Eco Store Baby Products Review

No Nasty Chemicals™ is the foundation of the entire product line and philosophy of ecoSTORE USA. I love that motto! And this company really lives that philosophy. They have some really great articles on their website such as: "What is Green", "Health Is Not a Fad", and more really cool videos and information about their products.

EcoSTORE USA was founded over 15 years ago by Melanie and Malcolm Rands from their home in an eco village in New Zealand. All of the families that lived in the farm based eco village shared a commitment to organic growing and healthy living, making this an ideal environment in which a young, environmentally conscious business could thrive. Each household in the village was responsible for their own waste water, which quickly highlighted the problems caused by using regular supermarket cleaning products that relied heavily on cheap, petroleum-based, synthetic ingredients. Faced with the challenge of protecting the pristine rural waterways of the eco village, Malcolm Rands began to research and seek expert help from scientists to develop household cleaning products using plant-based ingredients that would biodegrade safely and quickly. That is how ecoSTORE got its start! Pretty cool, right?



I received a few of their baby products after reading more about this company and finding many things I loved. One of my favorite things is that when I go to look at ingredients, I see a short list, and there are no dangerous ingredients at all! We are talking NO toxic petrochemicals, lauryl or laureth sulphates, propylene glycol, dyes, artificial perfumes, parabens, cocamide DEA, or other icky stuff! LOVE THAT!



Their Baby Body Wash is a gentle cleanser that smells fresh and natural. You only have to use a small amount, which is nice, and it is very cost-effective! It doesn't have a baby scent, so you can use it for adults too!



The Baby Shampoo that I also tried was much of the same - a very gentle shampoo that you can use everyday, but you don't need a lot for it to be effective. Since it is so gentle, you don't have to worry about it irritating your baby's eyes or skin either. Again, I think you could definitely use this on adults too, since the smell is just a neutral, natural fresh scent!



I would have loved to see some or all organic ingredients, but I do still appreciate that I don't have to worry that there are dangerous ingredients being absorbed into my or my child's skin.



These products are both very reasonably priced at $10-$11 for an 8 ounce bottle, and I do recommend them, because they are not only safe for your family, but they are safe for the environment at the same time. You can order them online or find them at Meijer or Duane Reade locations near you!

Belvedere Designs Review and Giveaway

I love decorating rooms, especially when it is a baby nursery! Until recently, I had never really used vinyl wall decorations, but boy am I glad that I was introduced to them and use them now. Today I want to introduce you to Belvedere Designs, makers of custom wall quotes, vinyl letters, vinyl wall art and wall sayings.

Isn't this wall art absolutely beautiful?

Their wall quotes and vinyl decor are so gorgeous and ever so creative! I love the fonts they use, the way they design the quotes and sayings, and the beautiful wall art. It is such beautiful artistry!! They even make vinyl wall art that you can use as a bed headboard. How creative and cool is that?

Have you read the book, "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch? Well, it is my absolute favorite book to read to my son, and I chose one of my favorite quotes from that book to put right above my daughter's crib in her nursery that we are working on.

We put it up the other night, and it literally only took us 10 minutes! I love the font and the color I chose goes perfectly for our little girl's nursery. I am sorry the picture I took isn't the best, but hopefully you can see how cute it is! And isn't that a beautiful quote??

At Belvedere Designs, they have tons of wall quotes! They have categories for you to choose from to fit every room such as: bedroom, bathroom, boy's room, girl's room, entryway, nursery, laundry, office, and so much more!

I love how easy it is with vinyl wall decor to make a plain jane room into something that is beautiful, personalized, and exciting to walk into every time. Belvedere Designs also has a way for you to design your own personal custom made vinyl decals. Just use their custom wall quote generator to make your thoughts and words come to life on your walls! Isn't that awesome?

You can spend a lot of time browsing around Belvedere Designs, picking designs for every room, if you wish! I have some exciting news to get you started: we are giving out a $35 Gift Certificate for one item on their website for one lucky winner!!

Also, you can submit pictures of their wallquotes each month for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate with their photo contest. You just email your photo to info@wallquotes.com.

Here is how to enter the $35 Gift Certificate giveaway:

Just fulfill the mandatory entry and fulfill as many extra entries as you choose.

Mandatory Entry:

Become a public follower of this blog, Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it.

For more entries:

Subscribe to Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it. (1 entry)

Vote for Your World: Healthy and Natural on Top Mommy Blogs or We're on the Fence. (1 entry per vote)

Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.(3 entries)

Follow @carathenatural on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.(1 entry)

Become a friend @Belvedere Designs on Facebook.(1 entry)

Visit Belvedere Designs and tell me a favorite quote you'd like to see as a wall quote design that is not currently in their collections. (1 entry)

Refer a friend as a public follower to our blog: Your World: Healthy and Natural. (1 entry for each of you)

Comment on any of my posts about healthy and natural living that you have never commented on before. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is October 13th at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win!

* Thank you to Belvidere Designs for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Belvidere Designs for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Fit2B Mom Winner!!!!!!!

Congratulations to #81 Dan and Nicole Saldivar, the winner of the Fit2B Mom giveaway!! I love my Fit2B Mom products, and I know you will too!!

Happy Thursday to all! I don't know about you, but we are having a beautiful sunny fall day in Michigan, and I hope that everyone enjoys your day too!

By the way, is anyone else watching The Biggest Loser? I highly recommend it to everyone. I love how inspirational it is, and I tell you, that is a much needed show in our country! Check it out next Tuesday night, if you haven't already.

Smile, and be a blessing to someone today!
Cara

Santa Cruz Organics Review

Who loves PBJ's??? I know I do. I didn't always like them as a child, but now as an adult, I cannot get enough of them! Actually I have one every single day for lunch - no joke! (so does my two year old son. Like mother, like son, I guess)

Maybe one of the reasons I love them now is that my peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are now made with organic ingredients. I am still amazed that some people think that organic = icky. What in the world gave anyone that idea? I have come to the conclusion that the exact opposite is true. I think organic ingredients are much higher quality and have so much more of the natural flavors!

I have been making my PBJ's lately with Santa Cruz Organics. Not only do they have awesome organic peanut butter, but they also have organic fruit spreads to make the perfect PBJ. Thanks to the Family Review Network and Santa Cruz Organics, I received two of Santa Cruz Organics delicious peanut butters, four of their new fruit spread flavors, and the perfect complement to a PBJ - fruit sauces, such as Apple Peach and Apple Tropical.

Now, before I go on, let me tell you why I am a HUGE fan of Santa Cruz Organics. They produce awesome high quality organic products. But making yummy organic products isn't enough – they also work hard to raise awareness about the benefits of organic agriculture, and they run their business with a commitment to education and ecology. I was very impressed to read how they do this. "Each year we buy enough renewable energy to produce our entire line of products, and we are an official Green-E certified business. We've even reduced the waste that we create, recycling an amazing 96% of our refuse, which earned us a prestigious WRAP award." Isn't that awesome??

If you still aren't sure about organics or what makes them so special, check out their awesome webpage - Organic Matters.
Now let's talk taste and ingredients. I was sent their Dark Roasted Creamy and Light Roasted Crunchy Peanut Butters. First of all, these peanut butters are made with organic Spanish peanuts, and they contain no hydrogenated oils, no added sugars, and no artificial ingredients. That is just how they taste too! These peanut butters smell and taste so fresh and pure! I love that there are no added sugars, and these peanuts are left to stand for themself in the taste category. Both varieties need a little stirring to start out with, and then after that, they are smooth and delicious!

Moving on to fruit spreads - I loved these too!! First of all, I checked the sugar content, because that is one thing that bothers me about jellies and fruit spreads - so much sugar. I was happy to see that these fruit spreads have less sugar than the ones I was previously using. Yay!! One other thing that really set these apart from other fruit spreads I have tried was that these were so easily spreadable and smooth. Usually with a strawberry jam, I get big chunks of strawberries on one part of my bread and then soupy sauce on the other part. I was so pleasantly surprised that this didn't happen with Santa Cruz Organics. I loved all four of their new varieties: Strawberry, Apricot, Seedless Red Raspberry and Blackberry Pomegranate! Yummm!!

Lastly, I tried their fruit sauces in Apple Peach and Apple Tropical. Don't they sound absolutely delectable? I normally just buy the Apple Cinnamon, so these were a delicious treat to my taste buds! The Apple Tropical was my favorite! Listen to some of these ingredients: organic apples, organic strawberries, organic mangoes, organic kiwi, and organic pineapple. Doesn't that sound like a tropical treat? It is!! I am so glad that they came out with these new flavors. You have to try them! Spice up your or your child's lunch with the convenient 4-ounce cups, and you will be glad you did!

I loved everything about the Santa Cruz Organics products, and I highly recommend them to nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds!

If you want to find deals for these great products, check out their coupons section. Check their store locator for the store nearest you that carries their fabulous products. I have found them at several local stores near me, so I am sure you can find them near you too!

This post was written for Family Review Network & Santa Cruz Organic who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

365 Diapers Review

You know that I am a big supporter of cloth diapers, but sometimes you need disposable diapers for night time or traveling or whatever reason. However, finding a good natural and truly safe disposable diaper can be quite tricky. Lots of companies have tried to jump on the natural diaper bandwagon. The problem is, they are not very safe for your baby's bottom!

I want to introduce you to a disposable diaper that I think you will find offers a truly natural and safe diaper for all your needs! Whole Foods Market has launched a new version of their 365 Everyday Value™ Baby Diaper line.

I really enjoyed using these diapers with my 2 year old son at bedtime. They never once leaked and they stayed on him perfectly even through his tugging and moving around. They use an absorbency gel made from a non-toxic super absorbent polymer and a new accordion fastener that ensures a snug fit.

Here are some more things I love about these diapers. They are made with chlorine free materials, are hypo-allergenic, latex free, and contain no perfumes or dyes making them a safer, healthier choice for your baby or toddler and the environment. That is very important to me!

Let's talk about the environmental impact. Every day 49 million diapers are thrown away!!! That is wayyyyy too many for my comfort. But 365 Diapers are different than normal disposables to counteract that scary statistic. They are made from wood pulp fluff sourced from family-owned, sustainably managed forests and with significantly less material than traditional plastic diapers. These diapers are responsibly produced and reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills. Because they are chlorine, dye and latex free, these diapers are not only less likely to irritate your baby’s skin; they are less harmful to our soil and are a more sustainable choice for on-the-go, eco-conscious moms everywhere.

Like I said before, I was not only pleased with their environmental friendliness and the safety for my children, but I was really happy with how these diapers worked. For all of you who are looking for good deals, these diapers are sold at the really awesome price of $9.99 for one package, which is really comparable to other brands and is two dollars less than their old rate.

You can find these diapers at Whole Foods Markets near you. If you are not sure where the nearest one is, you can just put your zipcode into the little store finder at the top center of the homepage.

Make sure to check their coupons section often, so you get the absolute best deal you can!

If you are like me, and you don't have a Whole Foods Market near you, stock up on these diapers and other awesome organic and natural products when you do get a chance to stop by the nearest store. It is definitely worth the trip!

No monetary compensation was received for this post. A pack of Whole Foods Market 365 Diapers was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed above are my own.

Dr. Bloom's Chewable Jewels Review and Giveaway

Have you ever had this proble? You are nursing or your baby is teething and all of a sudden your child reaches up and grabs your necklace? Next thing you know, your necklace is ripped in half and you are finding yourself frustrated and sad that another necklace has hit the dust.

I sure remember my son grabbing for anything he could get his hands on while he was nursing: hair, necklace, shirt, and even my face. Well, I am planning on breastfeeding again, and I am getting prepared for this one's little wandering fingers. I found Dr. Bloom's Chewable Jewels, which I think are going to be a big help!

These necklaces, bracelets, and accessories were created by a dentist, Dr. Helen Bloom Smith, so we don't have to worry about safety! This jewelry is made of FDA approved materials, is phthalate free, lead free, BPA and PVC free, and Latex free. Those are all very important things for me to know as a mother who wants only safe things in my baby's life, especially her mouth!

As a mom, I also love that their jewelry is dishwasher safe, and it is cute for us moms to wear! It is just another thing to take off your worry list - "I want to look nice for once, but will my baby rip apart my necklace?" Even the chain part of the necklace is stretchy and won't break unless perhaps your baby is Hercules!

You can buy these Chewable Jewels right from their website. My personal favorites are the combos, which include a necklace and bracelet. They come in all kinds of colors and shapes, so you can choose which one fits your style best.

What do you think about getting 15% off your order of these stylish and safe chewable jewels? Well, you can!! Just use this coupone code: 2010Y. These also make awesome gifts for new moms or just a little pick-me-up gift for a mom who is struggling with a teething baby.

Guess what else? We are giving away a Combo Set of your choice to one of you readers! It is super easy to enter this giveaway! Good luck everyone!

Just fulfill the mandatory entry and fulfill as many extra entries as you choose.

Mandatory Entry:

Become a public follower of this blog, Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it.

For more entries:

Subscribe to Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it. (1 entry)

Vote for Your World: Healthy and Natural on Top Mommy Blogs or We're on the Fence. (1 entry per vote)

Tell me your favorite way to calm a teething baby or toddler.(1 entry)

Follow @carathenatural on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.(1 entry)

Follow @DrBloomInc on Twitter.(1 entry)

Like @Chewable Jewels on Facebook.(1 entry)

Tell me one reason why your child or someone else's child has made you feel happy today!(1 entry)

Comment on any of my posts about healthy and natural living that you have never commented on before. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is October 11th at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win!

* Thank you to Chewable Jewels for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Chewable Jewels for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

My Top 5 Steps to Great Health

I like to keep things simple and organized, so here is a really easy way to start getting healthier and change your lifestyle! It is really important to work on all 5 steps, because they are each so important for all around great health.

1. Good Nutrition and Supplements
· Eat to live, not live to eat! Change your way of eating by thinking “nourish my body” not “make me happy.”
· Tons of colorful fruits and veggies is hugely important!
· Good quality multivitamin such as my fav - the Vitalizer pack
· Get these key supplements and nutrients – omega fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, and calcium
2. Restorative Sleep
· You need 7- 8 hours of deep sleep each night. This is the time your body recovers and restores itself, and it is vital. Skimping on sleep leads to a host of health problems.
3. Reduce Stress
· Continual stress is dangerous to your health.
· Listen to relaxing or happy music, laugh, give and get hugs, and think positively to help get rid of stress.
4. Exercise
· Aim for 5-6 times/week, 30 minutes or more/day
· Don’t do the exact same workout for more than a few weeks, or your body will adapt.
5. Get Rid of Toxins
· Try to choose organic food and products when you can.
· Minimize toxins in your home – buy natural cleaners, purify air, buy natural personal care products
· Cut back on medication and other drugs

Remember, every change you make is a step in the right direction. Even the small steps matter!!

More Winners of our Great Giveaways!

Today, we have a winner of our Hot Hugs Stuffed Animal Giveaway!! Congratulations go to #72, LJD!!! I hope you and your toddler enjoy this lovely smelling soothing Hot Hugs!

We also have a winner for our very popular Sage Creek Organics Crib Sheet!! Congratulations go to #131, Hannah!!! Way to go!! Enjoy those cute sheets, knowing you are doing great for your baby and the environment!

More winners are coming up....I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! Relax!!

Cara

Babo Botanicals Review and Giveaway

Let this quote sink in for a second - "Polluting your body with toxins as you 'clean' your body...Does it make any sense to you?" I just read that the other day and thought that was such a good way of describing what many of us are doing when we apply regular shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, lotions, makeup, etc. to our skin every day!! We have to provide our largest organ with proper non-toxic care! This especially applies to our little babies, whose small bodies cannot get rid of toxins as well as adult bodies.


One company that I have found that has this same philosophy is Babo Botanicals. The founder of Babo Botanicals, Kate, says, "What goes on children's bodies should be as natural as what goes into their mouths. My mission is to provide the highest quality, purest hair, scalp and skincare products for babies and kids."


I think there is one thing in particular that really sets them apart from other natural and organic children's personal care products, and that is their Certified Organic Nutri-Soothe Blend. It combines chamomile, calendula, kudzu and watercress, rich in vitamin A, C and D to deliver maximum nutrients, protection and moisturization. David Woodward, a respected botanist and nature-based formula developer for over 25 years, says, "This certified organic blend of rich and powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients, vitamins and anti-oxidants was exclusively designed for a baby or child’s delicate skin to achieve optimal protection.”


One thing I have learned since being a mother is that children's skin is so delicate and sensitive, and the single last thing we need to do is put harmful substances on their skin which may irritate it more!


I tried out Babo Botanical's Oatmeal Calendula Newborn Giftset. I absolutely love it!! From the organic washcloth to the moisturizing baby lotion, shampoo and wash, and extra sensitive fragrance free baby body bar, this is one perfectly thought out gift set. You can also buy the products separately.


These products were made on an organic farm in upstate New York. Both the Oatmeal Calendula Baby Lotion and Baby Shampoo and Wash smell fabulous, are made with pure flower and plant extracts, have no synthetic fragrances or colors, are paraben and phthalate free, and have no icky chemicals in them! Love, Love, Love That!! To find out what else is NOT in Babo Botanicals and what to avoid to make bathtime worry free, check out this list of ten ingredients to avoid.


Another thing I love about the Oatmeal Calendula Newborn Giftset is that for every Newborn giftset purchased, a percent of proceeds will go towards educating children about urban gardening and making their school rooftops greener.


I plan to use these products with my little newborn daughter, but right now, my son has been using them and loves them! He calls them his "bunny soap and lotion". With drier weather coming to our area, I noticed his cheeks getting a little dry, so I have been using the moisturing lotion on them. First of all, he smells like he just came from a lovely spa, which I love! If I can't go to the spa, at least now I can smell those lovely botanicals on my son! Second, this lotion has really helped his little dry cheeks and keep them soft and smooth. I have nothing but love for this company, their products, and their acts of social responsibility.


I have great news for you today, because one of you, my lovely readers, is going to win an Oatmeal Calendula Newborn Giftset!! How great is that? I can't wait for you to enjoy these products as much as I have!


Here is how to enter this awesome giveaway:

Just fulfill the mandatory entry and fulfill as many extra entries as you choose.

Mandatory Entry:

Become a public follower of this blog, Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it.

For more entries:

Subscribe to Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it. (1 entry)

Vote for Your World: Healthy and Natural on Top Mommy Blogs or We're on the Fence. (1 entry per vote)

Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.(3 entries)

Follow @carathenatural on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.(1 entry)

Follow @Babo Botanicals on Twitter.(1 entry)

Visit Babo Botanicals and tell me which of their products you would love to try out! (1 entry)

Refer a friend as a public follower to our blog: Your World: Healthy and Natural. (1 entry for each of you)

Comment on any of my posts about healthy and natural living that you have never commented on before. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is October 9th at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win!

* Thank you to Babo Botanicals for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Babo Botanicals for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Crazy Bag Lady Organic Travel Blanket Review and Giveaway

This is what I so love about Etsy shops - the love and heart that is put into their products and their business! Today I want to introduce you to a beautiful Etsy shop - Crazy Bag Lady Designs. She offers beautiful handcrafted yoga mat bags, crayon caddies, adult bags, wine bags, aprons, and my favorite - the organic travel blankets/changing pads.

I received a beautiful organic travel blanket in the Pink Flowerbed design! It is made completely from organic cotton and organic fleece, which I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! Let me just say, when I received this product it was beautifully wrapped with a cute little bow and matching tissue paper with the cutest handmade thank you card. You can just feel the love and care that was put into this product! I so appreciate that!! It reminds me of something that the Crazy Bag Lady herself said, "As a busy mom I try and find all sorts of ways to find pleasure in the small things. The touch of a soft blanket, the smile of my daughter, a fabric that makes me happy can change the moment. " I feel the same way, and I truly appreciate great craftmanship and the small touches that make her products so special!

Now let me tell you some more about this product. What I love is that this is not a one-dimensional product. It has so many uses.

• You can use it for a changing pad, and it is large enough to use from infant all the way up to toddler age.



• You can use it for laying your baby on his/her tummy and letting them explore the world and strengthen their neck and back muscles.



• You can use it as a convenient travel blanket, because with the soft fleece inside it will keep your little one warm and comfy.



• I also plan to use it as a pad to sleep on when we are traveling, so I don't have to worry what my baby is coming into contact with in a questionable bed.

Sounds great, right? It is, and then when you want to put it away, you can fold or roll it up easily and tuck it away in a diaper bag or even a purse. These travel blankets come in tons of cute bold designs and colors. I am sure you will find one that suits your personality or your baby's personality.

And guess what, Crazy Bag Lady is generously offering one of my readers a $25 gift certificate to her beautiful Etsy Shop! YES, YES, YES!! So awesome! So run on over there and pick out your favorite thing right now!

Here's how to enter this fabulous giveaway: Just fulfill the mandatory entry and then choose as many extra entries as you want.

Mandatory Entry:

Become a public follower of this blog, Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it.

For more entries:

Subscribe to Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it. (1 entry)

Vote for Your World: Healthy and Natural on Top Mommy Blogs or We're on the Fence. (1 entry per vote)

Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.(3 entries)

Follow @carathenatural on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.(1 entry)

Visit Crazy Bag Lady Designs and tell me which product you want most!(1 entry)

Refer a friend as a public follower to our blog: Your World: Healthy and Natural. (1 entry for each of you)

Post my Welcome Baby Blog Event button on your blog and post the link in a comment.(1 entry)

Comment on any of my posts about healthy and natural living that you have never commented on before. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is October 7th at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win!

* Thank you to Crazy Bag Lady for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Crazy Bag Lady for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Today's Winner!

Today's winner of two felt board stories and a felt board from Teachable Moments is.......

#55 - Jen B!! Welcome to my blog, Jen, and congratulations on winning this awesome giveaway! I hope you enjoy your felt stories as much as we have!

Bobux Baby Shoes Review

I remember the first time I learned about Bobux shoes. My son was just a little guy then, getting ready to walk, and I wanted to get him shoes that were soft enough not to hinder his walking ability and let his feet naturally feel the ground underneath. I found these eco-leather shoes from Bobux and fell in love!!

We used them all the time because they were so easy to slip on, so good for his feet, and even skin friendly! Now, he has a new pair and loves those just as much!

I received this cute pair of cute little girl Bobux shoes for our new daughter. Aren't they so cute? I am a sucker for a cute shoe, and along with all the benefits of Bobux shoes, they also have tons of cute styles and sizes to choose from. From newborn to toddler, Mary Janes to trucks, they have super cute shoes!

This is my favorite part about them - Bobux are made from Eco-leather, a soft natural leather, tanned in an environmentally friendly method that is safe for your baby. Bobux Eco-leather is Chrome(VI) free and surpasses British Safety Standard BS 5665:EN71 making Bobux safe for your baby even if they put them in their mouth. Can you believe that? LOVE IT!!

You know what else I love? These shoes are easily washable on the gentle cycle or by hand. Then you just stuff them with paper towel and let them air dry.

You might think that your child can only wear these in the summer, but that isn't the case either. My son wore them all year round. They are handcrafted from only the softest natural leather, which means they don't have to line them. This allows the leather to absorb perspiration, keeping the feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Trust me, once you try these shoes, you will never go back!

My son is able to take them off himself, because they have a unique elastic system that means no laces, no snaps, none of that stuff that hinders children in helping put and take their own shoes off. We are working on him putting them on himself now, and he has almost got it! That is so nice, especially now that my pregnant belly is making it really hard for me to bend over.

If you want to read more about how awesome these shoes are, check out this page for more info. on what makes Bobux shoes stand out! Also, check out this page on the benefits of soft-soled shoes on developing feet.

Head on over to Bobux right now and pick out your favorite shoes for all the little ones in your life! Then, you can see how great they are for yourself!

Big Winner!!

We have the big winner of the Sponge Organics #10 - Donna!! You have won $190 worth of fabulous organic and high quality lotions!! Trust me on this one - you will love them!!

This was such an awesome giveaway, and I wish everyone could have won, but thanks for entering and let's look forward to more winners throughout the week!

Have a great Tuesday, everyone!

Cara

Another Winner!!

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

Today our winner of the Tutortogs shirt giveaway is....

#20 - Stacythemagnificentmommy

Congratulations!!! What a fabulous gift for your weekend!

Thanks to everyone who visited my blog and entered this giveaway. Your comments and your visits make this blog so much fun and so worthwhile. I love sharing with you!!

Stay tuned for more giveaways...

Have a happy day!
Cara

Super Baby Food Book Winners!!!

Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!

I hope everyone is excited and ready for the weekend. I know I am. I am also excited to announce our two winners of the Super Baby Food Book:

#20 - Chrissyb

#24 - Lona728

Congratulations, Ladies!! This book is truly a treasure trove of awesome ideas and tips!

We have tons more giveaways ending almost every day for the next two weeks!!

How about awesome organic lotion that the stars use - Sponge Lotion Set

2 beautiful felt board stories and a board - Teachable Moment

A beautiful 20 page picture book - Lulu

Organic crib sheet for either gender - Sage Creek Organics

Great quality cloth diaper and cover - Mother-Ease

and so many more!!!

The best part - these are all LOW-ENTRY Giveaways!! So, you have an awesome chance of winning! Good luck everyone!

Have a beautiful weekend,

Cara

Silly Billyz Review

What are the toddler years full of? Funny sayings, sloppy eating, potty training, messy art projects, playing in the dirt, lovely kisses and hugs, and so much more!! My son is 2 years old, and I love almost every minute of sharing in his life. But there are the messy and challenging times that I mentioned above. That is why I say "Thank You" to the people behind my son's Silly Billyz long-sleeved bib!! Yes, that is right, a long sleeved bib!


Silly Billyz is such an awesome company designed to help parents find solutions to some of those messy situations! They are the kings of bibs! From biblets to pocket bibs to bling bibs to messy eater long sleeve bibs, they have something for every need and want!

I knew I needed and wanted a long sleeve bib for my little guy. Do you know how many stains this bib is going to save me from trying to get out? Now, my son isn't a particularly messy eater, either, but there are of course the occasional messes. The main mess culprit in our house is the art supplies. My son loves to color with markers, paint, crayons, chalk, and anything else he can get his hands on. This bib covers his entire front and all the way down to his wrists!! There is no way that he is going to stain his cute shirts when I have this bib on! LOVE, LOVE IT!


This is another wonderful bonus to these great products - all Silly Billyz bibs are PVC free, Lead free, stain resistant, machine washable and dryable. They are safe, convenient and really high quality - no cracking and ripping with these bibs!


I can only imagine what a dream having these bibs would have been when I was teaching preschool!! Well, I will be homeschooling, so this is going to be one very well used bib, that is for sure!

Head on over to Silly Billyz, grab a few bibs for you and your friends, and give everyone a little less mess in their day! Besides ordering online, you can check their store locator to see if they are in a store near you.

Mother-Ease Cloth Diaper Review and Giveaway

We have already discussed the amazing benefits of cloth diapering - benefits for our children's health, our own wallets, and the environment. Today I want to share with you a company that is family owned and has been working to meet all kinds of cloth diapering needs since 1991 - Mother-Ease Cloth Diapers. They have several different diaper types including: one size diapers, Sandy's diapers, all in one diapers, and two types of diaper covers.

Today, we are going to focus on the Sandy's cloth diapers. They were developed as a result of their own child's needs. Here is part of the story, "We soon discovered a need for a cloth diaper for heavy wetters. I designed our Sandy’s™ cloth diaper and appropriately named it after him. With a snug fit it is shaped to fit a baby’s contours, but is of a heavier construction and snaps shut at the sides. The diaper comes in two sizes. In order to make it waterproof, this cloth diaper requires a separate cover."

The Sandy's diapers are so awesome! First of all, you can get them in your choice of fabrics: stretchy cotton terry, colored stretchy cotton terry, organic cotton terry and stretchy bamboo terry. I chose the organic cotton terry, which is 100% organic cotton and is in its natural unbleached finish. LOVE THAT!! No chemicals on my baby's bottom!


I have got to tell you, this is the most plush diaper I have used, and yes, that is after several washes! It is so soft and comfy cozy. If I were a baby, this would be a treat to have on my bottom. My 2 year old son actually wanted to use it as a pillow. Ha, ha! I also received an organic cotton liner, which makes this diaper nearly unstoppable when it comes to leaks. This is one of the best diapers for nighttime, for sure!



I highly recommend starting with their Introductory Offer. Why? Well, for 30% off the retail price, you can get a Sandy's diaper or One Size diaper, plus an air flow cover that comes in cute eco-themed patterns and a liner!



Need another reason to live greener, save money, and use Mother-Ease high quality diapers? How about you are supporting a lovely family company who uses 100% green power? They have been using 100% green power since 2007. Bravo to Mother-Ease!!

You are going to love this!! We are having a giveaway for one lucky reader for one Sandy's diaper with White Cotton Terry fabric and an Air Flow cover. How great is that?

Entering this giveaway is super easy! Just fulfill the mandatory entry and fulfill as many extra entries as you choose.

Mandatory Entry: Become a public follower of this blog, Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it.

For more entries:

Subscribe to Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it. (2 entries)

Vote for Your World: Healthy and Natural on Top Mommy Blogs or We're on the Fence. (1 entry per vote)

Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.(3 entries)

Follow @carathenatural on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway.(1 entry)

Like Mother-Ease on Facebook. (1 entry)

Follow Mother-Ease on Twitter. (1 entry)

Visit Mother-Ease Cloth Diapers and tell us all one thing you learned about their company or products. (1 entry)

Refer a friend as a public follower to our blog: Your World: Healthy and Natural. (1 entry for each of you)

Post my Welcome Baby Blog Event button on your blog and post the link in a comment.(1 entry)

Comment on any of my other posts about healthy and natural living. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is September 30th at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win!

* Thank you to Mother-Ease for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Mother-Ease for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Kids' Vitamin and Nutrient Guide

Here are some shocking statistics:

• The #1 vegetable source in children's diets is FRENCH FRIES!!!


• 55% of children have low levels of Vitamin D, that number rises to 68% during the winter.


• On a typical day, most kids consume 25% of their calories from junk food.


• Childhood obesity is at an all time high!

Yikes, right? You don't even want to know what the cancer rate for children is...

Fortunately, there are a lot of things that you can do to help your child. Our bodies can heal themselves when given the right nutrients and vitamins, so that is why I want to lay out for you a little guide into what vitamins and nutrients your child needs and which vitamins to trust!

Calcium - First let's get those little guys drinking organic milk or yogurt, and then it is wise to also supplement with at least 200 mg in a multivitamin. Most multis don't even come close to that amount, which is why I recommend Shaklee's Incredivites, giving them the calcium they need.

Folic Acid - why is this important? It is essential for growth and the production of red blood cells, supporting nervous system function and repairing DNA damaged by toxins. It also helps build healthy gums, skin and hair. Get anywhere from 100 mcg to 400 mcg daily.

Omega 3 - Most little ones don't like the taste of fish oil, but it is oh so important for them! DHA found in Omega 3's is especially important for brain and eye development, and it helps decrease the risk of aggression, depression, and ADHD. But, be careful!!! You have to make sure the DHA is ultra-pure, free of toxins like mercury and PCB's. My son loves the Shaklee Mighty Smart Chews. They are a yummy orange flavor, 75% organic, contain no artificial ingredients, and they are gluten free! And you don't have to worry about any toxins in these supplements. Shaklee is top of the line, and they have purified and tested their products over and over to make sure you are getting no toxins.

Probiotics - Adults aren't the only ones who need healthy digestive system flora. Giving your child probiotics(good bacteria) may boost their immunity by maintaining a healthy balance within the GI tract. In a 2005 study, people who took daily probiotics supplements for at least 3 months experienced shorter and less severe colds. I know my son has definitely felt the benefits of probiotics. They also helped him with the eczema he suffered with as a baby. I recommend Shaklee's Optiflora Probiotic, which is triple-layer encapsulated to ensure it gets to the right place in the body at the right time to deliver all the good live bacteria you need.

Vitamin C - This is especially good for cold and flu season! Vitamin C is such a powerhouse vitamin, and you can also add herbs such as echinacea and astragalus to their supplements if you feel a cold coming on.

Vitamin D - More and more research is finding that Vitamin D is more important than they have ever known. Growing bones need Vitamin D, which is why along with fortified organic milk, your child needs about 600 IU of Vitamin D in a supplement, such as the Incredivites chewable multivitamin for children.

Explore all of the Children's vitamins from Shaklee, the company that I trust and recommend most. You can order right from there too!

To learn more about children's nutrition and read about specific needs of children with ADD, autism, allergies, asthma, and other health issues, check out my monthly nutrition article for September.

Giveaways Galore!!

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!

Can you even believe it? We have 8 awesome giveaways going on right now!! I am so excited about these giveaways too. These are really great products, and I love being able to share them with you and just give them away to awesome moms and women like you!

They are all LOW ENTRIES, under 75 entries, so enter, enter, enter!! Tell your friends and family and good luck to everyone!

On Thursday, the first one of these eight giveaways ends, and there are two winners!! So, you have an even better chance!

Have a bright day today, and enjoy all these lovely giveaways!

Cara

Fit2Bmom Review and Giveaway

I am almost 29 weeks along, in my third trimester, and yes, still teaching fitness classes. I can't help it! I love helping others get fit and healthy! Last night, I taught an awesome Body Sculpt class and then Cardio Kickboxing. Exercise gives me such an awesome high and boosts my endorphins. It is very important to keep exercising throughout pregnancy. It helps you pump lots of blood to your baby, keeps you in tip top shape for the hard work of labor and delivery, helps you sleep better, and the list just goes on and on.

Believe it or not, one of my biggest hurdles with exercising through pregnancy is not keeping up with what I normally do, but finding clothes that fit me and feel comfortable on my ever- changing body.

This is where Fit2Bmom comes in. At Fit2Bmom, they believe that an active pregnancy is the beginning of a healthy life for your baby. Whether you're a yoga buff, a dedicated runner, a dancing queen, or a neighborhood walker, Fit2Bmom maternity activewear was designed to both perform and pamper. Fit2Bmom apparel is inspired by the way a woman feels during pregnancy: delicate yet powerful. Yes, Yes, Yes!!! They really get it!

I love the fit kit that I received. My kit included their modern roundneck tee in a beautiful lilac color. The tee has classic cap sleeves that have been slightly widened and lengthened for upper arm coverage and comfort, while extra length has been added to the back of the tee so that you’re free to bend and move with peace of mind. It is so comfortable and really moves with me, so I don't have to worry about constantly pulling my shirt down. Yay!

The kit also included their long pant, which I just love. Sometimes I feel like I actually have to support the bottom of my belly with my hand while exercising, but not with these pants. They have a smooth rolldown waistband that helps support my tummy. If I want to roll it down a bit, I can. These pants are so comfortable and stretchy to help me feel at ease no matter if I am teaching yoga or kickboxing. I also love that their shirts and pants are made of their signature moisture-wicking fabric.

The last thing in the kit was this cute headband, which I also love! I don't who loves it more, my hubby or me. He always tells me how cute I look when I wear it, so I have started wearing it for more than exercising.

The whole kit came in their fun and useful reusable bag, which I love to carry my fitness gear in.

At Fit2Bmom, they have such a wide variety of cute tops(including hoodies!) and bottoms, and you can mix and match as much as you want, or you can go with a fit kit like I did. Either way, I know you will LOVE what Fit2Bmom has to offer, and I bet you will probably want to continue to wear their clothes long after you are pregnant too. They are too cute and comfy to give up!

Check out all of their products on their website, and order right there too! Oh, and did I mention, FREE SHIPPING on order over $100? That is right!

Fit2Bmom is generously giving away one of my fabulous readers one of their signature Roundneck Tees.(worth $49) Awesome, right? Here is how to enter and win:

Mandatory Entry: Become a public follower of this blog, Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it.

For more entries:

Subscribe to Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it. (2 entries)

Vote for Your World: Healthy and Natural on Top Mommy Blogs or We're on the Fence. (1 entry per vote)

Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.(3 entries)

Follow @carathenatural on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can do this up to once/day.(1 entry per tweet)

Like Fit2Bmom on Facebook. (1 entry)

Follow Fit2Bmom on Twitter. (1 entry)

Refer a friend as a public follower to our blog: Your World: Healthy and Natural. (1 entry for each of you)

Post my Welcome Baby Blog Event button on your blog and post the link in a comment.(1 entry)

Comment on any of my other posts about healthy and natural living. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is September 28th at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win!

* Thank you to Fit2Bmom for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Fit2Bmom for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Missionary

I just finished this awesome book, "The Missionary" by William Carmichael and David Lambert. And I have got to tell you - this book is soooooo good!

I love reading, but I am usually reading books about health, fitness, or Christian or historical fiction. This book was different, and it sucked me right in.

Here is the storyline: Yesterday, David Eller was an American Missionary in Caracas, Venezuela. Today, he's an international fugitive. David and his wife Christie rescue impoverished children in the slums of Venezuela. But for David, that's not enough. The supply of homeless children is endless because of the corrupt policies of the Venezuelan government. In a rare moment of anger, David lashes out publicly against the government, unaware of the chain reaction that will soon follow. When the CIA offers David a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play a key role in a "bloodless" coup, he decides to go for it. But little by little, he falls into an unimaginable web of deceit that ends in a desperate, life-or-death gamble to flee the country with his wife and son, with all the resources of a corrupt dictatorship at their heels. You can read more here!

I was first intrigued by this book because it is about a missionary and his family, which is a dream of mine! I have traveled to several countries, and I would love to visit more and do some mission work that will change people's lives. So, that part of the story line is what caught my eye.

As I started reading, this book just kept pulling me in farther and farther. Oooooooh...it is just such an adrenaline rush. The characters are developed so well, and the story sucks you in so that you feel like you could be right there in Venezuela with them!

"The Missionary" really makes you think about what an impact your decisions -whether big or small- can make on your life and the lives of those you love. I kept thinking the whole story through if I would have made the same decisions as the main character, David, did. It really makes you think...

I borrowed this book to my husband for an afternoon because he was complaining he had nothing to read...and he ended up passing up my bookmark and actually finishing it in only a couple of days! He hasn't been that excited about a book in awhile!

I recommend this book for anyone who likes to read about families, real-life drama and suspense, and social issues. It is great for men and women alike, and it is truly gripping to the very end!

Watch a video clip about this book and/or buy it here!

The Missionary

By William Carmichael and David Lamber

ISBN 978-0-8024-5569-7

Published by Moody Publishers

2009

$13.99

Burn the Fat!

As fall rolls around here soon, many of us start to lose motivation to keep in great shape and stay healthy. No more shorts, no more tank tops, so why can't I gain a little winter weather warmth, a.k.a. excess fat?

If you want to burn fat, stay healthy or lose weight, there is a secret to doing it naturally and effectively. The secret is eating the correct foods, supplementing with the right vitamins and nutrients, and participating in regular exercise. When you get the right nutrients to your body and exercise regularly your body becomes a very efficient fat-burning machine.

Try eating five small protein-rich meals every three hours throughout the day. (Only try this if you can eat small meals, if you like to have a big meal at each meal, then just stick to three/day) This keeps your metabolism moving and helps your body maintain a stable insulin level. This consistency prevents the body from releasing excess insulin and storing fat. Your body, instead, uses the energy right away, helping you to lose weight.

Since eating actually increases your metabolism, eating regularly every few hours will keep your metabolism at its most efficient. Every time you eat, your body expends energy to digest, absorb and store the food. Therefore, the more you eat, the more your metabolism revs up and the more fat your body burns.(Just know what to eat!)

When you eat your meals, you must make sure you are eating the right combination of foods. Use the guidelines listed below:

*DRINK WATER – In addition to eating more often throughout the day, make sure you drink lots of water, at least 8 glasses a day. Sip slowly throughout the day. Water speeds up metabolism and flushes toxins out of your body. Your body must have plenty of water in order to work at its most efficient level.

*EAT FIBER – High-fiber foods absorb substances containing sugars, fats, carbohydrates, and the calories associated with them, speeding up the movement of food through the body; this also speeds up weight loss. High-fiber foods include whole fruits, vegetables, beans, 100% whole grain breads, cereals, wheat germ, barley and brown rice. Check food labels for fiber content. You want more than 3g per serving. Shaklee just came out with a great fiber bar, that is organic and can be used as a great little meal if you are doing the small meals a day plan. Otherwise, a great snack!

*EAT PROTEIN – A large percentage of calories from protein are burned off in the digestion process (this is called the thermic effect food). Of all the nutrients our body ingests, protein has the highest thermic effect. This is just one of the reasons why I stress protein, protein, protein!! My favorite source of protein is the Cinch Energizing Soy Shake I have for breakfast every morning - chocolate is my favorite! It is a delicious and complete meal!

*EAT HEALTHY FATS - Monounsaturated fats do not raise blood cholesterol levels and are an excellent source of antioxidants. Monounsaturated fats are, in fact, required for the body in order to function effectively. Replace butter and other fat with extra virgin olive oil in cooking and baking. Season your olive oil with garlic and/or herbs and spices.

*EXERCISE –Mix up your workouts to keep your body and muscles guessing and keeps challenging yourself. Even if you can only get 30 minutes/day in, do it! You will feel better, stronger, and happier! The benefits of exercise are just endless!!!

By following the guidelines listed above, your body will function more efficiently, you will lose weight, and you will be healthier. You can make the changes necessary to transform your body into an efficient fat-burning machine. You will feel better, have better health, and have more energy!! Go for it!

Aroma Home Hot Hugs Review and Giveaway

Like I said yesterday, we are feeling some serious fall weather here in Michigan. I am not quite ready for fall and winter, but here it comes anyways...

I always try to look for the positives of the cooler weather - wearing my Ugg boots, making warm soups, and now I have a new positive thing - the Hot Hugs Piggy that my son and I love to cuddle with. Let me explain why this is such a treat.

Hot Hugs are made with the highest quality supersoft fabrics. These adorable stuffed animals contain an easily removable natural wheat filled tummy insert. The tummy insert has been infused with lavender and camomile pure essential oil to help soothe and calm. All you have to do is simply heat the insert in a microwave to enjoy a lovely warm cuddle.

Can you picture how absolutely lovely it is to snuggle with your son or daughter on the couch or in a bed with your favorite Hot Hugs and read a book?? It is just such a fun thing to do anyways, and then you add in the wonderful warmth and comforting scents of the Hot Hugs essential oils, and it is nearly perfect!

To heat up your Hot Hug, all you do is open up the velcro slit in your animal's chest, and grab out the little insert.(And it is awesome that you can hardly notice the slit if you are just looking at the stuffed animal) Then, you put a cup of water in your microwave, along with the insert and microwave it for about 30 seconds. Super easy!!
There are several animals to choose from including: the kitty, pig, lamb, monkey, duck, elephant and cow. They all look so cute! We received the cute pink piggy, and we love it! These Hot Hugs are the perfect size for snuggling right up along side your child, either during the day or at night in bed.

Aroma Home offers so many other great items you may want to try like the Warm and Cosy Bear, Fuzzy Friends Slippers, or Hot Body Wraps. Whether you want to try them for yourself or give them as the perfect gift, they are a wonderful treat for the senses!

Guess what, lucky readers?? We are giving away a Hot Hug of Your Choice to one lucky reader!! (a $30 value!)

It is so easy to enter! Just fulfill the mandatory entry and do as many more extra entries as you please. Good luck to everyone!

Mandatory Entry: Become a public follower of this blog, Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it.

For more entries:

Subscribe to Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it. (2 entries)

Vote for Your World: Healthy and Natural on Top Mommy Blogs or We're on the Fence. (1 entry per vote)

Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.(3 entries)

Follow @carathenatural on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can do this up to once/day.(1 entry per tweet)

Check out all the Hot Hugs and tell me which one you would choose if you won.(1 entry)

Refer a friend as a public follower to our blog: Your World: Healthy and Natural. (1 entry for each of you)

Post my Welcome Baby Blog Event button on your blog and post the link in a comment.(1 entry)

Comment on any of my other posts about healthy and natural living. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is September 24th at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win!

* Thank you to Aroma Home for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Aroma Home for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Canson's Eco-Friendly Kid's Art Products Review

I don't know about how the weather is near you, but up here in Michigan it feels freezing. I want to turn my heater on, and it is only September!!

I am already looking for indoor things to do with my 2 year old son, and one thing he absolutely loves is drawing and coloring! I hate to waste paper, and so he usually ends up using scrap paper as the base for his art projects. Then, I was introduced to Canson and their new eco-friendly children's art products!!

This spring, Canson Inc., a 453-year-old fine art paper company launched a new Eco-Friendly line of art products for kids, featuring the illustrations of renowned artist Eric Carle. The drawing, marker, painting and doodle pads, along with the Sketch-and-Tell pads, are all made of 100% recycled paper and are all under the price point of $10 each. They feature the characters from The World of Eric Carle ™, including The Mixed up Chameleon, Panda Bear, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Quiet Cricket, Brown Bear and The Very Lonely Firefly. I don't know about you, but I love Eric Carle!!

This environmentally-friendly line is composed of recycled paper from sustainable forests. It features soy-based ink cover art and is manufactured using environmentally-friendly methods. LOVE THAT!! The line includes pads for sketching, painting, tracing, and a variety of other creative activities.

I love the nice big finger paint pad. It is perfect for finger painting with my little guy who is still learning. It has smooth coated pages to help the finger paint slide nicely. I also really like the tracing pad, which has that cool tracing paper to help children develop their skills of tracing and draw really awesome pictures! My son won't be using that one for awhile, but I may be...hehe. As a teacher, my other favorite was the sketch and tell story drawing book. It is so cool because it gives children the chance to draw a picture in the box at the top half of the paper and lines to write the story in the bottom half. I remember when I was younger, and I wanted to be an author. I would write book after book, but I never had such awesome paper to help inspire me and help me stay organized.

Since I am planning on homeschooling my children, this great quality eco-friendly line is my first choice in art products that mesh with my passion for living as green as possible! The fun Eric Carle pictures on the covers will get your children excited and inspired for creating their own masterpieces!

On their new What Do You See Facebook page, which can be accessed directly from their website, they are promoting a contest where the first 200 people to post something that their children saw this summer on the wall, they will win a Sketch-and-Tell journal from the line!! Pretty cool, right? Head on over and enter to win!

Another Winner!

Congratulations are in order for another winner on Your World: Healthy and Natural!!!

Today the winner of the Litter Free Lunch giveaway is...

#7 - Mrs. Smitty

Wahooo!!!!!!! What a great step in going green! Enjoy those wonderful cloth lunch products.

"The Power of Rest" Book Review

The book I want to share with you today is titled, "The Power of Rest: Why Sleep Alone Is Not Enough." The author, Matthew Edlund, M. D., M.O.H., is an award-winning expert on rest, body clocks, and sleep. He founded the West Coast Regional Sleep Disorders Center, and now runs both the Center for Circadian Medicine and the Gulf Coast Sleep Institute in Sarasota, Florida.

Dr. Edlund has really hit on a topic that we can all relate to. After years of clinical research and consultations with hundreds of patients, he discovered that many people aren't just sleep-deprived, they are rest-deprived. That leads to our hearts, minds, and central nervous system being overloaded, our health suffering, and our bodies never really feeling refreshed.

Because I am so interested in health and have several business wrapped up in helping people getting healthy, I was very intrigued by this book. Not to mention, since I have been pregnant with my second child, I feel like I can never get enough rest. Dr. Edlund explains that rest is not only about sleep, but about so much more. He gives you the ideas and tools you need to change your life and your rest habits so you feel the benefits!

I really like how this book is layed out. He starts in the first chapter by explaining why you need active rest, which I thought was just a fascinating part of the book. He explains there are four types of active rest: physical rest, mental rest, social rest and spiritual rest. We need to give ourselves permission to rest and that starts with understanding how hugely beneficial it is for our health and well-being.

Dr. Edlund starts you on a one-week sleep makeover in the next chapter. There are several exercises to help make this makeover fit your specific needs, and I think the makeover itself was awesome! I learned so much about how I can sleep better and little changes I can make that will have a big effect! In the next several chapters, he goes into more detail on the four types of active rest, which is just fascinating.

In Part 2 of the book, he talks about how to fit all these tips and new facts into your life in a beautiful way - like a musical. One of my favorite sections here was the one about how we need to control our multitasking. I could really relate to that, as I am sure many of you can too!

This book was interesting, easy to understand and very relatable. At the end of each chapter, he gives a summary of the chapter, which was very helpful. I can't recommend this book enough, and I already have several of my clients who I am going to pass it on to.

You can find this book here or you can buy it on Amazon also. Make a great decision for your health today, and let this book help you get started feeling rested and refreshed!

Teachable Moment Felt Board Stories Review and Giveaway

I recently ran across an awesome Etsy shop and website where Taren Saunders makes these beautiful felt board stories - Teachable Moment! The teacher in me (I used to be an elementary and preschool teacher) jumped for joy and could hardly contain my excitement as I browsed through tons and tons of beautiful stories she has made come to life in felt!!

Taren has been making flannel board stories for over 10 years! She also has worked as an Early Childhood Educator and used many of the flannel board stories she makes with her own classroom. I would have loved to have used them in my classroom too!

As I was browsing around her sites, I immediately thought of my son! He is a major book lover, and I am planning on homeschooling him for at least the first few years of school, so these flannel stories are just perfect for helping these stories come alive!

I received the "Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom" story and a felt board from Taren, and I love them!! The felt board is rollable and ties up like a scroll, so everything can be easily and neatly stored. I also love that we can take it on trips in the car or airplane, and you can easily just roll it out and start telling the story with the characters that are kept in a little baggy. My son just loves this new way to hear a story and loves helping act it out with the little letters and coconut tree. It is just another way to get kids excited about books and reading!

Like I said before, there are so many stories to choose from - you can start with nursery rhymes and then get some finger plays or even some really cute math sets. The next one that I am excited about is the "Hey Diddle, Diddle" one pictured below. How fun is that??

The other great thing about these felt board stories is that they are so reasonably priced. For instance, the "Hey Diddle, Diddle" shown above is only $7.00. These would make great presents for grandkids, children, nieces/nephews, teachers, moms and dads, and the list goes on.

Now, get excited about this!! We are giving away a felt board and 2 stories of your choice in a giveaway right here!! Yay!!

Here is how to enter this awesome giveaway: just fulfill the mandatory entry first and then go for as many other entries as you want! Good luck everyone!

Mandatory Entry: Become a public follower of this blog, Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it.

For more entries:

Subscribe to Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it. (2 entries)

Vote for Your World: Healthy and Natural on Top Mommy Blogs or We're on the Fence. (1 entry per vote)

Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.(3 entries)

Follow @carathenatural on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can do this up to once/day.(1 entry per tweet)

Check out Teachable Moment Felt Board Stories and tell me your favorite one or two.(1 entry)

Refer a friend as a public follower to our blog: Your World: Healthy and Natural. (1 entry for each of you)

Post my Welcome Baby Blog Event button on your blog and post the link in a comment.(1 entry)

Comment on any of my other posts about healthy and natural living. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is September 21st at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win!

* Thank you to Teachable Moment for their products for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Teachable Moment for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Lulu Photo Book Review and Giveaway

I love pictures and all things having to do with them! I am still a novice scrapbooker, and that is why I loved creating my Lulu photo book, because it looks so professionally done and way better than any of the scrapbooks I have done myself.

You can design your own Lulu photo book in 5 really simple steps. You get to choose the size, binding, and theme of your book. Then, you just add in the pictures you want and what you want to write to personalize it, and whalla - a masterpiece!!

There are tons of great options for picking out what theme you want to use. That was probably the hardest thing I had to do - make a decision! I chose a rectangular, hard covered book with the theme, "Our Life Together." I wanted to make a special book for my hubby for his birthday showcasing all our fun memories from our dating days through our wedding all the way to our children. I had so much fun picking out what pictures I wanted to add, and they gave me lots of spaces to make sure I got in all the pictures I wanted.

It turned out so beautiful!! I think it is one of the most special photo books I have made. It is so professionally done, very neat and high quality. I had a great time thinking back through all those memories, and I think my husband will love it! I am giving it to him tomorrow on his birthday! Happy Birthday honey!

Lulu is giving away one of our readers their chance to make a special photo book of their own!! You will love working on it and seeing the finished product! This giveaway is for a 20 page Lulu photo book. The winner can pick any size and binding that they would like. Who's ready to win this giveaway?

Well, here is how to enter:

Mandatory Entry: Become a public follower of this blog, Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it.

Now, complete as many of the following as you can, and good luck to everyone!

Subscribe to Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it. (2 entries)

Vote for Your World: Healthy and Natural on Top Mommy Blogs or We're on the Fence. (1 entry per vote)

Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.(3 entries)

Follow @carathenatural on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can do this up to once/day (1 entry per tweet)

Check out Lulu's photo books and tell me what theme you would choose. (1 entry)

Give me your best scrapbooking advice. We can learn a ton from each other! (1 entry)

Refer a friend as a public follower to our blog: Your World: Healthy and Natural. (1 entry for each of you)

The deadline for this giveaway is September 22nd at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win!

* Thank you to Lulu for their products for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Lulu for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Sponge Lotions Review and Giveaway

Every pregnant mommy wants to feel pampered, and that is a fact. The ten month journey is full of uncomfortable moments, and sometimes it is just downright painful. I have the perfect pampering products to share with you today! You are going to love them!

I was just recently introduced to Sponge - a skincare company whose collection consists of 11 hand-blended, wild-crafted products for your face. These are not just your average joe skincare products. Here is one thing I think that really sets them apart - founder Markos Lambros Drakotos has pinpointed the best regions, times of year and plant maturities to ensure that at the time the plant is collected, it is at the healthiest stage to create the most powerful essence for each formula. When he collects these ingredients, he makes sure to replant, reducing the carbon footprint and leading the ecological trend of wild-crafting. Don't you just love that? They provide seriously high quality products to nourish your skin and body, while taking care of our planet in a responsible way.

Their core values are based on detail + care. From their rose + sage cream to the body milk, each has been hand-blended following a 100% chemical free extraction process of natural ingredients resulting in a product free of parabens, sulfates, artificial dyes petrochemicals, propylene glycols, synthetic fragrances and genetically modified ingredients. You know how much I love that!! I know I sure do NOT want anything going on my skin and into my bloodstream that is dangerous for my health.

I love this quote from their founder - it just shows his passion! “I make sure that each precious bottle contains the best ingredients nature has to offer to improve the appearance and health of SPONGE lovers’ skin. I have been known to pull over while driving through Greece when I discover a new growth of ingredients like calendula and lime blossom,” says Markos. “My family feels such pride to see the skincare industry embrace organics and wild-crafting and to see our longtime practices become an industry standard.”


Alright, now let me tell you a little bit about the products I reviewed: the Prenatale Comfort and Elasticity Cream and the Jambes Lourdes Anti-Fatigue Leg Cream.

The Prenatale Cream was formulated by an OB/GYN and has been in demand for over 30 years to help prevent stretchmarks and dry, itchy skin. Instead, it promotes comfort, elasticity, and deep hydration. My favorite thing about this cream was how easily absorbed it was and how soft it left my skin feeling. My tummy has begun to feel like it is going to explode with my growing baby girl, which is why I appreciated even more how luxurious and hydrated this cream made my skin feel. The scent wasn't too strong, and I also loved applying it on my hips and chest as well. Yes, my body is changing and growing every day, but pampering myself with this cream helped me appreciate those changes and feel sexy and soft all at the same time.

The other product I have been using and loving is the Sponge Jambes Lourdes Leg Cream. You all know I am a fitness instructor, and I work my muscles quite hard. My midwife keeps telling me that I need to remember that I am pregnant...and I am trying to scale it back. Nevertheless, I have aching leg muscles quite often. I SOOOOO appreciate this cream, since it is specifically designed to reinforce circulation and promote muscle relief. They use the herb, Mastic, along with other rejuvenating herbs like sage and calendula that sooth and treat pain. I really love how this cream works, but the scent is a little much for my pregnant-sensitive nose.

I think that Sponge is such a unique and wonderful company! They follow right in line with what I am passionate about - living natural and healthy lives! You can see all their products here on their site. You can purchase any of these awesome products here. You can also purchase them in-store at Barney's New York.

Luckily for you, Sponge is giving away both of these fabulous products to one lucky lady right here! (By the way, that is $190 worth of lovely, lovely lotions!!!!)


It's so easy to enter this great giveaway. Just fulfill the mandatory entry first and then go for as many other entries as you want! Good luck everyone!

Mandatory Entry: Become a public follower of this blog, Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it.

For more entries:

Subscribe to Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it. (2 entries)

Vote for Your World: Healthy and Natural on Top Mommy Blogs or We're on the Fence. (1 entry per vote)

Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.(3 entries)

Follow @carathenatural on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can do this up to once/day.(1 entry per tweet)

Check out Sponge and tell me your favorite product.(1 entry)

Refer a friend as a public follower to our blog: Your World: Healthy and Natural. (1 entry for each of you)

Post my Your World: Healthy and Natural blog button on your blog and post the link in a comment.(1 entry)

Comment on any of my other posts about healthy and natural living. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is September 20th at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win!

* Thank you to Sponge for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Sponge for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Boiron Cold Care Winner!!

We have another winner!

#15 - Marissa Oachs is the winner of the Boiron Children's Cold Care Pack!! Yay!! That is an awesome natural option for helping deal with nasty colds now that flu season is coming.

Congratulations!!!

Get ready for some great giveaways this week, including some fabulous organic lotion that is worth $95!!!!!!

Another Lucky Ducky!!

Today's winner of the Hip Hooter's Organic Breastpads is.....

#3 - Caedmen

Congratulations! These are so cute and creative! I know you will love them!

Tutortogs Review and Giveaway

Have you heard how new babies cannot really see pastel colors and the pretty designs we put up in their nurseries? Or how about that a newborn’s retina only detects large contrasts, such as black and white or light and dark?


I learned about that after I had put up pastel Classic Winnie the Pooh in my first son's room. Oh bummer, huh? Well, here I am, getting ready for my second child, and I am not going to make the same mistake twice. I am excited to help my little daughter focus on what she can really see - sharp contrasts in colors and things that are very close to her face.


I am excited for the way that Tutortogs is working with that same philosophy and helping moms just like me work with our babies development. Tutortogs is a collection of great-looking tees and polos for moms with designs in bold, black and white patterns that captivate your baby’s eyes and encourage your baby to track motion by tracking you. Cool idea, right?


I remember trying to find clothes in my closet with this same concept, and I didn't really have much. Now I do!! I love the "Polka Polka" polo shirt that I have in my closet now, thanks to Tutortogs. I absolutely love the concept and love that it is breastfeeding friendly!! I also love that it is dressy enough to go out with my husband if I ever get the chance again... or it is casual enough to get together with other moms at a playgroup.





All the Tutortogs tees and polos are made of 95% super soft, finely spun cotton and 5% spandex which is very comfortable and perfect for the post baby body. They come in four cute designs, and you can pick your fav or get all four. I also like the fact that they’re cut a bit longer, to a flattering, hip-grazing length. And here is a fun bonus: each shirt comes with a set of four baby flash cards of their current designs that provide additional baby visual stimulation! Even my two year old loves those!

I love the Tutortog website and blog too! They have great information about infant visual development, let you see how your baby sees at different stages of its life, and other great information on parent/child relationships. Check it out!

Also, check out their four beautiful shirts and order yours today! Otherwise, you have a chance to win your choice of Tutortogs shirt right here!! (That is worth around $40)

It's so easy to enter this great giveaway. Just fulfill the mandatory entry first and then go for as many other entries as you want! Good luck everyone!

Mandatory Entry: Become a public follower of this blog, Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it.

For more entries:

Subscribe to Your World: Healthy and Natural and comment about it. (2 entries)

Vote for Your World: Healthy and Natural on Top Mommy Blogs or We're on the Fence. (1 entry per vote)

Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post.(3 entries)

Follow @carathenatural on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. You can do this up to once/day.(1 entry per tweet)

Follow @tutortogs on Twitter. (1 entry)

Check out the Tutortogs website and tell me something you learned.(1 entry)

Refer a friend as a public follower to our blog: Your World: Healthy and Natural. (1 entry for each of you)

Post my Your World: Healthy and Natural blog button on your blog and post the link in a comment.(1 entry)

Comment on any of my other posts about healthy and natural living. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is September 17th at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win!

* Thank you to Tutortogs for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Tutortogs for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*