March 2012 – Happymomblogger

Natural Products Expo West – The Latest and Greatest!

We were not going to miss the Natural Products Expo West this year, so when I heard that they were considering not allowing children on the showroom floors, both my son and I were disappointed. But through an overwhelming response from parents and exhibitors nationwide, the folks at NPE decided not to change their rules and allow children on the floors again. But next year will be another story – hopefully they’ll stand by their decision to allow children on the showroom floor. After all, most of the companies presenting at the Expo are dedicated in providing natural, organic, and healthy products for kids so how can you NOT have children at the event? Children are the best testers – their honest and candid opinions will surely help improve a product!

The Press Room this year was pretty interesting though. They had members of the industry vote on their top 10 products that were showcased in the Press Room. There were some pretty interesting companies with their newest products showcased such as Broo, which is a shampoo that contains beer, Shindig which are insulated cooler bags, and Indochine which makes natural soap, and other interesting stuff which I’ll get into later. I suppose the voting is to help the companies determine the popularity of their products and since there were over 20 companies to choose from, the voting became a bit difficult without being too prejudiced. But all in all, it was pretty fun – I felt like a member of the Motion Pictures Academy voting for the best movie or best supporting actress.

This year, there were many new companies attending the Expo and showing their newest products. Most of these companies were from overseas and were bringing their products into the United States. We weren’t able to visit all of the newer companies but most of them were tea companies from England, several new mom startup companies, coconut brands, and a few new chocolate companies – who couldn’t use more chocolates, right? But the majority of companies at the Expo were companies that have been in the business for a very long time and are becoming more popular as people are realizing the importance of eating healthily and naturally. And while I did visit some contacts whom I’ve worked with in reviews and giveaways, it was fun to meet new people and new companies. Everyone was excited to explain to you about their products and they were fervently having you try their samples as well. There were chocolates, candies, cookies, vitamin supplements, hand lotions – you name it, it was there.

But it was the larger companies who really shined at the Expo. With an outstanding marketing approach, companies like CLIF Bar/LUNA had samples galore, and they even had a gaming center set up for kids and adults to play at. The staff were friendly and eager to answer your questions and if you were really hungry, you could probably get full on all the samples they were providing everyone. At the Stonyfield Farm booth, there were samples of their newest Oikos Greek Yogurt for Kids and their booth was set up like a farm with adorable little farm animals, hay, and flowers. There was even a photo area where you can dress up like a cowboy or cowgirl and have your photo or video taken there. It’s always fun to visit Stonyfield Farm as the staff is always eager for you to try their products and handing out souvenirs like tattoes, books, and yogurt. And as you leave the Convention Center, Stonyfield Farm hands you their famous yogurt ice cream bars and yogurt tubes so the walk to your vehicles won’t be so tiring.

Other companies such as Jones Soda, Popchips, and Honest Tea were giving out full size products and if you’re lucky and stayed for the last day of the event, you can take home many other full size products as well. But what was a really grand gesture was the fact that most of the food and perishables were being donated to the local food banks and charities. It was nice to see that all those food weren’t going to go to waste! And this year the exhibitors were smarter with their displays – they cleverly displayed empty cartons and packages just so people won’t grab them on the sly. It was quite shameful to see several people grab boxes of products that were meant for display only as they sneaked them quickly into their resuable bags. I wondered if any of them even knew what they were grabbing?

It seemed like time flew by really quickly at the 3-day Expo. We hardly had a chance to visit every booth and with so many new companies and products out on the market, it was exhilerating and challenging to take in all of the sights, tastes, and people. As usual, the Natural Products Expo West was superbly planned and implemented. The registration was easy and hassle-free and the staff were helpful and friendly. The booths were all set up with extraordinary professionalism and with so many samples offered from the different companies, you really couldn’t go hungry or tired. The event was exhilirating and fun and I’m glad we were able to go again this year. I hope to bring you new products that you may find interesting, as the world of natural and organic living just keeps on growing!

March 29, 2012

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Imagination Movers Rock-o-Matic CD – Music Review

What would the world be like if we didn’t have talented and unique musicians such as The Imagination Movers? If you’ve followed the works of The Imagination Movers and have come to appreciate what they do, then you’ll know what I mean when I say they are talented, dedicated, and full of energy and enthusiam. The Imagination Movers have put their whole heart and soul into making their music, live performances, and their show on the Disney Jr. channel and it looks like they don’t plan on stopping. If you’ve had a chance to pick up their newest CD, ‘Rock-o-Matic’, then you’re in for a real treat. This time, their newest CD also includes a music video DVD of some of their songs and my son and I have really come to love their new CD. As Rich Collins from The Imagination Movers point out about their Rock-o-Matic CD, “We’re still a bunch of dorky dads but we’ve gotten really good at writing pop and rock songs over the last decade, so you can hear a little bit of that swagger in these new tracks. It’s probably our most “rock” record to date but it’s quite diverse stylistically”. And that’s exactly how I would describe Rock-O-Matic: a fun-loving, rock-in-your-soul kind of music. The songs are definitely different than their other albums yet symbiotically combine a bit of each of the Movers essence into each song.

I think all of the songs on Rock-O-Matic are pretty good but we definitely have our favorites. My son loves “Rock-O-Matic” and I like both “Rock-O-Matic” and Dance Kung fu. The lyrics are catchy, funny, and easy to sing along to. In fact, whenever we’re listening to the CD in the car, both my son and I are singing along and moving to the music and melody. Here’s a sample of the lyrics to Rock-O-Matic:

Rock-O-Matic – Cut through the static Turn up your radio now Can you feel it? Don’t you really want to hear it? Crank up your stereo loud

Crank up the stereo – Get the good stuff Turn up the radio – You can’t get enough You’ve got to let it go, you’ve got to let it go now

Other titles that are definitely worth cranking up the sound are, “Fast as a Cat” which has a nice rap from Mover Scott, “Buckle Me In” which is about the kids and the parents going on a roadtrip, and “Rain Rain” which is about wishing the sun was out instead of the rain. The vivacious drum beats, the melodic rhythms, and the rappings from Mover Scott really makes this new CD shine. If you’ve had a chance to listen to their previous CDs, you may have noticed an incremental change from their earlier works where the tunes were definitely more for kids than adults and to their later songs where the lyrics and melodies were more mature and established. The Imagination Movers have definitely grown into their art and their music indicates a change for bigger and better stuff in the future. I have friends who tell me that they only listen to The Imagination Movers whenever they are in the car with their kids and they watch their show (also titled, The Imagination Movers) just as avidly as their kids do.

So whether you’re a new fan of The Imagination Movers or hard core fans from the beginning, be sure to pick up a copy of The Imaginaton Movers newest CD, ‘Rock-O-Matic’. You and your kids will definitely enjoy the diversity of this new CD. It’s a mixture of fun, learning, and distinctive tunes that you just can’t stop listening and “rockin'” to. You can also order their CD online at: www.http://www.imaginationmovers.com/.

The good folks behind The Imagination Movers sent me a pre-release CD of ‘Rock-O-Matic’ to listen and review. They also provided me with 2 music videos of the songs in ‘Rock-O-Matic’. Click on the links below to watch and enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQHjg0vhQKw – Dance Kung fu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NYPZ49DDyk&feature=relmfu – Everybody Sing

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

March 29, 2012

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PJ’s Organics – Products Worth Reviewing and Giveaway

Over the years I’ve come to really appreciate frozen foods. Although I do prefer and advocate fresh foods first and foremost, frozen foods can be just as nutritious and delicious if you know what you’re buying and what you’re freezing. Most frozen foods are partially cooked and freezed right away to seal in the freshness and taste so you’re not really missing much there and if you cook and freeze your own food, then you know exactly what ingredients you have in there. But what happens when there are days where you don’t have a lot of time to cook lunch or eat a quick dinner? There are lots of frozen food companies out on the market and deciding which ones are right for you and your family can be a daunting game. Luckily, there are several natural grocery stores near my home so I can always pick up some healthy and nutritious frozen foods.

One company which we came across is a company called PJ’s Organics. I thought it was a cute name at first and decided to read the labels and ingredients to see what they’re all about. Turned out they make only organic burritos with natural ingredients you don’t have to play a guessing game with. Their organic and all-natural burritos are simple yet incredibly delicious and satisfying and they’re filled with natural meat and vegetables. Since I’m a vegetarian, I didn’t try the meat-filled burritos but my son and husband did and they really enjoyed it. Although the serving is about the same as you would expect any other frozen burritos to be, there are a lot more ingredients in the filling and the tortilla wraps are made with organic wheat flour so they’re a lot more satisfying.

PJ’s Organics started in a small town in Northern California from an outdoor loving fellow who loved burritos as much as he did surfing in the California sun. When he couldn’t find any healthier versions of frozen burritos out on the market, PJ’s Organics was born and to this day, they still make their tortillas and burritos from scratch. And since healthy food and a healthy lifestyle is important to the founder, he also promised to use only organic ingredients and no added preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, and no genetically-modified ingredients. In fact, if you looked at the list of ingredients on their Traditional Chicken Burrito, you’ll find only organic white chicken meat, organic black beans, organic white short grain rice, organic tomato paste, organic onion, organic cheddar cheese, and a few other organic spices for extra flavor. Steak and Cheese is my husband’s favorite because of the flavorful organic beef steak and he likes to cook it in the toaster oven to give the burrito an extra crunchy crust. And my son really enjoys the Breakfast Burrito which is filled with organic turkey, eggs, corn, and cheese.

Currently PJ’s Organics burritos comes in the following flavors: Traditional Chicken, Steak and Cheese, Breakfast, Skinny, Five-Layer and Southwestern-Style. Hopefully they’ll make more flavors soon because their burritos taste wholesome and really unique and I think it’s great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any time. They’re perfect for a quick bite to eat and virtually any one of any age can enjoy them. You can also find them in most natural grocery stores in the frozen section.

PJ’s Organics was interested in having me try their burritos so they sent me some product coupons to pick up any flavors that I wanted. So we bought all of their flavors just to be fair. They also want to give three LUCKY readers of Happymomblogger a chance to try their products as well with 2 FREE product coupons to each 3 winners. So how do you win these wonderful burritos? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the PJ’s Organics giveaway:

(Please note, the rules have changed slightly. Please read carefully before entering)

ENTRIES:

#1 entry – “Like” PJ’s Organics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pjsorganics and write on their wall that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger: http://www.happymomblogger.wordpress.com/. Please put Happymomblogger as the heading.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

#2 entry – Become a follower: http://twitter.com/#!/happymomblogger and “Tweet” me @happymomblogger that you are entering the PJ’s Organics giveaway. Become a follower of PJ’s Organics: http://twitter.com/#!/pjsorganics and “Tweet” that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Enter in my other contests.

#5 entry – Vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs using the link provided below.

You can enter by telling me the 5 entries in the LEAVE A COMMENT box. Please be sure to give me your name and email address so that I may contact you if you win. Contest is open to residents of US only. 18 years and older please. Please be sure to provide a physical address and not a P.O. Box. Only 1 contestant per household please. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of prize. Any violation of the rules will deem your entry as disqualified. Happymomblogger is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged prizes but will do the best to ensure your prize gets there. In the event the winner can not be contacted within 3 days of email sent then another winner will be chosen. You can only win 1 prize per giveaway period. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibed by law.

Contest Start Date: March 23, 2012

Contest End Date: April 6, 2012 – Congratulations to Eliza L., Janice W., Layne G.

Only 3 winners will be chosen at random and I will post the winners names on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

March 24, 2012April 17, 2012

suzan25 Comments

Mountain Rose Herbs – Products Worth Reviewing and Giveaway

We all want to be healthy and to have a radiant well-being. But in order to do so, we have to take care of our bodies both inside and out. Most people will agree that in order to achieve greater health and well-being, one has to choose the highest quality of ingredients made without anything artificial. Our bodies are part of nature afterall, and it’s only expected that we put in as much natural ingredients as possible in order to maintain inner and outer balance. One way to do so is with natural herbs and seeds. When I refer to herbs, I’m referring to herbs that have proven track records of providing certain health benefits. Not all herbs are suitable or safe for everyone but there are herbs that we eat and use on a daily basis like thyme, basil, neem, rosemary, and so forth. Herbs can be used in food, for medical purposes, and for aromatic purposes. Herbs can be incredibly potent and efficient so it’s good to know which ones work for which purposes.

Being in the health industry for many years, I’ve learned a lot about herbs and their therapeutic purposes. What I love most about natural herbs is their infinite uses. Natural herbs have been used for many centuries for their therapeutic and culinary purposes and most of them do not have harmful side effects like synthetic products would. But when it comes to using herbs and seeds for bodycare, who do you turn to and who makes the best products? Well, most natural skincare companies use some type of herbs or plants in their products because of their therapeutic purposes as well as for fragrance. The best way to know what you’re buying is to read the ingredients, labels, and do some research on the companies yourself.

When a friend mentioned to me a company called Mountain Rose Herbs (www.mountainroseherbs.com) and their commitment to procuring only natural ingredients like herbs for their company, I was intrigued. I found out that they sell more organic herbs, spices, and botanicals than most companies in the United States. But they are more than just an herb store company. They are firm believers in the power of environmental stewardship, “Good Trade” practices which is similar to Fair Trade but helps profit the farmers even more so, sourcing organically and responsibly in the US and overseas, and providing excellent, highest-quality products to people all over the world. Mountain Rose Herbs is a company dedicated in giving you natural and organic products to help you achieve the greatest of health and well-being and their selection of products are sure to please anyone.

Currently, Moutain Rose Herbs carry an assortment of natural products such as herbs, spices, seeds, tea, essential oils, diffusers, aroma sprays, natural cosmetics, bath and bodycare, herbal oils, salves, tinctures, and extracts, as well as home products such as candles and incense, and environmentally-safe bottles and packaging. It seems that they are truly a “one-stop” shopping site for all things natural, holistic, and environmental! If you’re looking for a natural way of living rather than relying on synthetics, you have to check out Mountain Rose Herbs. With so many natural products to choose from, it’ll probably become your favorite company. And when I say natural, I’m referring to ingredients in their original form. If you’re buying an herb, spice, or seed, you need to make sure they are grown in a clean and natural environment, untouched by synthetic materials. This ensures you’re getting the purest form and highest quality in order to benefit your health.

Mountain Rose Herbs began humbly over 20 years ago by an herbalist who was a pioneer of herbal medicine in her day. Her love and knowledge of herbs and plants help start the company which has now grown into a company known worldwide. Mountain Rose Herbs still procures their ingredients responsibly and ethically and their products are used in many venues across the nation. They have an extensive line of herbs, seeds, spices, oils, etc and you can also find products from other companies such as Aubrey Organics and Oregon Soap Company. They also have a flagship store in Oregon where you can find all of their products – so if you’re ever in Eugene, Oregon, be sure to stop by!

Mountain Rose was interested in sending me some of their products to try and review. The products that I tried were their Rose Facial Wash and their Chai Tea. The Rose Facial Wash smells delightfully light and soothing with essence of rose and citrus lingering in the senses. The Rose Facial Wash is made up of only natural ingredients including Organic Rose Flower Water, Organic Aloe Vera, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Calendula Extract, and their proprietary blend of essential oils and made without any preservatives, parabens, sulfates and all those yucky stuff. Because what goes on your skin will likely go into your skin and it’s always best to use the most natural and beneficial of products on your skin. I also enjoyed a nice cup of their Oregon Chai tea which contains organic Ginger root, organic Cinnamon, organic Darjeeling Tea, organic Cardamom, organic Cloves, organic Nutmeg, and organic Vanilla bean. It was incredibly tasty, soothing, and unique and without any added sugar. I don’t usually drink Chai tea, but there was something quite pure and effectual about their Chai tea. I felt energized and relaxed at the same time and the cinnamon and cloves really shine.

I felt honored trying Mountain Rose Herbs products and they would like to offer 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the chance to win their Rose Facial Cleanser and Oregon Chai Tea. So how do you win this incredible prize? Read below to find out!