviewed their fantastic anti-plastic dishes. Zoe b is also the U.S. distributor for Natursutten pacifiers, and they sent me both a Natursutten pacifier and a Zoe b Organic Sleepy Hat.

Natursutten pacifiers are unique, natural rubber pacifiers. Interestingly enough, the protein that can provoke a latex allergy is eliminated during production.

The pacifier’s box is made from FSC certified cardboard, printed with non-toxic soy ink colors and has a window made from corn starch. A small sticker made from rock closes each box. They’ve avoided extra plastic, cardboard and redundant double wrapping.

With a NATURSUTTEN pacifier, you avoid:
• Allergy causing substances
• Artificial color
• Cancer causing substances
• Hormone disturbing substances
• Chemical softeners
• Parabens, PVC and phthalates

NATURSUTTEN pacifiers are softer than silicone, and are very hygienic because they are molded in one piece without joints or cracks where dirt and bacteria can accumulate.

Zoe B’s FAQs answers questions like “why is the shield so big” and “why should I pay more for rubber.” They say that yes, your baby should look like Maggie Simpson. This made me laugh out loud since my husband pointed out that our son totally looked (and sounded!) like her! Pacifiers retail for $7.95 each and are available in several sizes and styles.

Zoe b’s Sleepy Hat is a totally unique hat with a flip-down mask that blocks out light and visual stimulation.

Andrea Verity, the mom originally behind the Sleepy Hat, used to have a lot of trouble getting her son, Ethan, to take naps, especially when they were traveling or visiting family. Starting around 3 months of age, he was much more interested in being awake then going to sleep, no matter how tired he was. Then she used a baby hat to cover her son’s eyes. It instantly cut her exhausting and frustrating sleep-time routine from thirty minutes to five! It also prevented Ethan from waking prematurely. But, after using the regular hat to get Ethan to fall asleep for just a few days, she began to see the need for a better-designed product than a regular baby hat. First, the hat that they were using didn’t have a contour for the nose. Second, it had become stretched, leaving a gap at the eyes and allowing light to come in. Third, she didn’t like having to pull on the hat and shift its position on Ethan’s head, in order to cover his eyes. Finally, they would get funny expressions from people passing by who were wondering why Ethan’s eyes were covered. She wanted a product that would communicate that her baby was having a nap.

After searching for something that fit their needs and coming up empty-handed, Andrea decided to make it herself. Eventually she came up with a hat that looked great, functioned well, and was safe to use. She gave the hat a flip-down mask so that the hat stayed in one place whether the baby was awake or asleep. Finally, she added the graphic of closed eyelashes on the flip-down mask so that others would know that baby was asleep.

We know that some babies fall asleep on their own without fussing. But most do not. Andrea made the Sleepy Hat available to other parents so that they could get some downtime, too.

The hat is designed for babies 3-9 months old, who are able to pull it off if it bothers them. The adjustable top knot and breathable fabric help ensure your baby’s safety, but this product is really designed to block out light & stimulation while you’re on the go and watching your baby.

Hats are made in the U.S.A. and retail for $16.99 each!

Giveaway: One reader will receive a Natursutten pacifier (ARV $7.95) and a Zoe b Organic Sleepy Hat (ARV $16.99.) Combined retail value is $24.94.

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Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Crib Mattress Review & Changing Pad Giveaway (CLOSED 11/29)

Nov 22,2011 / By Maria / 6 Comments

Post contains affiliate link I mentioned during the virtual baby shower event that I really wanted to get my son a new crib mattress. He was using a hand-me-down mattress from my daughter, which was about 7 years old. It was cheap to begin with, and the side she had been using was cracked. I have no idea what brand it was, but it was white vinyl with pink & blue flowers printed on it, and it was about as far from organic as you can get!

I heard about Naturepedic online and was immediately impressed. They have a long, long list of certifications including: Greenguard, Certified Organic Mattress Manufacturer, Organic Exchange and more. They’ve received numerous awards and recommendations as well.

When my husband as carrying the mattress upstairs for me, he was really surprised to see the “Made in the U.S.A.” sticker. He said something along the lines of “whoa, you don’t often see that!” Yep, Naturepedic products are made in the U.S.A. in Ohio!

From Naturepedic’s website:

Why Choose a Naturepedic Mattress?

Simple. The health and safety of your child should not be negotiable.

Naturepedic products eliminate hazardous chemicals found in conventional mattresses while offering a more natural and non-toxic alternative for parents. In addition, Naturepedic does not sacrifice critical features and benefits such as waterproofing and a hypoallergenic design. With so many “organic/natural/eco” options available (cotton batting, soybean foam, coconut husks, natural latex/rubber, wool, etc.), it can be difficult to differentiate among the various offerings.

Naturepedic was founded by a quarter century environmental engineer familiar with hazardous chemicals. Through in-depth research, Naturepedic has identified and selected the most natural and non-toxic materials that make sense on a practical level. All Naturepedic products follow these principles and priorities:

Priority #1: No harmful chemicals.

Priority #2: No allergenic materials.

Priority #3: Natural, organic and renewable materials wherever possible.

Priority #4: Practical design (e.g. easy-to-clean waterproof cover).

Priority #5: Third party independent testing and verification.

Naturepedic backs up its product development with scientific data. In particular, Naturepedic products are regularly tested for chemical emissions and are certified by GREENGUARD® to meet their strict standards for children.

Naturepedic doesn’t just have crib mattresses, they have twin, full and queen size organic mattresses, organic sheets and pillows, organic mattress pads & toppers and organic mattresses for bassinets, mini cribs, portable cribs, even organic mattresses for oval and round cribs like the Stokke Sleepi!

I was thrilled to receive the 2-in-1 Organic Cotton Ultra Baby Crib & Toddler Mattress.

This mattress is really unique, in that one side is a firm, waterproof organic cotton fabric, and the other is a softer, quilted organic cotton fabric (not waterproof) that looks and feels like a traditional, “grownup” mattress. The filling is organic cotton, and the mattress has 252 coils with heavy duty edge support. The firmness meets pediatrician and CPSC recommendations for crib mattress safety. However, I laid the mattress on the floor and tested it out myself and it was quite comfy!

The hypoallergenic design doesn’t have any wool or latex, and the non-toxic fire protection (based on the unique fire retardant properties of baking soda and hydrated silica permanently bonded to cellulose) meets fire regulations without using questionable chemicals. The organic cotton filling is also significantly less flammable than the polyurethane foam contained in most crib mattresses.

I am using the waterproof side (which isn’t at all gross, crinkly, vinyl-y, hot/sweaty etc.) for now. Any accidents or messes can just be wiped up.

When we switch over to the toddler bed, and my son has the night time potty thing mostly down, we’ll flip the mattress over to the quilted side (using a waterproof pad on top, just in case!)

The crib mattress measures 27.75″ x 52″ x 6″ and also fits toddler beds. The mattress fits snugly, which is recommended for optimum safety. However, I didn’t find it difficult to get the mattress into the crib either. Pardon the wrinkly sheet! It was a clean one I’d just put on and it had been in a drawer, not exactly neatly folded, LOL.

Naturepedic products are premium products that have been designed with the help of pediatricians, orthopedic specialists, chemists, and engineers, so I’m not surprised that the classic crib mattress starts at $259. The 2-in-1 mattress I reviewed retails for $399. However, this is a truly organic crib mattress, with none of the chemicals or hazards associated with traditional mattresses. They are an incredibly high quality product, and I would expect it to last from birth until your child is ready for a twin bed, however long that is. They are even backed with a limited lifetime warranty. Naturepedic is also a family owned business and the products are made in the U.S.A.

You can shop for Naturepedic products on their website, or find a store near you.

Be sure to check out the Naturepedic blog, sign up for the Naturepedic Newsletter, “like” Naturepedic on Facebook, follow Naturepedic on Twitter and subscribe to the Naturepedic YouTube Channel.

~~Naturepedic also sells fabulous Organic Contoured Changing Pads, and one of you is going to win one! This prize has a $99 value!!~~

Organic Changing Pads

Waterproof Organic Cotton Cover

Features a luxurious organic cotton fabric with a clear 100% polyethylene food-grade waterproof coating. Non-allergenic and easy-to-clean.

Organic Cotton Filling

Pure, Natural, and chemical-free

Firm Support

Features Air-Core™, a non-toxic environmentally friendly support layer made from
100% food-grade polyethylene. Air-Core is a network of closed cell air pockets that provide a firm and comfortable base without the toxic properties of polyurethane foam and the allergenic concerns of latex rubber.

Non-Toxic Design

NO Vinyl, PVC, or Phthalates
NO Polyurethane Foam
NO Latex or Wool (for allergy concerns)

2-Sided and 4-Sided Options Available

Features Safety Buckle to Secure Baby while Changing
Easy Snap Screws Secure to Dresser
Measures 16.5″ x 33″ x 4″

Giveaway: One winner will receive a 4-sided organic contoured changing pad (ARV $99.) Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.

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Zoe b Organic – Fantastic Anti-Plastic Dishes Review

Nov 9,2011 / By Maria / 3 Comments

I actually learned about Zoe b Organic because they are the US distributor for Natursutten pacifiers (which I will also be talking about after the baby is here!) The founder, Valerie Lecoeur, considers herself a “green mom” but not an “eco-evangelist” so I am already identifying with the Zoe b brand!

They have fantastic anti-plastic products (not just my opinion, it’s their actual name) including fantastic anti-plastic toys (biodegradable, eco-friendly, BPA free, made in the USA beach toys!) and fantastic anti-plastic dishes, A.K.A. “kidishes!”

OK, so what makes them so special? Well, they’re BPA, PVC and Phthlate free first of all. They are dishwasher safe (they’re not certified microwave safe yet, but they are working on it!) Anti-plastic? Huh? Yep. They’re actually made from a biobased material that comes from American-grown corn! (Specifically, this bioplastic from Mirel™ is made with PHA, a polymer produced by microbial fermentation of sugar.)

The material they use is more heat-resistant than other corn based products, and they are the first & only corn based dishes you can wash in the dishwasher (as much as you like! They are durable!) Despite being so durable, Zoe b’s bioplastic fully biodegrades in 2 to 3 years when buried in soil, immersed in water, home composted, or composted in industrial facilities.

I received a 3 piece fantastic anti-plastic dish set, which includes a bowl, plate and tumbler for $15.99. You can also purchase a set of 3 fantastic anti-plastic bowls or a set of 3 fantastic anti-plastic plates for $18, or a set of 3 fantastic anti-plastic tumblers for $12.

The first thing I noticed is how much they look like actual dishes vs. plastic. Though they are durable and can be thrown, dropped etc., they look much more like ‘big boy” dishes than “baby dishes,” and my son is getting to that age where it matters! They’re also stylish and easy for little hands to hold, with their modern shapes and colors. My son loves them. In fact, he was looking over my shoulder as I was uploading these photos and he pointed and said “that’s mine!” 🙂

You can buy Zoe b products online, or find a store near you!

Be sure to check out the Zoe b blog, Zoe b Organic on Facebook, Zoe b Organic on Twitter, and Zoe b Organic’s YouTube Channel!

FTC compliance: While I did receive a product at no charge for review purposes, I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own.

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Canadian Wooly Snowballz Wool Dryer Balls Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 11/10) US/Canada

Nov 3,2011 / By Maria / 7 Comments

Victoria began Canadian Wooly Snowballz when she was frustrated by the amount of time that it took for her cloth diapers to dry and was worried about what chemicals were being released by the plastic dryer balls she was using.

Why wool dryer balls?

The dryer balls bounce around, separating your laundry and cutting down on dry time. There are no chemicals like with dryer sheets and no residue to hurt your diapers. You simply put 3 or more in with wet clothes, and be sure to check your laundry early, since they will cut down on drying time!

I received three dryer balls in the natural color. They are really pretty, which is weird to say about something that’s supposed to be utilitarian (and I chose the natural, the colors are even prettier!)

I’ve used them in every load of laundry since I’ve received them (several weeks x at least 10+ loads per week.) Over time they may become “fuzzy” which doesn’t affect their performance, but you can use a sweater shaver if it bothers you!

You may be curious about how noisy they are. They are supposed to be quieter than plastic dryer balls, but I’ve never used those. I took two short videos.

First is the dryer balls with a very small load of laundry (about 12-15 cloth diaper inserts only.)

Next I used them in a regular sized load of laundry.

They are a little loud with the tiny load of laundry, but in the larger load you just hear an occasional thump!

I want to get a few more (the more you use, the more they cut down your dry time) and see if cutting a few hours of dryer use per week out will lower my electric bill!

Receive 10% off your entire Wooly Snowballz order with coupon code CD10OFF (expires November 30th, 2011.)

Giveaway: One winner will receive three wool dryer balls in his/her choice of brown with cream accents, cream with brown accents, cream, or multi-colored (ARV $20.) Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.

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Category : Eco-Friendly/Green

Lifefactory Glass Beverage Bottles

Zoe b Organic Sleepy Hat & Natursutten Pacifier Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 12/29)

Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Crib Mattress Review & Changing Pad Giveaway (CLOSED 11/29)

Zoe b Organic – Fantastic Anti-Plastic Dishes Review

Canadian Wooly Snowballz Wool Dryer Balls Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 11/10) US/Canada

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