Bananas for Bananas!

My son is obsessed with bananas. He loves them! He has to have one every single day or I don't know what would happen. But, I am perfectly alright with him being bananas for bananas. They are a really healthy easy treat. They are loaded with potassium, and they are rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin C and phosphorus.

Bananas are loaded with resistant starch, a healthy carb that fills you up and helps to boost your metabolism. Slightly underripe medium-size bananas have 12.5 grams of RS - more than most other foods. Plus, bananas are one of the cheapest fruits, so everyone can afford bananas any time!

Here are some yummy recipes for trying bananas in new ways! Enjoy!

Banana Salsa -

Make a quick salsa with 2 diced peeled bananas, 2 tbsp minced red onion, 1 tbsp minced cilantro, 1 tsp minced serrano or jalapeno pepper, juice of 1 lime, and brown sugar and salt to taste. Use it as a topper for fish or chicken. Or eat it with whatever else you come up with.

Broiled Bananas -

Slice 1 peeled banana in half lengthwise. Put banana pieces, cut sides up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle the banana pieces with 1 tsp brown sugar, and broil on high until the sugar bubbles and the bananas brown (about 2-3 minuts). After broiling, sprinkle with cinnamon - or drizzle with 1 tsp rum for an extra-special treat.

Tropical Fruit Salad -

Make a fruit salad with 1 sliced peeled banana, 1 sliced peeled kiwi, and 1/2 diced peeled ripe mango. Squirt 1/4 of a lime's juice over the salad and enjoy!

How do you like your bananas?

Mixbook Review and Coupon Code

Have you run out of gift ideas for certain people? Do you want an original gift that is going to last forever? I have just the perfect gift idea for you - Mixbook!

Mixbook is a leading photo publishing company. Unlike their competitors, their photo books are 100% customizable, allowing users to begin with either a blank book or an existing template that can then be edited to their liking. Mixbook also has a unique collaboration feature which allows their users to invite friends and family to work on a project together.
I love to scrapbook, but it is such a hassle and it makes such a mess, especially with my two children "helping." The Mixbook is a digital scrapbook, and I loved making mine! It was so much easier, but I got to be just as creative!! I couldn't wait to receive it in the mail.

I love how you can save your work and come back anytime, because as a busy mother, I never know what interruptions I will face. I will also say that working with the employees of Mixbook was wonderful. They were very professional and kind, and that is important to me.

Here is a video of my finished Mixbook:

And here are some pictures of my finished Mixbook:

A Mixbook would be a perfect Father's Day gifts. I know how many awesome pics you probably have that you could include in that album! Want to get 20% off your Mixbook? Use the code TOMOSON20 and get 20% off! Check out all Mixbook offers, and you can find them on Facebook too.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Teething Necklace Review and Giveaway

Have you ever heard of a teething necklace? You may think that it is a necklace for babies to chew on. Not quite. It is actually made of  Baltic Amber, which has pain relieving qualities. Intrigued? Read on...

Amberforsale is a wonderful etsy shop that makes these necklaces available for all of you! You can also find their products on their other website.

Amber teething necklaces are a traditional baby teething remedy. A natural analgesic, amber has been used for centuries in Europe. Wearing Baltic amber close to the skin will help calm a baby without resorting to drugs. Natural anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties of baltic amber are perfect to soothe teething babies.

Like I said earlier, these amber necklaces are made for wearing, not for chewing, as amber exhibits its pain relieving qualities when worn on the skin. The amber is said to reduce inflammation caused by teething when worn close to the skin and promote a stronger immunity to common infection as well as assisting general well-being.

I received their maximum effect raw sea amber oval form necklace for my 5 1/2 month old daughter. She is definitely teething - lots of drool, chewing on my fingers and everything she can get her hands on included.

I was beyond excited to receive this necklace. I try to only put safe and natural products on and in my children's bodies, so I am not keen on using the gels and pain killers that you often see in drug stores for teething babies.  I was hoping beyond hope that this necklace helped my sweet little daughter.

She has been wearing the necklace for a little over a week, and so far, things are going well. She is still drooling and chewing on everything in site, but she is very happy. She doesn't have any swollen gums, fevers, or bad diaper rashes. And I just love how cute the necklace looks on her. It is just so adorable!! Even if it wasn't helping her teething, I would still put it on her, because I love how darling it looks.

Now, you might ask, "Is this safe?" Yes, these necklaces are quite safe. As a safety feature there is a knot before and after each bead, so that even in the extremely unlikely event of the string being torn, no beads are lost and there is no risk of choking, necklaces are secured with a traditional screw clasp, not a sterling silver hook and ring! They do recommend that you take off the necklace if you are not going to be with your child, for instance during a nap or bedtime. To read more about amber, check out the website.

I highly recommend these amber teething necklaces for all your sweet little children dealing with the stress of teething. I will be using this necklace on my daughter until she is completely done teething, and then hopefully we can use it again with other children. You can check out all the different varieties of necklaces they have. I know you will find one, if not more, that you love!

You are going to love this - we are giving away (1) Amber Teething Necklace of your choice to (1) lucky reader!! How fantastic is that?

Here's how to enter this great giveaway:

Become a public follower of Your World: Healthy and Natural on my right sidebar and tell me you did so in a comment.

For more entries:

Head on over to their etsy shop and tell me which necklace is your favorite. (1 entry)

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

Subscribe to Amber Teething Necklace's newsletter. (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.(2 entries)

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

Like Your World: Healthy and Natural on Facebook.(2 entries)

Add the Your World: Healthy and Natural blog button to your website or blog. (2 entries)

Comment on any of my posts about healthy and natural living that you have not commented on before. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is June 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 Amberforsale for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review  for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Raining On Your Health Parade

                                             

Have you ever had close friends or family members ridicule or make rude comments about your healthy habits? Has anyone ever rolled their eyes at you when you tell them that you eat organic foods? How about someone trying to sabotage your weight loss efforts?

Sadly, I believe this happens to many of us, including me. I have felt the sting of other people's mean spirited comments about my healthy lifestyle:
 "What are you thinking trying to eat only organic?"
"Do you think you are better than other people?"
"Why are you wasting money on an organic couch or organic mattresses?"
   "Why do you want the carpet ripped out of your house in favor of hard floors?"
"Why can't you just wear regular anti-persperant like everyone else?"
  "What is wrong with eating meat every day at most meals?"
"Why do you exercise so much?"

The list could go on and on...

Yes, those comments hurt, but still I hold strong to my convictions, and I continue to work to give my family a healthy and safe life. 

I know many of you have heard comments like these directed at you, and I am so proud of those of you who are not afraid to help educate others and stand firm in what you know and feel is best for you and your health.

I had a long chat with a personal training client and dear, dear friend of mine yesterday about this exact topic. She feels like she is being tugged in two directions. On the one hand, her very unhealthy husband wants her to stay home and join him in his unhealthy habits. On the other hand, she knows that she feels best when she exercises 3-4 times a week, takes her vitamins, and sticks to healthy foods. But, it is hard to hear the criticism from those you love.

Kudos to all of you who not only stand up for what you feel is best for you, but work gently to help others understand why you do the things you do and how making small changes in their life could help them too.

I know it isn't easy to make healthy changes in a world where there is a fast food restaurant on every corner, constant advertisements for drugs that give you "instant relief", and foods in our grocery stores with hidden chemicals and GMOs in them. I know it takes research and hard work to find out what products are good for you. And I know it takes a strong person to stand away from the majority when it comes to unhealthy habits.

Today, I want to thank all of you for standing up for your health, and when someone starts raining on your health parade, you just have to put up your umbrella and invite them to join you underneath.

Live Raw Book Review

I have a great book for all you who are trying to eat more healthy foods, interested in raw foods, or have already adopted a raw diet.

Live Raw by Mimi Kirk is a very comprehensive book of raw food recipes for good health and timeless beauty. In the book, you will find stories about Mimi, beauty tips, health tips, detoxifying plan, and lots of ideas on how to live a happy, healthy long life. It also offers 120 recipes made of whole healthy ingredients.

What does "raw" mean anyway? Well, raw food includes fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, sprouts, grains, seaweed, spices, herbs, oils and sweeteners that you can combine in tons of different ways to have delicous food.  It is uncooked, unprocessed and organic. It can be dehydrated, fermented, sprouted, and sundried.

There are tons of benefits of eating raw, including:  weight loss, more energy, glowing skin, and better digestion.

I have thought about adopting a raw diet, but I haven't gone high-raw yet (which means 75% of your food comes from consuming raw foods). I do try to have raw foods at each meal, so I am getting those awesome digestive enzymes.

I highly recommend this book to all of you who want to take a second and think about how you can improve your diet. Do you eat raw foods with every meal? Do you need to eat more raw foods? Maybe you don't know how to incorporate raw foods into your diet. This book can help!!

I especially love all the pictures of the delicous recipes. I am a picture girl, and I love to see what I will be cooking as I cook it. How does a mango smoothie sound? How about butternut squash soup or flaxseed crackers? You can even make raw macaroni and cheese!(which is actually zucchini pieces and a cashew cheese)

As summer comes up and fresh produce is easily available, now is a great time to try raw!! Find Live Raw on Amazon here for a great price.

*Skyhorse Publishing provided me product to review, and I was under no obligation to review if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.*

Big Huge Amazing Giveaway Tomorrow!!

Who has been reading my reviews about the fitness program, RevAbs?? You know, the program designed by Biggest Loser trainer, Brett Hoebel?

You know I love sharing the goodies I review with all of you, so get ready for this - tomorrow I will be posting the giveaway for the awesome RevAbs program - to help you get strong and beautiful abs too!!

Pretty cool, right?

Happy Wednesday!

Battle Belly Bulge!

How often do you feel bloated? How about gas? Or maybe you just want to work on getting a flatter stomach…These tips will help with all of those problems and more!

1. Don’t Talk With Food In Your Mouth. Just like your mother told you. You would be surprised by how much air you ingest if you are speaking while chewing and swallowing. It gets trapped as air pockets in your stomach. So no gobbling, slurping, and no talking while chewing. Smoking is a major culprit here too. Do you need a better reason to quit? Bloating and nicotine odor?

2. Limit Carbonation. The gas or CO2 in soft drinks and even carbonated water literally adds gas into your stomach and intestines. Go for flat liquids instead and you’ll be surprised how your stomach magically doesn’t bloat. AND, don’t forget about beer. It is not only the calories in beer that create a rounder belly; it’s the frothy fermentation of its ingredients that cause your stomach to distend within minutes of sipping that cold brew.
3. Try To Avoid Processed Food. I know it is hard with all the sweet and salty snacks out there, but try to stay away. Processed foods and “diet” foods contain a staggering amount of chemicals and artificial ingredients that adversely affect your stomach. Maltitol, sorbitol, polysorbate 80 are a few of these culprits.
4. Limit Gum Chewing. While it may help your breath or be a substitute for snacking, (oh yes, I have been on the gum-chewing diet before) it introduces excess air into your belly, and also contains artificial ingredients that can cause severe bloating and even gas pain.

5. Avoid Excess Salt. While sodium is a crucial mineral for blood pressure regulation, too much of it causes abnormal water retention. If you prepare your meals at home, (like you should) you don't have to be afraid to season your food with salt and pepper. The big culprit is excessive sodium consumption from prepared and processed foods. Since they rely on salt both as a primary flavoring and preservative, they commonly use excessive amounts of it.

6. Stand Up Straight. Yes, it does help in more ways than one to give you a flatter stomach. If you stand up straight with your shoulders back, your tummy miraculously flattens. So, don't hunch over and let your tummy hang out. Not only do you look tired when you slouch, you also visually add 10 pounds to your waist. Sit or stand up straight and suck in your belly button towards your back bone to tighten up your deep transverse abdominus.

7. Chew Your Food. Slow down and chew! Eating too quickly is a recipe for a bulging bloated belly. (say that 10 times fast) Even a healthy digestive system needs to have food properly broken down to metabolize efficiently. The process of digestive begins in the mouth. Enzymes in your saliva begin breaking down food into nutrients, so that they can be easily absorbed by your body. If you only chew a couple of times, you put your stomach into overdrive, which is a major cause of excess gas and bloating. So, come on, give yourself a break and enjoy your food. Savor it and chew it! Aim for 20 chews per bite. Extra bonus: you probably won't eat as much either.

Try a couple or all of these easy tips and see your tummy start to tone up!

Winners!!

Happy Monday!!

I am finally getting everything back to order after a quick 13 hour trip to my brother in law's graduation, cutting a ton of rhubarb (yay!!), and planting our whole garden (another yay)!!

Our winner's from the last couple of days are....

Butters and Beans Organic Blanket -  #132 Kimberly

Aerobie Sprint Flying Ring -  #33 Shelley

Congrats, ladies!! Enjoy those wonderful products!! And check out all the other low entry giveaways going on!

Lonely Girl, Gracious God Book Review

Are you a parent of an autistic child or do you know someone who has an autistic child? Maybe you just want to learn more about how autism can change your life when you are touched by it. If any of these resonates with you, I have just the book for you.

Lonely Girl, Gracious God  is a fabulous book that share a mother's love for her autistic daughter. Chicken Soup for the Soul contributor Lauri Khodabandehloo shares her very personal and heart-tugging story of raising a daughter with autism during a time when doctors were just learning about the disability themselves.

Taking us on a journey down the broken road that leads us to the truth of God's overwhelming faithfulness, and His promise to never leave us, she shares the special bond between those who are challenged with a developmental disability and the people who love them.

As a teacher, I used to have autistic children in my classroom, and so I am familiar with autism. However, I believe that you cannot understand what being a parent of an autistic child is like unless you are one. I have a very dear friend who has an autistic teenage son, and I find myself hungry to learn more about autism and how it changes your life, so I can be a better friend to her.

I borrowed her this book, and she read through it very quickly. Here is what she had to say -

"As a mom of a nearly 15-year-old son with Autism, I have seen my share of resources throughout the years. There seems to be tons and tons of information on Autism research, techniques, education, methods, and law. What I have always felt, and always will feel, is that while all of this information is good and valuable, it doesn’t speak to what I really know about autism. Autism, is indeed given to us by God, as a gift."


"I was both excited and nervous to see the title of the book, and its subtitle: A Mother’s Story of Autism’s Devastation and God’s Promise of Enduring Love. I was excited just to finally see a resource with God in the title, but, nervous because I knew the book probably contained some heartbreaking, and close-to-home stories. I was correct on both feelings."


"Lauri Khodabandehloo recounts the story of her family dealing with all of the twists and turns of Autism. Lauri describes in detail the early signs she saw, but through faith, was compelled to not recognize as autism. To me, Lauri was NOT in denial, she was acting out of faith. At one point in the story, Lauri was confronted by a well meaning individual and told that she suspected Autism in Lauri’s 4th, and youngest daughter, Farema. Although at the time, Lauri could not see what her friend saw, later, through God’s grace, she was able to go admit that her friend was a blessing. That is a repeated theme in my own life that I share with the author. While my heart and brain may think one thing in the present, the future always holds the wisdom and grace of God. My favorite quote from the book is: 'God caused everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28).'"


"While reading the book, I did not really see a sad and dark tale of devastation. Any mother, especially when the mother is close to God, can see that a child’s life may be challenging, but, even hardship is your gift and blessing from God. That is what I felt when I read Lauri’s words. It wasn’t until the end of the book, after recounting all of the fight for progress, then when a drug reaction caused regression, did I feel that devastation. One of the blessings of this book is that Lauri lists all of the prescriptions that her daughter was given. This is cautionary wisdom working! I hope other readers see this and take it as an experience to value the hindsight of this mother. We can take note that we need to listen to God, and that sometimes he speaks to us through others. God definitely spoke to me through Lauri."

You can find Lonely Girl, Gracious God at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and more.

*Bring It On! Communications provided me product to review, and I was under no obligation to review if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.*

To read more reviews like this, go to: Tell Us The Truth Reviews.

Wool Dryer Balls Review and Giveaway

Do you know that regular dryer sheets are full of all kinds of toxic chemicals? Some of these toxic chemicals include Benzyl Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Chloroform and Linalool; none of which are good for the environment - or you. And some of these compounds are known carcinogens. Aside from the chemicals in the sheets winding up in your clothing and therefore next to your skin, when heated, the fumes are also toxic. Yikes!! Time to get rid of those dryer sheets!

One great alternative to dryer sheets are wool dryer balls like the ones from the Willow Store. Their wool dryer balls are natural wool felted, reduce drying time, soften your laundry naturally, and are handmade in the US.

I bet you are asking yourself, "Where have these wool dryer balls been all my life?" That is the same question I asked myself. I love this natural option, which is great for your health and the environment. And they are super easy to use. You simply toss 2-3 balls in your wet dryer and start. No need to remove them from the dryer, just reuse!

I love that they really do perform the job of a dryer sheet, and they are way better! They softened my clothes wonderfully and there was no static in any of my laundry. Wahoo! I also think that they did cut my drying time down. I tried to cut the time in half, but most times my clothes were a little damp. So, I would say they probably cut the drying time down by a third, which is awesome! That will save you some money on electricity, since dryers are electricity hogs.

They won’t harm your clothes but since they are 100% wool, some natural pilling may occur over time. They are available in lots of fun colors. The colors are safe for any color laundry, the dye used is fiber reactive, and will not bleed onto your clothing. At only $19.95 for a three pack, which will last you a long time, these are a great deal!!

While you are there, also check out the laundry nuts, which are an awesome nontoxic substitute for regular laundry detergent. I can even use them on my stinkiest cloth diapers. Love them!!

And for (1) lucky winner, we are giving away a 3-pack of the Wool Dryer Balls!! Yay!

Here's how to enter this great giveaway:

Become a public follower of Your World: Healthy and Natural on my right sidebar and tell me you did so in a comment.

For more entries:
Head on over to their website and tell me your favorite product from the Willow Store. (1 entry)

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.(2 entries)

Follow @TheWillowStore on Twitter.

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

Like Your World: Healthy and Natural on Facebook.(2 entries)

Like The Willow Store on Facebook. (1 entry)

Add the Your World: Healthy and Natural blog button to your website or blog. (2 entries)

Comment on any of my posts about healthy and natural living that you have not commented on before. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is June 2nd 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 The Willow Store for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review through Boiron for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Tropical Traditions Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens Review and Giveaway

Who wants to get healthy today??? I do, I do!!

Tropical Traditions has a great and easy way to fuel your body with some awesome nutrients - Omega 3 Greens. This is a drink powder full of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, both of which are important for optimum health.

We should be striving for 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies each day, but it is easy to fall short if you aren't eating the best. Now, you can get the benefits of all those in a powder that you just mix with water and drink up.

Here are some of the benefits:

• Antioxidant Natural Greens contains 2600mg Organic Flax & Organic Flax Lignans per serving, rich in ALA Omega 3

• Antioxidant Natural Greens provides dark green plants, herbs, spices, natural food concentrates, and nutritious fruits and vegetables to help meet your daily requirements.

• Antioxidant Natural Greens supplies a rich blend of totally natural vitamins, minerals, plant enzymes, antioxidants, phytonutrients and symbiotic intestinal flora.

I received the Berry Canister without Licorice. Truthfully, it doesn't taste like a yummy shake. It tastes like a healthy green drink. I wouldn't normally want to drink this, but with all the goodness they have packed into this drink, I can't help but give my body this treat. I love that it is all natural, with no preservatives or MSG.

Plus, because it is from Tropical Traditions, the ingredients are really great quality. Here are just some of the amazing ingredients in this drink: Organic Flax Seed Blend, Spirulina, Chlorella, Apple Fiber Pectin, and a great enzyme blend.

I absolutely recommend this drink to you to add a health boost to your day! You can purchase Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens in either Mint or Berry flavor, with or without licorice.
Don't forget, all of you can get your own complimentary copy of their Virgin Coconut Oil book by taking part in their Referral Program. When you make your first order, please choose “Referred by a Friend” and enter my User ID: 6904404 on your first online order. The book will then be automatically added to your order. Here is a link to their customer service page so you can email them if you need some help placing your first web order to capture the free book.

Plus, we are giving away (1) canister of the Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens to (1) Lucky Winner!!

Here is how to enter this great giveaway:
Mandatory Entry:

1. Become a public follower of Your World: Healthy and Natural on my right sidebar and tell me you did so in a comment.

For more entries:
Subscribe to Tropical Traditions Newsletter. (1 entry)

Check out Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens and tell me something new you learned about them. (1 entry)

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.(2 entries)

Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter.(1 entry)

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

Like Your World: Healthy and Natural on Facebook.(2 entries)

Comment on any of my posts about healthy and natural living that you have not commented on before. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is June 1st 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!

* Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.*

Why Organic? Part 2

I want to continue the discussion on why going organic is so important for the planet, our own health and the health of others. Read on...

Organic foods are healthier and safer. Studies have shown that some organic foods are higher in antioxidants and powerful antioxidants and cancer-fighting nutrients such as conjugated linoleic acid. They're safer because they are produced without dangerous chemicals, antibiotics, and risky (not to mention disgusting) and cheap practices like feeding dead cows to living cows, or putting contaminated sewage sludge onto farm fields. Gross, right? Certified organic products are the only foods available that have a government-backed guarantee that no chemicals, antibiotics, sewage sludge, or GMOs were used in the growing or processing of the foods. Thank you to all organic companies for this!!!!!!!!!!!

Eating organic is easier than ever.  Choosing to eat organic food does not condemn you to a diet of nuts, berries, and tofu (although all those foods are quite tasty). Today, you can find organic versions of the most popular foods, including salad dressing, cereal, cheese and ketchup. Just explore your local grocery store or co-op.

Goverment subsidies are the primary reason for the low prices of chemical foods. This may surprise you, but did you know without government subsidies, chemical food would not be less expensive, but rather much more expensive. Organic foods have no hidden costs.

Organic farming increases and protect the planet's natural biodiversity. If you are an animal lover of any kind, organic is for you. A recent report by the International Union Conservation of Nature documents that "life on earth is under serious threat." The report found that one-third of amphibians, at least one in eight birds, and a quarter of mammals are on the verge of extinction. Half of all plant groups are threatened. Those numbers are shocking to me! The toxic effects of chemicals have reduced all species' abilities to survive and reproduce. Take a stand with me!

And if those aren't enough reasons to try going organic, get this - people who eat organic foods reduce their pesticide intake by as much as 90 percent, according to a study form the U of Washington. That is a great number, and I am proud to say that I have gone all organic and my health has never been better! I am not a rich person or a celebrity. I have two children, a husband, and we probably have a middle to lower class income, but we make it work, because if you don't take a stand for your health, who will?


Parts of this article have been excerpted from the book, "Organic Manifesto: How Organic Farming Can Heal Our Planet, Feed the World, and Keep Us Safe."

The Homesteading Handbook Review

How many of you have ever dreamed of living off of your own land? How many of you think that is just crazy? What about living somewhere between those two worlds? That is where I am at. The more I learn about back-to-basics living, the more I love it!

The Homesteading Handbook is a guide to growing your own food, canning, keeping chickens, generating your own energy, crafting, herbal medicine, and more. Now, that doesn't sound so bad, does it?

With the rapid depletion of our planet’s natural resources, we would all like to live a more self–sufficient lifestyle. But in the midst of an economic crisis, it’s just as important to save money as it is to go green. As the author, Abigail Gehring shows in this thorough but concise guide, being kind to the Earth can also mean being kind to your bank account! It doesn’t matter where your homestead is located—farm, suburb, or even city. Wherever you live, The Homesteading Handbook can help you:
Here are just some of the things you will about in this book:

· Plan, plant, and harvest your own organic home garden.

· Enjoy fruits and vegetables year-round by canning, drying, and freezing.

· Build alternate energy devices by hand, such as solar panels or geothermal heat pumps.

· Differentiate between an edible puffball mushroom and a poisonous amanita.

· Prepare butternut squash soup using ingredients from your own garden.

· Conserve water by making a rain barrel or installing an irrigation system.

· Have fun and save cash by handcrafting items such as soap, potpourri, and paper.

I loved this book!! I wish I could send each of you, my readers, a copy. I just know you would love it too!
We have been thinking about getting a chicken or two for awhile, and this just made us want to go through with it even more. The book even shows you how to make a really easy chicken coop that doesn't require a master carpenter. There are so many interesting things in this book! Did you know you can eat whole dandelions? I didn't. But after I read that, my hubby, son and I all ate some dandelions that were growing right in our yard, and they weren't half bad. Try it!

I hope you each get the opportunity to read this book. Then, take a moment and think of how you can live a little bit more self-sufficiently. You can take small steps or giant leaps. Just go for it! I guarantee you will feel a lot of satisfaction along the way and save some serious cash.

Find The Homesteading Handbook on Amazon for as low as $10.00. A great investment, for sure!

*Skyhorse Publishing provided me product to review, and I was under no obligation to review if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.*

Giveaway Winners!

Our lucky winners from the weekend!!

For the Christophe Artisan Chocolate -  #12 - Shonda

For the Sprigs Banjee and Infinity Scarf -

 #33 - Manager to Mom

#65 - Mandy

Congrats to all of you!! I am sure you will love all the goodies!

Free Energy Chews!

My all time favorite company for all things health and wellness is Shaklee. I have been using their products for years, and they have changed my health and my life.  They make awesome vitamins, supplements, protein shakes, personal care products and natural green cleaning products.

Right now, they are giving away free Shaklee Energy™ Chews to fans of the Shaklee Corporation Facebook page! You only have to pay $4.98 for shipping and handling. This means that anyone who is currently a fan of the Shaklee Corporation Facebook page, or becomes a new fan of the page, will be eligible to enter the promotion as a special thank you for being a Shaklee fan.

These little chews are delicious and pack a wonderful, healthy punch when you need the extra edge! Whether you are dragging yourself through the day or need a little pick me up, these are great!  I love that they are 75% organic and contain scientifically proven ingredients that work: L-theanine and L-tyrosine to help promote focus and alertness, energy-releasing B vitamins, natural caffeine from green tea, and vitamin D.

I wrote a review of them several months ago. You can see it here. Otherwise, save yourself $21, and get your Energy Chews for FREE! If you want to learn more about Shaklee, you can learn more about their products here.

RevAbs Update

If you haven't already seen my first post on RevAbs and what it is all about, read it here. Otherwise, let me just say this - I love the RevAbs program! Biggest Loser trainer, Brett Hoebel, is the guy behind these awesome workouts that are geared toward firming you up all over, especially your abs. Not only does he do that, but he is a great motivator and, man, is he ever funny!  I crack up at him all the time, and his antics are some of my favorite parts of each workout.

I am now done with my first week of RevAbs, and I love it even more than when I first started. If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you know I have reviewed plenty of fitness DVD's and at home programs, and there are only a very select few that have met my standards. Since I am a trainer myself, I can be a bit picky. However, RevAbs has got a hold on me! I love it! I am even slowly...but surely getting my hubby to join in. And get this - my two year old does the Rev Anthem and Rev salute with me - "Rev it high, Rev it low, I am strong, committed and ready to go. RevAbs, baby!" Our whole family is getting addicted to Brett's fun and motivational personality, the kick bootay moves, and the way this program changes your body.

Wish me luck, because I am going to be starting week 2 next, and I still have a long way to go! By the way, thanks for all your support so far. You guys are great!
Remember, soon, we will be having a giveaway for one of YOU to win your own RevAbs program! Trust me, you want to win this! Stay tuned...

* RevAbs provided me with free samples of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.* 

Baby Sky Shop Bamboo Products Review

Today, I am bringing you a family owned company that features a favorite fabric of mine – bamboo. So what is the big deal about bamboo? Well, for starters it grows without pesticides and chemicals, so it is better for your skin and the environment. Check out more reasons to love bamboo:


• The bamboo fabric contains a natural anti-bacterial agent.

• The bamboo fabric absorbs water better than cotton.

• The bamboo fabric is soft.

• The bamboo fabric generates far infra-red negative ions.

• Breathable and Thermal Regulating.

• Hypo-Allergenic and Non-Irritating.

Baby Sky Shop (aka Bamboo-bebe) is all about Bamboo!! Founded in July 2007, Bamboo-bebe is recognized by customers as a specialist in diapers and baby clothing. Bamboo-bebe makes products in consideration of mothers, babies and nature. From cloth diapers to towels to baby clothing and more, they have tons of great products!

I received a waterproof diaper cover, two bamboo inserts and two bamboo handkerchiefs. I love it all!

The cloth diaper cover is so cute! I chose the Rora cover, because I just love the little dancing princesses. Perfect for my baby daughter!

The waterproof diaper cover has a really unique closure system, which you can see on the video below.


The only thing I don't like about this diaper cover is that it says it may lose it's waterproof function after 6 months. Bummer.

I loved the bamboo inserts, because they soak in a lot and they dry really quickly. They have little wings that unfold and allow the insert to dry fast. Love that! You can buy them in packs of ten or seperately.

Last of all, I also loved the bamboo handkerchiefs. I love a product that is multi-functional, and these certainly are! I have used them for spit up, nose wiping, a play toy, peek-a-boo and more. I especially appreciate the fact that because they are bamboo, they have an anti-bacterial agent. Perfect for runny noses! Plus, they are super soft and absorb more than cotton! Mothers, you are going to love these!

Find all of these products and so many more great bamboo products on their website. And be sure to check out all their sales and specials!

*Baby Sky Shop provided me product to review, and I was under no obligation to review if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.*

Organically Grown Onesie Review

What better fabric is there to put against your baby's skin than organic cotton? It just doesn't get any better! Not only is it super soft, but it is the best choice for the environment too!

Organically Grown makes super cute organic clothing. And things just got better over there with their new Spring collection. Now the clothing is softer than ever, made with GOTS certified 100% organic cotton!

Driven by their positive spirit, and heartfelt commitment to a healthy planet, they founded Organically Grown. They were raised to believe that they could make a difference, and affect real change in the world. They believe in your right to affordable, safe, stylish, high-quality organic products from apparel and home décor, to personal care items.

I love their new garden collection for little girls. We received an Organic Garden Fun onesie from this collection shown above. Isn't it so cute! It is made from really great quality materials, so that the cute little caterpillar won't go anywhere. Plus, at only $8 per onesie, or $20 for all three onesies in this collection, you can't go wrong! They come in sizes NB, 3 Mo, 6 Mo, and 9 Mo. Just in time for Spring!
Don't forget to check out all the other cute new baby clothing in this collection. Plus, they also have clothing for women, men and other children's sizes. Buy clothing you will feel good about and feel good in!
*Organically Grown provided me product to review, and I was under no obligation to review if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.*

Monkey Doodlez Cloth Diaper Review and Discount

I am a huge fan of cloth diapers, and I have been using them with both of my children. They save money, are better for the planet, and are much better for your child's health. Now that it is Spring and you can hang your diapers out to dry on the line, it is an even better way to save money and live greener! If you haven't tried cloth diapers, now is the time!

Some cloth diapers can get complicated or messy, which is why I love finding really awesome cloth diapers that are easy to use. Monkey Doodlez Tuck and Go System is one of the awesome ones!!

Monkey Doodlez was born out of necessity to fill a need for a functional, high quality, good fitting diaper made with comfortable, natural fibers. The name Monkey Doodlez was CEO, Cheryl Yakem's, oldest daughter's nick name as a tot, so it seemed only a natural fit for the product line. Born on a dining room table, Monkey Doodlez has now grown to serve nearly 500 retailers around the world.

I really love that Monkey Doodlez opted out of a factory environment, choosing instead to employ home sewers, to provide them with flexible hours, competitive wages and the opportunity to spend more time with their families. The end result is excellent workmanship. Great idea!!

Like I said earlier, I love the Tuck and Go System. I love this system because it is so simple! Just tuck the pad into the cover and Go! No Stuffing! No Snaps! No Hassles! The diaper fastens just like an AIO or disposable. Then, when the diaper is soiled, simply hang on to the outside cover, hold it over the pail or washer, turn it over and the pad falls right out! You don't have to get your hands messy at all. Love, love, love!!

I also love that you can choose pads that are 55% Hemp, 45% Organic Cotton, so that there are lovely nontoxic fabrics against your babies bottom. The pads are sold in packs of 3, and you can choose from 4 different sizes for these diapers to fit your baby at any age.

Honestly, I love everything about this diaper system. It keeps the waste in, and keeps you clean when you are changing the diaper. Also, you can turn this diaper into a nighttime diaper by just adding an extra pad. Plus, they are not as bulky as some cloth diapers, so all my daughter's clothes still fit.

Check out all the colors and sizes, and pick out your favorites. You will love this diaper! While you are there, check out all their other products too. Get everything you need for cloth diapering, because they are giving all of my readers a discount!! Woohoo! Just use the code natural15 to get 15% off the Tuck and Go system for the next 10 days!!

*Monkey Doodlez provided me product to review, and I was under no obligation to review if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.*

Why Organic?

You hear me saying "Go Organic" all the time. I truly believe that organic is a better option: for your health, for the environment and for others. I believe that more people will choose organic once they understand the why behind it. Education is key! So, here is the first part of a two part series on why to start making the switch:

• Agricultural chemicals destroy the soil's natural ability to store and process carbon.  These chemicals destroy beneficial fungi that grow on the roots of plants and that contribute to taking greenhouse gases out of the air. Trust me, we want this fungi to keep cleaning our air.

• Chemicals poison the air, water and soil. The manufacturing, transportation, and use of chemicals for agriculture are energy intensive and poisonous to all things that come in contact with them. Most chemicals don't biodegrade within a few months. Like nuclear waste, some toxins last forever, and many of the impacts are known to be horrible. Already, we are seeing wells that are contaminated, (like mine, which has nitrates in it from the nearby farms, so we have to use a reverse osmosis system and can't do foster care as we had hoped) and we suffer from infections and diseases such as asthma, diabetes, MRSA, Parkinson's and cancers that are connected to these chemicals.

• Smaller doses of chemicals can be just as dangerous as large doses. Yes, that is right! Most of the governments regulations on chemicals are based on estimated safe amounts of exposure. BUT, scientists are finding that small doses and cumulative small doses can be just as toxic as large doses. There really are no safe limits.

• Chemicals are not necessary to grow food. Synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a substitute for thinking, understanding, and effort. They are necessary only to generate large profits for businesses and for disposing of our toxic industrial wastes.  Virtually every food in the world has been successfully grown and made organically in modern, productive, regenerative ways. I personally love the hard work it takes to grow an organic vegetable garden. It makes the vegetables taste just that much better!

Parts of this article have been excerpted from the book, "Organic Manifesto: How Organic Farming Can Heal Our Planet, Feed the World, and Keep Us Safe."

RevAbs Workout Review and Upcoming Giveaway

So, you know that I am crazy about fitness! I love working out and pushing myself and others to their potential, which is why I am also a fitness instructor and trainer. I love trying out new workouts and love learning from other trainers, which is why I was super excited to receive and review for you RevAbs Workout by Brett Hoebel. Do you know who Brett Hoebel is? He is the newest trainer on the Biggest Loser this season, and I love the Biggest Loser. Since starting RevAbs, I only respect and admire Brett even more.

RevAbs is the brand-new ab system specifically designed to burn off the fat and give you a six-pack in just 90 days. I had a baby 5 months ago, and I have been working on getting back in my best shape, but having two children will change your body, especially your abs. So, I am really excited to review RevAbs and see what a difference it makes for me.

I think one of the first things you should do when starting a new health goal or fitness program is to take "before" pictures. I really wasn't thrilled about showing myself to all of you in this way, but hey, I want to be an example to all of my readers, and I want to document my progress. So, here I am - raw and real. I didn't "suck it in". I am just standing here, letting it all hang out. :-)

Before Pictures

I also took my starting weight, measured my hips, arms, waist, etc. and took my body fat percentage with the caliper that is included in the RevAbs kit.

The first thing you do for the program is take the fit test and do the Abcentrics DVD, which shows you how to fire your abs and shows you Brett's Six-Pack moves that work your abs from 6 different angles. Plus, he teaches you some basic Capoeira moves. I have always wanted to learn Capoeira, so I loved this workout. It is not hard to do, but works your body harder than it seems to. I am looking forward to the days ahead doing more Capoeira.

I will update you as I continue on with the RevAbs program. You want to stay with me here, because I will also be giving away a RevAbs program to (1) lucky, lucky winner! Wish me luck on today's workout!



* RevAbs provided me with free samples of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.* 

Winner!

Our winner of the $25 GC to My Baby Clothes Boutique is....


# 82 - Malika  (I love that name!)

Congrats, Malika, and enjoy picking out something deliciously cute!

Happy Mother's Day and Winners!

I want to wish everyone a wonderful Mother's Day!! I, of course, think every day should be Mother's Day and Father's Day, for that matter.

But on this day that we celebrate it, I want to thank all of you mothers for giving of your heart, soul and body every day for your children!

As a mother of two, I know the love a mother has for her children, and I never could truly appreciate it until I had my own children. It is profound!!

I love how these sayings put it...

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. ~Author Unknown
The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh
All mothers are working mothers. ~Author Unknown
When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren
 
Here are our winners for the Shaklee Basic H giveaway:
 
#24 - Ashley Dowd
 
#58 - lewalk
 
Congrats! I know you will just love the Basic H! You can now use a cleaner that doesn't leave toxins behind!

5 Metabolism Boosters

Start your weekend off with a bang! Here are five really great metabolism boosters that you will love! They are so easy to incorporate into your daily diet.


1. Alaskan Salmon – Whether you eat it canned or fresh, it has omega-3 fatty acids, which stimulate the production of leptin, a hormone that increases feelings of fullness (so you stop eating sooner). It also revs up your metabolism. Mackerel, herring and sardines are good sources too. Not a big fish eater? Get your omegas in supplement form. But, be careful with fish oil supplements, because you want to look for an ultra-purified one with no toxic chemicals or metals. I use Shaklee’s OmegaGuard.
2. Grapefruit – While I don’t want you going on the “grapefruit diet,” grapefruit does have redeeming qualities. It contains naringenin, an antioxidant that researchers found helps your body use insulin more efficiently, keeping your blood sugar in check and improving calorie burn.
3. Rolled Oats – They not only help you ward off hunger, they also take more energy to digest, so your body burns more calories when you eat them.
4. Green Tea – It contains epigallocatechin, (try to pronounce that one) which stimulates the nervous system – without elevating your heart rate. The Journal of Nutrition reports that people who drank green tea and exercised regularly burned more calories than those who sweated but didn’t sip. Three cups a day can torch up to 80 calories.
5. Hot Peppers – Jalapenos, habaneros, and cayennes don’t just add flavor, they also amp up your calorie burn too. Capsaicin is the chemical to thank for the calorie burn! Research shows that a spicy meal can increase your metabolism by up to 25 percent for 3 hours after you’ve eaten it. So, if you are going to have chips, make sure you dip them in salsa!

Happy Friday!!

Organic Garlic Gold Olive Oil Review

Looking for a great gift for your mom, friend, or grandma for Mother's Day? Then, check out Organic Garlic Gold Oil.

"Our Garlic Gold® Oil has been widely recognized as the finest tasting garlic-infused organic extra-virgin olive oil on the market. This subtle, unique oil is great for sauteeing or stir-frying your favorite dishes, or simply use it as a bread dip. Adds rich flavor to roasted, fried or baked potatoes, steamed beets, roast chicken, grilled meats and more. A healthy, delicious substitute for butter, use in place of regular cooking oils. Great in marinades, sauces, and as a finishing oil.  Organic, unique and hand-crafted, our healthy gourmet garlic condiments turn any meal into a memorable dining experience!"

I know many people don't like touching and crushing garlic, because of the smell that lingers, so the Garlic Gold Oil would be a perfect option for them or just for anyone who loves garlic!!

I am a huge fan of garlic. I use it almost every day, since it gives such great flavor without the fat and calories. Plus, it has so many health benefits!

The very day I got my Garlic Gold Oil, I tried it out! I used it to marinate portabella mushrooms along with red wine vinegar, some italian spices and pepper. Then, I just baked it in the oven for about 15 minutes on 350. When the mushrooms were done, I drizzled a bit more Garlic Gold Oil on them, and they were delicious!! Served with quinoa, this has become one of my family's favorite meals.

You should try it out! If you want to look for more recipes to use your Garlic Gold Oil with, you can find a ton here on their website.  At only $9.95 for an 8 oz. bottle, this is the perfect Mother's Day gift. (even if you just want to buy it for yourself)

Plus, right now you can get 20% off with the code Tomoson20! So, hurry over there and order yours today! This special code is only good through May 8th!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Cardi Wrap Review

As a busy mom, I am usually juggling a child or two wherever I go, and I often have to sacrifice style for comfort. But, with the Cardi Wrap, I have found there’s no reason to choose comfort over fashion because you can easily have both.

The Cardi Wrap by Kymaro gives you a versatile, practical, and comfy top that makes a statement. This single multifunctional wrap can be twisted, tossed, tucked and slung to create 50 different figure-flattering styles and is an indispensable wardrobe addition.
Drape the Cardi Wrap elegantly to accentuate your best features and camouflage imperfections. Want to have slimmer hips or hide a pesky muffin top? The Cardi Wrap by Kymaro easily solves these flaws. No matter what your body type weight fluctuations, Cardi Wrap is a perfect fit.

I received the Cardi Wrap in Tan, but you can also choose from seven colors and two sizes. Plus, I love that it comes with a Style Book illustrating how it can be worn in a limitless number of ways. I am not that creative, so I definitely needed to reference the book.

I really like the Cardi Wrap for its amazing versatility and unique functions. How many cardigans do you have that can be worn 56 different ways? Now, granted, I won't be wearing all 56 styles, but I do have a wide variety that I really liked. Plus, you can be creative and make up your own ideas too. It is a little tricky to try to get yourself looking like the pictures, but after I practiced awhile I was able to make it look pretty great.

Here are just some of the different ways you can wear this wrap.

I think the Cardi Wrap is awesome, and I can't wait to keep making more designs with it!

You can buy yourself a Cardi Wrap for only $39.95! I also suggest getting the accessories, because the bangles really help you to make more designs. I think you will love this beautiful piece and enjoy experimenting with it!
This post was written for Family Review Network & Cardi Wrap who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.



Shout Out For EcoTensil

EcoTensil founder Peggy Cross has come up with a really great way to be more eco-friendly with her new compostable tasting spoon.
Cross is leading the movement to end “one-taste plastic waste” with her ultra-green, single-use spoons made right here in the U.S.A. She's offering up some pretty superior tasting experiences with sturdy, smooth designs that are simple, smart and convenient.

EcoTensil products are an innovative, eco-friendly alternative to plastic. They compost quickly and are recyclable, use less material, and are made from renewable FSC certified sources. EcoTaster is easy to pack and use and is clearly a less wasteful product. Get this - 5,000 EcoSpoons fit in the same box as 1000 plastic spoons! Awesome!!

I think these spoons are great for picnics, snacking on the run, or they would perfect for samplings, delis, events, and trade shows.

Check out how truly green these products are, and get some for yourselves!

Winner!

Our winner of the Tropical Traditions Organic Coconut Peanut Butter is....


#47 - eclairre

Congrats! Enjoy your peanut butter!

Love olive oil?? Check out my new review and giveaway for (3) Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Carapelli!

Mondetta Performance Gear Review and Giveaway

Doesn't Spring just inspire you to exercise? Whether you are going for a jog outside or heading over for one of my Full Body Blast classes, it is important to get those endorphins flowing and burn tons of calories! It makes exercise a lot more pleasant if you are having great quality performance clothes to exercise in.  A lot of people feel more confident when they love what they are wearing and when they know their clothing won't hinder their hard work.

That is why I love MPG - Mondetta Performace Gear! Mondetta Performance Gear is an activewear clothing label that is beginning to make big waves across North America. They've just recently launched their dynamic and blazing hot Spring 2011 Collection that encompasses some great tops and bottoms for exercising outside this Spring!

MPG has developed a line of clothing that seamlessly blends fashion and function, design and performance. The results are richly detailed pieces with a technical edge — an entire collection unparalleled in conception and construction.

They also have an awesome charity - the Mondetta Charity Foundation (MCF). Their founders were all born in the East African countries of Kenya and Uganda and have decided to support an orphanage in the former and a school in the latter. Most of the children directly benefiting from the MCF's efforts have either lost their parents to AIDS or are themselves living with the disease that has ravaged most of the African continent. One percent of total MPG sales are contributed to the MCF, which is a completely separate entity from the parent company, Mondetta, meaning all operating and administration costs are covered by the company and all donated funds received go directly where they should: to help those in need. I love this charity, because I know how important education is to children in Africa! Thanks, MPG!!

I love that MPG has active and lifestyle tops and bottoms, so you can wear their clothing for both exercise and running errands.  Since I practically live in my workout clothes, I love their stylish options!

My favorite shirt is the Charm lifestyle top. It is so cute and so comfortable! I love how stretchy it is, and I love it in the turquoise color! Plus, it is moisture wicking and dries really fast, so you don't have to feel so sweaty while you are working hard.

I also love their Sway pant. Again, I love how they stretch and fit so nicely. They hug your curves and compliment any figure! Plus, they wick the moisture away, and they don't feel sticky next to your legs. They are perfect for any fitness activity or just lounging around.

MPG clothing comes in lots of different sizes and colors. Plus, they have men's products and gym and yoga bags. You can buy any of their products right on their website. Also, you can get 25% off a one time purchase with this code: yourworldnaturallovesmpg. But hurry, because that code ends May 31st!

Plus, we are giving away (1) product of your choice to (1) very lucky reader!!! Thank you MPG!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

1.)Become a public follower of Your World: Healthy and Natural on my right sidebar and tell me you did so in a comment.

2.)Like MPG on Facebook.

For more entries:

Head over to MPG and tell me which product you would choose if you won! (1 entry)

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.(2 entries)

Follow MPG on Twitter.(1 entry)

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

Like Your World: Healthy and Natural on Facebook.(2 entries)

Comment on any of my posts about healthy and natural living that you have not commented on before. I love to hear your thoughts!! (1 entry)

The deadline for this giveaway is May 16th at 11:59 pm EST, at which time a winner will be randomely chosen. This giveaway is open to US and Canada. Make sure that you include your email in your comments because if I can't get a hold of you, you can't win.

* MPG provided me with free samples of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.* 

What It's Like, Living Green? Book Review

If you are looking to inspire your children to live a little greener or want more ideas on how to live greener yourself, I have a great book for you.

What's It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, by the Way They Live by Jill Vanderwood is a look at how other kids and families are living greener, having fun, and saving money. This book is the winner of the Indie Excellent Award, USA Book News Best Book Award, the Teen Developement Award, and the silver award from the League of Utah Writers.

I really love all the great ideas in this book! There are some really simple ideas, as well as tips that are a little more involved. Whatever level you want to be at in making your life a little more eco-friendly, there are tips for you.  Plus, this is a great book for your children to read to inspire them. Yes, there are other children who care about our environment, and they are taking a stand and making a difference!! Be inspired!

This book itself is very green. It is printed on 30% post consumer paper, and it is available through Amazon Kindle. You can also find it here for a really reasonable price!

*Jill Vanderwood provided me product to review, and I was under no obligation to review if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.*