Surf Sweets for Valentine!

SURF SWEETS LOGO

For those of you who celebrate Valentine you already know about the abundance of sweets that are bought and given during this holiday. Personally I think this is rather a fun holiday for kids as they get to learn a bit about the history as well as express fun and innocent ways of friendship. Now that my son is a bit older, he sees all the hearts and candies and gifts throughout the stores and at school and it makes him curious. Of course, being a boy he thinks all that romantic stuff is yucky but he also knows that I have something extra special for him on that day.

Whether you give your kids sweets or not for Valentine’s Day, it’s safer to give them candies that aren’t filled will all those artificial ingredients. Given that Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest holiday for sweets, it’s hard to resist stuffing oneself on chocolates, gummies, and other sweet goodies. It may be hard to avoid conventional candies since they are everywhere this time of year, but there are also healthier choices out there too. We don’t have to be stuck buying sweets that will eventually do more harm than good.

SURF SWEETS HEARTS

One company which makes natural and organic sweets is a company we’ve come to enjoy for many years. I know, you’re probably thinking – organic candy? Yes, it is, and that one company is called Surf Sweets. You may have seen their adorable little gummy hearts or sour gummy bears in stores and they come in a nice little package for lunch boxes or as a sweet dessert surprise. Although I don’t let my son indulge on sweets that often, but when I do, it’s nice to know that Surf Sweets offer candies that contain natural and organic ingredients and without any artificial colors or flavors. If you’re going to let your kids indulge in candies now and then, it’s always best to give them something that aren’t full of junk.

Surf Sweets is a company dedicated to providing healthier sweet alternatives made with the finest organic and natural ingredients. With a love for candies, Surf Sweets developed sweets made from real organic sugar and without any corn syrup. Their ingredients are simple but their candies are not. We absolutely love their gummy candies and jelly beans and this time of year, Surf Sweets also has gummy hearts for those who want to give something unique for Valentine’s Day. Their gummy hearts are delicately shaped into hearts, are bite sized and contain just the right amount of sweetness and flavor. It was hard to resist eating them all, as we wanted to save some for those “I desperately need something sweet moments”.

SURF SWEET WATERMELON

Surf Sweets currently sells a comprehensive lineup of gummy and jelly beans including Fruity Hearts, Gummy Worms, Sour Bears, Gummy Swirls, Jelly Beans, and their two newest flavors – Watermelon Rings and Peach Rings. I love the Watermelon Rings as I can taste just a bit of the watermelon flavor with a slight tangy afterbite. You can find Surf Sweets at most natural grocery stores and they come in individual sizes that are great for snacking or on the go fun. To learn more about Surf Sweets, please visit their website for more info: http://www.surfsweets.com/

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

Livin’ the Vegetarian Life – My Eco Eats Challenge

VEGGIE GARDEN

When I was around nine or ten years old I witnessed a cruel injustice to a stray dog close to my home. I saved him from a heartless dog catcher, took the dog home to give him some water and food, and helped him find a new home. But it was staring into those dark, murky depths of his big, black eyes that a turning point happened for me. Watching the cruelty of the animal being beaten and dragged to the dog truck had somehow given me a distaste for animal meat from then on. When I went back inside the house to tell my mom what had happened, she looked at me with a strange smile and then aptly dumped the hot dog she was going to serve me for lunch.

I have to be grateful for such an understanding mom. She has always been a kindhearted and sweet person and when she saw unabashed tears streaming down my face that day, she knew she had to make a decision – allow a young girl to make a compassionate decision that could forever change her life, or laugh it off as some silly girlhood whim.

There are many reasons why someone would become a vegetarian or a vegan. But for a child to become one, the choice can be magnanimous. Children do not inherently know if they should or should not eat meat. They eat whatever their parents give them; meat eaters will feed their children meat, vegetarians will feed their children non-meat. It’s pretty simple, but choosing to become a vegetarian is not an easy path and there can be many obstacles in the way once you decide to become one.

But do you think kids should automatically become vegetarians? That’s a tricky question and it depends solely on the household and how they view food as a whole and whether being a vegetarian is a health choice or a humanitarian one. My nephew chose to become a vegetarian when he was around seven years old. Yes, that’s pretty young but he always had a compassionate nature and he had told his parents that he didn’t want to harm animals so the natural path he took would evidently involve becoming a vegetarian. His parents suffice to say also became vegetarians soon after, wanting to follow the benevolent endeavors of their son.

I became a vegetarian when it wasn’t a “trend”, when people looked at me like I was crazy or from another planet. Eating an all plant-based diet wasn’t very hip or cool but little did people know that revolutionary changes in how Americans eat would later become the new standard. There are more and more vegetarian and vegan restaurants popping up, food companies solely devote their entire line to vegetarians, and even magazines are written for those who are non-meat eaters. Vegetarians were no longer looked at funny and mainstream restaurants even dedicated a section on their menus for “vegetarians”.

There are no right or wrong reasons on whether you should become a vegetarian. It’s a personal choice and no one should bully you into it or laugh at you should you choose to become one. It may be a health choice, a reason to try something new, or simply the thought of eating animals is gruesome. Whatever the reasons, it never hurts to try it. There are many companies out there dedicated in helping you become a vegetarian and in staying one. And if you need one simple reason – consider that it’s a lot less expensive to become a vegetarian than it is to put meat on your table every day. You can even grow your own organic garden so you know what you’re eating. And in the long run, it’ll make you a bit healthier too.

If you’re looking for ways to live a greener life, then try the NBC Green is Universal Eco Eats Challenge which runs from September 29 through October 17. There are many actions to try whether you’re just starting out or have been doing this for a long time. Actions include: Eat a vegetarian meal – http://bit.ly/ZYqpTg, Buy organic eggs – http://bit.ly/1rqiU1F, Fill up your reusable water bottle – http://bit.ly/1CtLGSI, an many many more actions that are fun and educational.  NBC Green is Universal’s One Small Act website is also hosting a sweepstakes. Read below for more info:

From September 2- October 17, NBC’s Green is Universal One Small Act is also hosting a sweepstakes when you join the “Eco Eats” challenge . To join, visit their free green-living tool, One Small Act. Everyone who signs-up and tackles at least one action by October 17th will be entered to win one of five 6-month subscriptions to NatureBox. No Purchase Necessary. Must be US resident and 18+. Read official rules here.

Disclaimer: In exchange for participating in the challenge and writing this post, I was given a gift package from Green is Universal. All opinions here are still my own.

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

 

 

 

Herbal Essences Naked Hair Collection – Product Review Update

HERBAL ESSENCES

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of trying out Herbal Essences newest Naked Hair Collection via a Walmart gift card. I’ve been using Herbal Essences shampoos and conditioners for quite awhile now and I can never get over how intoxicatingly wonderful their scents are! The mixture of flower and herbs really entice the senses while it relaxes and invigorates me – all the effects one don’t usually associate with hair care, but somehow Herbal Essences does the job well.

When I received my Herbal Essences Naked Hair Collection which included the Volume Shampoo, Volume Conditioner, Dry Shampoo, and Volumizing Souffle in a neat little white cardboard box, I was eager to open it and take a whiff of their stuff. True as they are, Herbal Essences newest Naked Hair collection still smells wonderful with that subtle floral and herbal scent mixture. Herbal Essences Naked collection uses extracts from certain flowers and herbs such as Grapefruit, Verbena, Peppermint, and Bergamot. The shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, and soufflé all have a sweet yet subtle floral scent that’s not too feminine or overpowering. I’m pretty sure men would like to use these hair products as well.

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With normally longer and thicker hair, it’s harder to find a shampoo that cleanses deeply but without stripping away too much nutrients from my hair and I was surprised that the Naked collection left my hair actually feeling lighter and airier. The shampoo has a nice moisturizing quality to it and enhanced with the conditioner, my long hair was smoother and easier to brush out. As you can imagine long hair can easily tangle up if not rinsed thoroughly.

While I do appreciate the fact that Herbal Essences Naked Hair collection uses naturally derived flower, fruit, and herb extracts, I am still wary that they contain sulfates which can strip the hair. But they stated that their naked collection is gentle on color-treated hair so I’m going to give it a try for at least a month or so to see more results.

I’ve also never used a hair soufflé before and assuming that it was the texture of mousse, I used it after drying my hair. It’s suppose to leave my hair light and soft throughout the day. The fragrance alone sent my senses to titillating delight and I couldn’t help (inconspicuously) sniff my hair throughout the day. Yup – Herbal Essences will always do that for me and I bet I’m not the only one who loves their scents. Even my son kept sniffing my hair which of course garnered unusual glances from strangers. But hey- if they used the new Naked Hair collection they’d be catching whiffs of the lingering scents on their hair too. So don’t judge me 🙂

HERBAL ESSENCE SOUFFLE

Out of all the Herbal Essences hair products, I’d have to say I found a new line to adore. Although I’m not sure if I would use all four products at the same time, it’s good to know that Herbal Essences does offer the entire kit so you can choose whether to use all of them or just some of them. Everyone’s hair is different as well as product preference.

For more info about Herbal Essences newest Naked Hair collection, please visit their website: http://us.herbalessences.com/en-US/hair-care as well as enjoy this little video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g28hmWjmSo.

Disclaimer: The Walmart gift card and information have been provided by Herbal Essences.

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

Herbal Essences Products Worth Reviewing and Giveaway

HERBAL ESSENCE NAKED

When you think of the word “naked” what’s comes into your mind? Well, that word alone can conjure up many images but in the name of Herbal Essences, naked means products that leave your hair naturally clean and without any heavy residues, dyes, or parabens.

Herbal Essences have been making hair care products for many generations and we all have seen their products throughout the stores across the country. Now, Herbal Essences have come out with a new line of hair care products called Naked where no artificial dyes or parabens are used. Their shampoo and conditioner will restore 100% of your hair’s natural body and leaves your hair soft and manageable.

HERBAL ESSENCE

The Herbal Essences Naked Collection includes Naked Volume Shampoo, Conditioner, Volumizing Souffle, and Dry Shampoo. Details of the individual products are outlined below:

Naked Volume Shampoo & Conditioner:

– Restores hair’s natural body.

– Made with zero heavy residues, dyes, and parabens.

– Light weight shampoo provides a clean luscious bounce.

– Conditioner keeps hair detangled, nourished, and maintains full volume.

Naked Volume Dry Shampoo:

– Great for days when you don’t have time to wash your hair.

– Refreshes your look for lightweight, clean hair — even on days when you don’t wash.

– The natural tapioca formula absorbs excess oil and transforms lifeless, oily hair into fresh hair.

– Delights senses with the crisp essence of citrus and mint.

Naked Volumizing Souffle:

– Weightless, volumizing styler gives you a lift for fullness that lasts.

– Delights the senses with a boost of grapefruit and mint.

HERBAL ESSENCE WALMART

Currently the products are sold online at Walmart (http://www.walmart.com/ip/33006917) and the wonderful folks at Herbal Essences gave me a Walmart gift card to purchase and try their newest Naked Collection. They are also giving 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger a chance to win their own $50 Walmart gift card to purchase the new Naked Collection. The Herbal Essences Naked Collection isn’t available in stores yet so please check their website and stores for further release date. Once I have tried the new Naked collection I will return with a review of the newest hair care products from Herbal Essences. But if you’re interested in trying out the new Naked collection for yourself, then be sure to enter my giveaway. So how do you win this fabulous prize? Read below to find out!

*Winner will win a $50 Walmart Gift Card to purchase their very own Herbal Essences Naked Collection. Once the winner has tried the products, I encourage you to come back here and tell us how you liked it! For more information about Herbal Essences Naked Collection and to order online at Walmart, please follow this link: http://www.walmart.com/ip/33006917.

Here’s how to enter the Herbal Essences/Walmart Gift Card giveaway:

ENTRIES:

#1 entry – “Like” Herbal Essences on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herbalessences 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 Herbal Essences Walmart giveaway. Become a follower of Herbal Essences: https://twitter.com/herbalessences  and “Tweet” that you are entering the Herbal Essences contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Tell me what’s your worst hair moment.

#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. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibed by law.

Contest Start Date: December 20, 2013

Contest End Date: January 3, 2014 – CONGRATULATIONS TO THOMAS M. FOR WINNING THE PRIZE!

Only 1 winner will be chosen at random and I will post the winner’s name on my blog.

Good Luck and thank you for participating!

 

Disclaimer: The Walmart gift card and information have been provided by Herbal Essences.

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

Imagination Movers – Imagining Wildly

IM_BIB_LOGO

In the age of iPods, tablets, and multi platform Apps, are we wondering what happened to the good old days – the old fashioned days when dog-eared books and music that came in a Compact Disc were part of the norm? Or are we just a minority of hopeful moms who want their kids to learn from the basics and to get a feel of the fundaments of learning. Sure, the modern day technology is helpful at best and some people may not even get through the day without it, but what happened to just popping in a CD in your car, cranking up the volume and blare out on the top of your lungs in tune with the music?

That’s when I think about Imagination Movers, a group of music-loving, fun seeking dads who once had a dream and endeavor to accomplish it. Four friends, who through love for their children embarked on a musical and educational journey over 10 years ago and is still going on strong and steadfast. With an abundance of CD’s, toys, and other fun paraphernalia guaranteed to get your kids up and moving, The Imagination Movers never fail to bring delight and laughter to both children and adults. We have loved The Imagination Movers and their endearing music for quite some time and we still crank up their tunes in our car, watch their only DVD over and over again, and hope with all our hearts that Disney would keep them on our TV.

ROCK O MATIC

If you’re a fan of good old fashioned, heart pounding, soul soothing music that transcends you through everyday mundane life, then you’ll probably enjoy songs produced by The Imagination Movers. Their songs range from rock to lullabies to trendy in an assortment of genres fit for practically any age and interest. And with several CDs to choose from starting from their debut CD to their latest rock-style CD, you’ll definitely find something that’ll make your kids happy and satisfied. Whenever we’re in the mood to listen to something fun, I pop in one of the CDs in my car and it instantly calms all the ruckus in the backseat.

The Imagination Movers are great for kids of any age as their music are clean, age appropriate, and full of fun and entertainment. Having been to a few of their concerts, we were really impressed with how the Movers engage the audience with their high energy and their love of music and people. Being parents themselves, they sing from their hearts and it definitely shows in their music.

MOVERS HOLIDAY POSTER

My son and I still try to watch The Imagination Movers on the Disney Junior channel but their shows come far and in between. We hope that their show will continue after each season as each episode tells stories that help people solve everyday problems and of course in traditional Disney fashion – there is always a lesson to be learned at the end. If you get the Disney Junior channel then be sure to tune in whenever they are on. Of course you can also watch their funny videos on their website and Disney Junior’s website as we do oftentimes.

If you’re interested in learning more about the creative foursome, Rich, Scott, Dave, and Smitty, please check out their website: http://imaginationmovers.com/. There you can learn more about this awesome group of friends and entertainers as well as pick up a few CDs and other stuff. They are also on tour throughout the year so be sure to find one in your area. And here’s a little video of The Movers talking to their fans: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201711067647607.