Category : Review

Natural Household Products Review

Staples Sustainable Earth Multi-Purpose Cleaner Review

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sustainable earth
When I think “Staples,” I think of office supplies (love office supply stores by the way, I’m weird, I know.)  I really don’t think of cleaning products, let alone earth-friendly products.  Staples does sell things like coffee, snacks and bottled water, as well as cleaning products, to make it a one-stop shop for an office or small business. 
They have just introduced a new line called Sustainable Earth.  The products are ammonia and phosphate free, and meet the Green Seal Environmental Standard for household cleaners.  The line consists of Mult-Purpose Cleaner and Glass Cleaner.  32 oz bottles sell for $2.99 and one gallon refills sell for $9.99.
I had the opportunity to try the Sustainable Earth Multi-Purpose Cleaner.
earth friendly cleaner
I used it to clean my counters, vanities and sinks.  All of my surfaces were clean with no streaks.  I used it with a microfiber towel that I received with a diaper (I prefer to use sewn inserts in my diapers.)
I ended up going on a bit of a cleaning frenzy and dusted everything, including our wood blinds.  They are so hard to get dust-free but it worked!

sustainable earth

It didn’t work as well on glass, so I’d recommend using the glass cleaner instead!
sustainable earth
I tried cleaning it again with a clean rag, but it was still streaky.
staples sustainable earth
I ended up using windex (shame on me, I know!) to get it clean.  I’d be interested to see how the glass cleaner performs, since the multi-purpose cleaner worked so well on other surfaces.  I never have good luck with multi purpose cleaners on glass!
The Sustainable Earth Multi-Purpose Cleaner contains Bio-based ingredients, and the ingredients read: Water, cleaning agents, corn-based ethanol, fragrance and colorant.  It has a mild scent, but I think it would be fine without the fragrance or colorant.  I’m also very curious as to what the cleaning agents actually are.
I am always happy to see affordable, “greener” options in mainstream stores, I think it’s a step in the right drection!
FTC compliance: I received a 4 oz. sample container of Multi-Purpose Cleaner for review purposes.  All opinions are my own.  I was not compensated for this post.
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Baby Wearing Coupon Discount Review

Boba Baby Carrier Review PLUS Coupon/Discount Code!

 boba

NAP, inc. makes both the Sleepy Wrap and the Boba Baby Carrier.  The Sleepy Wrap was a lifesaver for us.  I love it so much that if I could marry it, I totally would.  So logically, when I was looking for a soft structured carrier, I looked at Boba.  The Boba is designed for babies 15-45 pounds; if you have a smaller baby, you will love the Sleepy Wrap!

My post in October on  The Village of Moms is on Babywearing, so look for that to read more about the Sleepy Wrap and why I love it, along with photos and video of it!

boba carriersoft structured carrier
 
babywearing

I received the Organic Carrier in Aspen (retail $118), which is a nice, neutral color.  The box it came in is really nice, I felt like I was opening a present!!  It also came with a helpful instructional booklet, though you can also get information on their website.  Boba recently released the Classic Carrier Collection.  It is the same great carrier in fabulous colors, but comes with a lower price tag of $100 to go along with the non-organic cotton.

boba baby carrierboba carrier
 

The Boba has a wide, padded waist band, and thick, cushy shoulder straps.

boba baby carrierbabywearingBaby

The sleeping hood attaches to the shoulder straps to support a snoozing baby’s head.  It’s completely removable and tucks away neatly when not in use.

Boba

Unique to the Boba are the fully adjustable (and removable) foot straps, that provide proper leg support for older children (usually age 2 or so) and hold their knees up at hip level.  They also slide along the waist band so you can get them perfectly adjusted for your little one.

babywearingnapbabywearingsoft structured carrier 

Measurements above show: (clockwise, left to right) carrier height, carrier width, waist band height, strap width.

Baby

The Boba is highly adjustable, and will fit a wide range of sizes.  The adjustments are sturdy straps that come with the excess neatly folded up.  Aside from the foot strap and hood adjustments, you can adjust the waist, chest/back clip, move the chest/back clip up and down, and there are two adjustments for the shoulder straps themselves (seen above).

Below is a quick video demonstrating all of the adjustments on the Boba.  I did this video when I first received the carrier.  It becomes easier over time to adjust the straps, and I’d recommend sliding each one back & forth many times when you first receive it, before trying to adjust it while wearing it.

The carrier was a little intimidating at first with all the straps, but it was so easy to put on!

baby carrier

I did most of these photos and videos with my camera on a tripod while my husband was watching my son, so I had to recruit a model to help me out!  Obviously, he is a little smaller than the minimum 15 pound baby the Boba recommends.

babywearing

boba baby carrierboba soft structured carrier

Clip the waist belt and adjust the strap.

boba

bobaboba carrier

In the pictures above, I had one strap on my shoulder before I picked Manny Bear up.  Normally, I could pick up my son and hold him against my belly.  Supporting his bottom with one hand, pull one shoulder strap up.  Switch hands, supporting his bottom with the other hand, and putting the other shoulder strap on.

boba carrierboba baby carrier

Fasten the chest/back clip and tighten.  I had a little trouble tightening the back clip, and with NAP Inc.’s help I discovered it was easier to tighten this all the way before putting the carrier on, and tightening the shoulder straps instead.  I am far more petite than the average petite person (I measured my shoulder width at about 15″) so I need most adjustments all the way tightened to feel secure.

babywearing carrierboba babywearing 

Below is a quick video showing me putting the carrier on:

I will admit that it took quite a bit of playing around to get the fit just right, but once I did, it was wonderful.  I didn’t know about all these awesome babywearing products when my daughter was small, so my babywearing experience with her was limited to the baby bjorn.  Not only is the front facing carrier not recommended for several reasons, but it put so much strain on my shoulders that I couldn’t carry her for more than a few minutes, even when she was tiny.

boba babywearing carrier

boba soft structured carrier

boba carrier

One of the most important things about the Boba (to me) is that my son is sitting the same way he would be if I were holding him.  His legs are held in a natural position.

boba

My husband is more average sized, and the carrier fits wonderfully on him as well.

boba carrierboba baby carrier

bobaboba babywearing carrier 

My husband also tried him on his back, but it was about bedtime and my son was not happy that I was taking pictures of him instead of holding him!  We’re happy with the front carry right now with my son’s size and development, but the fact that we can use it in a back carry is great!

babywearingboba babywearing soft structured carrier 

In conclusion, we LOVE the Boba Baby Carrier!  My son is so happy when he is in it, and it’s very comfortable.  I was sad when he seemed to be getting too big for the Sleepy Wrap, but now I can grocery shop, vacuum and do everything else I need to do in complete comfort.  Woo-hoo!

Discount: Use coupon code Boba10 to get 10% off any Boba Baby Carrier.

FTC Compliance: I received the above product at no cost in order to review it.  I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.  I was not requested or required to write a positive review.


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Baby Legs Deodorizers Detergents Giveaway Made in the USA Review WAHM made

Kickin’ Creations Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 9/21)

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kickin creations
I originally contacted Mandy of Kickin’ Creations to buy some wool dryer balls.  As it turned out, she was not happy with the new method she was trying (at the time) for making them, and didn’t want to sell any to me until she was pleased with how they ended up.
We got to chatting and I agreed to review her cloth diaper safe laundry detergent, deodorizer powder (pail powder) and baby legs.  (She also sells sugar scrubs, burp cloths and more!)
kickin creations
Kickin’ Creations items are normally shipped in nice, heat-sealed bags.  Since mine were samples, they were shipped in regular baggies. 
kickin creations packaging
I received the detergent and pail powder, both in Wild Cherry Blossom scent.  Other scent options include: Sweet Pea & Jasmine, Lavender Essential Oil, Apple Cinnamon, Fresh Linen and Unscented.
cloth diapers
I’ve had such a hard time with detergent, that I was really surprised and impressed by Kickin’ Creations.  Like the other scented detergents I’ve used, the scent was very strong.  I could smell it as soon as I opened my mailbox!  I’m a little more sensitive to smells than others, so I put the detergent and pail powder in an OXO container for storage.  Like that, it made my laundry room smell great!
cloth diaper safe products
Each bag of detergent contains up to 70 wash loads, and sells for $15.00 plus $4.95 shipping.  A half-batch sample pack sells for $8.00 plus shipping.  The instructions are to use 1-2 tablespoons (3 to soak, less per load for an HE machine.) 
kickin creations
The first time I used it, I used a little more than I needed to.  After that, I used a little bit less, and while the laundry room smelled great while washing, the diapers rinsed clean.  When they were finished, they had a faint scent, but just smelled clean.  I used the whole bag (it lasted at least a week, I should have kept track!) and it worked wonderfully.
I use a Planet Wise large hanging wet bag as a pail, and don’t have a lot of stink issues.  However, since I’ve started washing every other day, things get a little…eh…”gamey” by wash day.  The Stink Be Gone All Purpose Deodorizer Powder is available in the same scents as the detergent, and a 10 ounce package sells for $5.00 plus shipping. 
If you used it in a shaker bottle (relabeled for safety!) like an empty baby powder or spice container, it would be very easy to sprinkle a bit in your diaper pail or trash can. I just shook a little bit out of the bag onto the diapers as I added them to the pail & noticed some stink.  It really did a good job of neutralizing the odor.  My laundry room (where I keep my pail!) smelled fresh, not like flowery dirty diapers, hee hee.
baby legs
Last up are the baby legs.  You really have to cut me some slack on my pictures.  Lately, trying to photograph my son feels like trying to photograph a squirrel on redbull.

baby legs

The pair I received are navy blue, and like other WAHM baby legs, they are made from knee socks.

kickin creations baby legs

Mandy also makes a “Tiny Legs” version of baby legs for 0-3 month olds.  They sell for about $5.00 plus shipping.

kickin creations baby legs

I am looking forward to using these when the weather gets cooler and he gets that chilly gap between socks and pants!

kickin creations

Kickin’ Creations sells both in the Cuties with Cloth Booties Congo (CWCB) on Hyenacart and the Bliss Congo.  Her CWCB store stocks tomorrow, September 15th.

Giveaway: Mandy is offering one reader his/her choice of any one in-stock item!  (Value up to $15.00)


Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below.  Feel free to leave a comment about the post, or simply to remind yourself that you entered however, comments will not be counted as entries.  Mandatory entries include name, email address and the item you like best after visiting the Kickin’ Creations CWCB store.  You may “like” the Kickin’ Creations Facebook page for a bonus entry, and double your chances!  This post will be updated daily (or so) with the # of entries received, for those of you who like to know your odds.


I will accept entries until Tuesday, September 21st, 2010 at 9 P.M. Eastern.  I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email.  View my giveaway rules page for complete details.  This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

# of entries as of September 21st, 2010 at 8:30 P.M.: 116

https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dGU1UERuRFczdnBUUTNqeXVjMWo3aVE6MQ

FTC Compliance: I was provided with review samples for the cost of shipping, and a giveaway winner will receive a free item as well.  I was not otherwise compensated for this post; I was not required or requested to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

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BPA Free Eco-Friendly/Green Review

Munchkin BPA Free Dinnerware Products Review

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bpa free munchkin

Since my kids are pretty far apart in age, all of the dishes and such we used when my daughter was little are nearly 5 years old now.  Not only did we not know about BPA then, but some of the stuff was looking a little worse for the wear.

munchkin bpa free cups bowls plates

I went hunting at the best place ever, Target, and these Munchkin products caught my eye.  I didn’t buy everything at once, but each time I looked for something new, my eyes seemed to go to Munchkin again.

snack cup

The first thing I bought was the 2-pack of snack catchers, which were $4.49 at Target.

bpa free snack catcher

They have a soft lid, which is secure and easy for little hands to reach through.  The handles make it easy to hold.  The only spills we’ve had were because my son shoved his fist in, then turned it upside down!

baby snack cup
It”s hard to see here, but there is a place on the bottom to write your child’s name!
snack catcher
It holds 9 ounces of snacks.  The first time I used it, I grossly underestimated the amount of snacks he would eat, LOL!
snack time
Next, I bought the plates, cups and bowls.
dishwasher safe
The cups and bowls were $2.99 for a pack of 5, and the plates were $3.79 for a pack of 5 (also at Target.)  They are again, BPA free and dishwasher safe.  While I’m not totally loving the pink & purple for my son, they have a gender neutral fishy pattern on them.
The curve of the bowls make it easy for little hands to hold it in place while scooping.  My son gets excited when he sees the bowls because he thinks it’s yogurt time!
thirsty baby
The cups are also perfectly shaped for little hands to hold. 
baby drinking from cup
They do leave a little red mark on his forehead though.  Tee-hee!
stainless sippy
So lastly, I was looking for a hard spout, BPA free sippy cup (preferably insulated) since until now, we’ve just been using Born Free soft spout cups.
munchkin sippy cup
I thought this Munchkin Sippy was a little spendy at $9.99 for a single 9 oz. cup, but it’s insulated, and it’s actually stainless!
9 oz sippy cup
I was a little disappointed to learn that it isn’t dishwasher safe, but the design is simple, and a quick wash in soapy water gets it clean & ready to use again.  Really, that’s good since I don’t need to have multiples to use while others are in the dishwasher.
spill proof cup
It doesn’t leak, if you remember to put the valve in (not naming names, ahem!)

Munchkin makes tons of products, and I’d definitely look to them next time I’m searching for something!

FTC Compliance: All items featured in this review were self purchased at normal retail prices.  All opinions are my own.

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Cloth Wipes Diaper Accessories Giveaway Made in the USA Review WAHM made Wipes Solution

Ruby Moon Cloth Wipes & Wipe Solution Bits Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 9/13)

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ruby moon cloth wipes

Ruby Moon is a Mom owned company that makes all natural cloth diaper detergent, laundry detergent, pail powder, cloth wipes, wipe bits and wool wash bars.  I received wipes and wipes bits to review.

cloth wipes
The wipes are flannel and terry cloth, and have color coordinated stitching.
cloth wipes
They measure approximately 6″ x 6″.
cloth wipes
They are a little smaller than other wipes that I have, and also a bit thicker.
cloth wipescloth wipes

While I do prefer my diaper wipes slightly larger and thinner, the Ruby Moon wipes have been serving as excellent hand and face wipers for my son!  Wipes are available in feminine, masculine or gender neutral prints.  6 wipes are $11.95, 12 are $21.50 and 24 are $35.95.  Ruby Moon can also make custom wipes to match your nursery, theme or even use fabric you already have.

ruby moon wipes bits
I also received a sample package of Ruby Moon Natural Wipe Bits.  They are made with Shea butter soap, oatmeal and lavender.  2 oz. of wipe bits (and a wipe) sell for $4.50. 
ruby moon
I think wipe solution bits are a great deal.  I use my solution in a spray bottle, and in about 10 or 11 months, I’ve used a sample pack of one brand, and barely made a dent in a pack of another.  Depending on how you use your solution, and how much you use, one pack could last months!
cloth wipes solution bits
cloth wipes solution
cloth wipes solution sprayDissolve 1-2 cubes in a cup of water.  I like my solution light, so I use just one.  I also prefer to use bottled water since it takes me so long to go through it!
cloth wipes bitscloth wipes solution

Allow solution to cool, then pour into your spray bottle, Peri bottle, or however you choose to use it.

I found the scent to be very light, like a mild soap.  It did the job of getting my son’s tush clean with minimal wiping, and did not irritate his skin!

While supplies last: Mention me when you order, and get a free wipe!

Want to read more about cloth wipes and solutions, including how to fold wipes to pop up in a wipes container?  Check out my Cloth Wipes Post on The Village of Moms!

Giveaway time!  Ruby Moon is offering a 6-pack of wipes in the winner’s choice of girl, boy or gender neutral, along with a package of wipes bits; a combined retail value of $16.45.


How to enter: All entries go in the form.  Entries left in the comments will not be counted.  Feel free to leave a comment to remind yourself you entered.  I will also be updating the post daily(ish) with the # of entries received, for those of you who like to know their odds!


Mandatory entries include name, email address and your favorite product from The Ruby Moon Online Store.  Bonus Entry: “Like” Ruby Moon Laundry Wash on Facebook.


I will accept entries until Monday, September 13th, 2010 at 9 P.M. Eastern.  I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email.  View my giveaway rules page for complete details.  This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.


# of entries as of 9/13/10 at 7:30 P.M: 111

https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dFRaQ1lsUEtJS2gxSHdmdFZfUVlvdmc6MQ
FTC Compliance: I was provided samples for review purposes at no charge, and a giveaway winner will receive a free item as well.  I was not otherwise compensated for this post; I was not required or requested to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

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