Category: Uncategorized

If you ever feel like there’s just not enough natural products to make the world a better place – well, you’re somewhat right. But more and more companies are coming out with every day products that are not only safer for you but for the planet as well. You just have to know where to look and to understand their overall goal. Unfortunately if you don’t shop at a natural grocery store regularly, then you might miss out on some really great natural products that have either been in the industry for many years or are just starting out. One company who makes amazing household products using naturally derived ingredients is aptly named, If You Care (http://ifyoucare.com/). They make a great assortment of products to use throughout the home that you’ll wonder why you never discovered them before. And that’s because If You Care is a fairly new company, having launched their first product in the market just over 20 years ago.

If You Care began producing their first product, unbleached coffee filters, which was also the very first unbleached coffee filters to market in the United States. Later the need for more environmentally-friendly products to be available gave If You Care the opportunity to produce other environmentally safe products including Dish Liquid, Household Gloves, Trash Bags, Sponge Cloths, Laundry Detergent, and their 100% Recycled Aluminum which uses 95% less energy to produce than any other aluminum foils out on the market today. With the sole purpose of making products that will leave less environmental impact and with the lightest carbon footprint possible, If You Care has dedicated themselves in making products that you will be proud to use every day.

If you look through their array of useful and innovative products, you’ll find products that not only help you get your job done, but can be easily recycled, reused, and repurposed. With their products certified from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and not made with anything toxic or potentially harmful to the environment, it’s easy to see why their products are a natural choice for those who want healthier and better products. I’m excited that they carry such an extensive line of goodies for your home that it’s almost safe to say that you’ll find everything you need from dishwashing detergent to baking pans to natural firelighters. And all of If You Care’s products are made from recycled materials including their packaging, they do not contain chlorine or anything potentially toxic, and from only biodegradable substances. And their Household Gloves for instance are made from 100% renewable resources and are dyed with biodegradable non-toxic inks and glues.

The good folks at If You Care had wanted me to try their most popular Household Gloves/Dish Gloves and Sponge Clothes. As mentioned above, their Household Gloves are made from renewable resources and are non-toxic and their Sponge Clothes are also made from 100% renewable resources and can be used over and over again as well as being super absorbent and resilient. I really like the fact that you can wash the sponge clothes in the washing machine and it actually stayed pretty true to shape after a couple of washes. And if you look at how thin the cloth is, you wonder if it’ll actually soak anything up, and yes indeed – it cleaned and washed my dishes very well as well as served its purpose in cleaning the kitchen countertops. I’m sure there are many other uses for it, I just haven’t gotten around to using it for anything other than my kitchen yet.

The folks at If You Care would also like to give 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to try a pair of their Household Gloves and Sponge Clothes. The Household Gloves comes in Small, Medium, and Large and the Sponge Clothes come in a pack of 5. I think you’ll be thoroughly delighted at the usefulness of their gloves and sponge clothes and you’ll also feel good knowing that they are much safer to use than the other leading brands out on the market today. So how do you win this great prize? Read below to find out! And while you’re at it, be sure to enter their Facebook contest as well here: http://ifyoucare.com/new-if-you-care and visit If You Care on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IfYouCareProducts/app_208195102528120, Twitter: https://twitter.com/if_you_care, and Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ifyoucareUSA/.

Here’s how to enter in the If You Care giveaway:

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

ENTRIES:

#1 entry – “Like” If You Care on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IfYouCareProducts 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 If You Care giveaway. Become a follower of If You Care:  https://twitter.com/if_you_care and “Tweet” that you are entering the If You Care contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Tell me which products you would most like to try.

#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: June 3, 2013

Contest End Date: June 18, 2013 – CONGRATULATIONS TO KAREN D. 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 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 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 our house, we’re no stranger to foods that are gluten-free. Having lived on a mostly gluten-free life since I was young, I find that I don’t feel as weighed down after eating nor do I feel sluggish. Not that wheat or any product related to it is necessarily bad for you, it just depends on what type it is. In fact, I recommend whole grain products to ensure a healthy lifestyle. But whole grains aren’t limited to just wheat. In fact, you may also include quinoa, brown rice, oats, and millet to name a few to the whole grains collection. So then what do you get when you cross something that’s free of wheat but still full of delicious goodness? You get a product that’s not only good for you but may have you wanting more of it. Not everyone is gluten intolerant or wish to eat a gluten-full diet, but are there enough choices in the food aisles to keep your taste buds satisfied? With the rise of celiac disease and an aversion to foods containing gluten, wheat, and anything related, it’s no wonder that gluten-free products are becoming more and more popular. As people are becoming more aware of the effects of eating too much wheat/gluten in their diet, companies are giving in to the demand.

One such company whom we’ve grown to admire and appreciate is Van’s Natural Foods (http://www.vansfoods.com/). For over forty years, Van’s Natural Foods have been serving up wholesome, delicious, and better for you food products that will ultimately delight your taste buds making you wanting more. And with a pretty impressive array of products to choose from, I’m pretty sure you’ll find something to your liking. I’m constantly stocked up on products from Van’s Natural Foods, not because I hesitate to make them myself, but because when we do have a desire for something convenient yet wholesome, Van’s Natural Foods is a great choice. And because Van’s Natural Foods makes their food from scratch and as minimally processed as possible, it’s almost like making a batch of waffles or pancakes on your own. But because Van’s Natural Foods have an extensive selection of products to choose from, you really don’t need to make them on your own when you’re in a pinch.

Van’s Natural Foods’ belief is that everyone should enjoy a healthy and balanced meal. Using only organic and natural ingredients, you won’t feel bad eating their yummy Chocolate Chip Mini Waffles or their full-of-cheese Gluten-Free Cheese crackers. In fact, with desserts, snacks, and breakfast in their arsenal, keeping a few of their products in your freezer or pantry might be a good idea. Both my son and I love their Chocolate Chip Mini Waffles as they are small enough to enjoy a few of them and filled with deliciously sweet chocolate chips. We eat them either with syrup or without, and sometimes with a bit of ice cream or whipped cream as dessert. And their regular breakfast items come in both gluten-free and made with organic whole grains. We tried both versions and I honestly could not tell the difference.

Recently Van’s Natural Foods came out with a gluten-free line of natural snacks and breakfast items. With products including gluten-free cereals, crackers, French toast sticks, pancakes, snack bars, and waffles, there are quite a lot of yummy products to choose from. When Van’s Natural Foods had sent me all of their newest gluten-free products to try and review, I was really delighted and surprised that these gluten-free products were actually so delicious. Many people think that gluten-free means bland, taste like cardboard, and are boring foods. While some companies may make gluten-free products that are bland, not with Van’s Natural Foods though. Their gluten-free products are made with a delicious blend of whole grain oats, brown rice, millet, quinoa, and Amaranth flours all uniquely intermixed with either something savory or sweet. When we first tried their gluten-free Honey Nut Crunch Cereal, I literally could not put the box down. They were so good that we ate them with and without milk. They make great on the go snacks – just toss a handful into a bag or reusable container and you’ve got something delicious, nutritious, and sweet.

You can find Van’s Natural Foods at almost any grocery store that sells natural foods. And with gluten-free products on the rise nowadays, you’ll be glad that you have Van’s Natural Foods at your back. If you’re gluten intolerant or just want to stray from wheat/gluten products, then give Van’s Natural Foods gluten free products a try. You won’t be disappointed at their taste and variety.

The good folks at Van’s Natural Foods were kind enough to offer 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to try their newest gluten-free snacks and breakfast. The winner will receive 3 FREE product coupons to pick up any variety of Van’s Natural Foods gluten-free products.

Here’s how to enter in the Van’s Natural Foods giveaway:

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

ENTRIES:

#1 entry – “Like” Van’s Natural Foods on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vansfoods?ref=ts 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 Van’s Natural Foods giveaway. Become a follower of Van’s Natural Foods: https://twitter.com/vansfoods and “Tweet” that you are entering the Van’s Natural Foods contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Tell me what’s your favorite gluten-free food.

#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: June 3, 2013

Contest End Date: June 18, 2013 – CONGRATULATIONS TO BESSIE 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 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

 

It seems that the word “Superfoods” can be heard and seen almost everywhere nowadays. From health experts to chefs to parents around the world, superfoods is a term that many don’t quite comprehend the meaning of. Are they fruits that can make you fly or shoot lasers out of your eyes? Well, no not exactly, but Superfoods are a combination of powerful fruits and botanicals that contain a tremendous amount of vitamins, antioxidant powers, and healing properties. When you drink or eat any of these Superfoods, they will indeed help to work with your body in achieving a healthier outcome.

So what exactly are Superfoods? According to Sambazon (http://sambazon.com/), a leading health food company that uses Superfoods in their products, their Superfoods contain important ingredients that “satisfy your mind, body, and spirit”. Some of the Superfoods known to the world and have been widely used for centuries include fruits and botanicals such as Acai, Acerola, Brazil Nuts, Cacao, Cashew Milk, Rice Milk, Chia Seed, Coconut, Coconut Milk, Guarana, Guayusa, Quinoa, Spirulina, Wheatgrass, Yakon, and Yerba Mate. Some of these fruits and botanicals are found only in their indigenous countries while some can be found in the United States. And when harvested at their immediate peak, you get their awesome “superfood” powers.

So is it all hype? Well, if you’ve ever tried any of these type of Superfoods and have received great results, then no, they’re not hype. But if you’ve never tried them before, then you’ll probably have to try them a few times to see the results. Each of these Superfoods listed above produce some kind of nutritional health benefit that works well with almost anyone. Acai, which is a fruit staple with the Brazilian Amazonians, are rich in antioxidant powers while Chia Seeds is known for its rejuvenating and energizing properties. Any of these fruits and botanicals combined with your regular food diet can be made into something delicious, healthy, and beneficial.

At Sambazon, they believe that using the highest quality of Superfoods produced organically and without any added GMO’s in their products are what the public needs right now. With a history of over 10 years in the research and development of their Superfoods products, many people have come to enjoy and rely on their products for optimum health and vitality. The folks at Sambazon promises to provide not only excellent Superfood products, but they are also stewards in preserving the delicate Amazon Rainforest in which most of their fruits and botanicals are harvested.

As a firm believer that natural ingredients are key in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I have no qualms about eating or drinking food made from Acai, Rice Milk, Ginger, Wheatgrass, and so forth. If you do research on some of the benefits of these ingredients, then you’ll know that they have been enjoyed by people in other countries for many, many years and have only recently become more popular within the United States. And when I tried Sambazon’s freshly made juices, I was extremely delighted at their delicate taste and flavor. Not overpowering yet you can still taste the incredible signature ingredients. And since most of them are made with little amounts of sugar or no sugar at all, it’s not overly sweet either.

All of Sambazon’s products are made with organically-produced whole food ingredients and are suitable for vegans and those on a strict diet. And although I’ve only tried a few of their products, Sambazon makes an impressive lineup of healthy, wholesome, and delicious beverages and smoothies. All of their fresh juices are made from fresh, organic ingredients and contain the whole ingredient to get the full benefits offered. They are also vegan and gluten free and their ingredients are grown without the use of genetically modified organisms. With an impressive lineup of flavors including Acai Original, Acai and Blueberry and Pomegranate, Mocha Java Energy, Chocolate Almond and Coconut Protein, Kale and Ginger Supergreens, there is a flavor for almost everyone. And because they are all natural, they are great for little kids. Just be sure to read the ingredients before you decide if it’s suitable for your kids.

Besides fresh juices and smoothies, Sambazon also makes frozen sorbet, frozen smoothies, and energy drinks. And their products can be found at virtually any grocery store that sells natural foods. I really enjoy their Original Acai as well as their Acai Blueberry and Pomegranate. My son loved the Original Acai and he easily drank the whole bottle in one sitting. If you think kids might think that Acai sounds strange and may taste strange, you’d actually be surprised at how delicious and unique in flavor it actually is. And since Acai boasts extraordinary antioxidant powers, it doesn’t hurt to give them a try.

As an official blogger for Moms Meet, I was given the unique opportunity to try Sambazon as well as offer 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the chance to win a great prize. The prize will be 3 FREE product coupons and a custom wooden bowl/spoon set (see above photo). The bowl looks very sturdy and smooth so it would be great for cereal, yogurt, and ice cream. Or perhaps you can try using it for one of Sambazon’s unique “Acai Bowl” filled with frozen Acai berries blended into a smoothie and topped with fresh fruit and granola. Whatever you use the coupons and bowl set for, you’re bound to enjoy your delicious beverages from Sambazon. So how do you win this fabulous prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Sambazon giveaway:

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

ENTRIES:

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

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Tell me what flavor you would like to try most.

#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: June 3, 2013

Contest End Date: June 18, 2013 – CONGRATULATIONS TO CASSIE S. 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 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

Have you always wondered how to effectively communicate to your kids without having to shout at them or force them to read or watch something? Kids aren’t always interested in what adults are interested in but sometimes there are important information we want to impart on them. So how do we keep their attention without the information going over their heads?

Well, the creators of Press4Kids have created a new App called “News-O-Matic” guaranteed to keep your kids attention while giving them useful information that they can learn at their own pace. News-O-Matic is an educational news app that covers breaking news, sports, science and much more in an accessible and kid-friendly way. Kids of certain ages don’t really want to watch the news on TV when they could be doing something more fun and age appropriate. That’s why News-O-Matic is an entertaining and engaging way designed for kids between the ages of 7-10 to learn more about the news around them. News-O-Matic is a week day newspaper application which includes five daily news stories, detailed images, videos, illustrations, maps, timelines and games. P4K’s objective is to inspire a generation of children to become habitual news readers and well-informed global citizens. News-O-Matic gives children the opportunity to explore the latest current events through the app, while also giving them a voice to express their views. Children can interact with the Editor-in-Chief by rating stories, drawing pictures, asking questions or expressing opinions about current topics in the “News Room” section of the app.

News-O-Matic was created by a skilled team of child experts, designers and entrepreneurs, aimed to transform the news experience for children in a safe, interactive environment while encouraging them to become knowledgeable, productive members of society. I had the unique opportunity to download the App from the Applies iTune store so that I can share this with my son. Although my son is still a bit young to be reading this kind of info on the computer, I was able to share the fun experience with him and the colorful photos and arrangements on the App makes it more interesting for both kids and parents.

As an official blogger for Child’s Play Communications, I was given this unique opportunity to download this App for a free three-issue trial in the iTunes store. You don’t have to have an iPad to download this App. You just need to be able to download the iTunes program onto your desktop, laptop, or tablet. I am also offering my readers the opportunity to try out this unique and interactive news App here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/news-o-matic/id578023255?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo=4. Child’s Play Communications is also offering 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to win a News-O-Matic goodie bag, featuring a  $10 iTunes gift card, backpack, hats, water bottles and an iPad screen cleaner.  

In light of the recent events with Oklahoma City, the Boston Marathon Tragedy, and terrorist attack in London, your older kids may be wondering what is exactly going on in our world. They may have heard or seen these events on TV or from their friends and teachers and they may have a lot of questions for you. Dr. Phyllis Ohr, Child Psychologist for Press4Kids, has some tips below on how parents can address news issues with children and what children can do to feel better about them:

1.      When the event does not personally affect the child, reassure them that everything is okay with the people they love and that nothing has changed for them.

2.     Be sure to stress to children that if they do have questions to ask parents, teachers as well as friends. Other children having the same feelings may be comforting.

3.    Begin by giving the child a brief synopsis of what happened by using age appropriate language. Ask if there is something they want to know more about or if they need something explained further. If so, stick to pointedly answering their question or clarifying. Do not add on or digress.

4.    Do not assume the news will make children feel a certain way. Ask if they know how they feel, but stress that kids feel all different ways when they hear important news and sometimes do not know how they feel or do not feel anything which is okay. However, if children are affected by it, it is their own feeling. Reassure children that no matter what they are feeling, their feelings are okay.

5.    If they are upset but don’t want to talk, suggest a fun activity for distraction or help them use calming skills like playing, drawing a picture or writing a story. These activities help release any upset feelings and make children feel better.

If you’re interested in the opportunity to win a fabulous News-O-Matic prize pack, read below on how to enter!

Here’s how to enter in the News-O-Matic giveaway:

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

ENTRIES:

#1 entry – “Like” Press4Kids on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Press4Kids?fref=ts 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 News-O-Matic giveaway. Become a follower of Press4Kids: https://twitter.com/Press4Kids and “Tweet” that you are entering the News-O-Matic contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Tell me one important lesson that you teach your kids.

#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: June 3, 2013

Contest End Date: June 18, 2013 – CONTEST CLOSED, WINNER WILL BE SELECTED.

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 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

As we venture into the warmer months, some of us may be elated while others are groaning, “oh no, what are we going to do with the kids?” Well, there are lots of fun things to do right now when Spring is in the air and the colder days are behind us. Factor in some eco-friendly plans into it and you and your kids will have tons of good memories to last them throughout the year.

– Go on a nature hike in your local national park or any mountain area with trails. Bring along some snacks or have a picnic.

– Visit a museum during their free museum days. Simply visit that museum and click on their calendar link to access their free admission days.

– Plant an eco-friendly garden. Plant organic herbs and organic vegetables. If you want faster results, plant from already established plants instead of from seeds.

– Watch a movie during Matinee. And be sure to sign up for their frequent rewards plan. You’ll earn points for free movies, drinks, and popcorn.

– Volunteer at an arboretum. This is especially great for kids as they’ll learn about what grows at the arboretum as well as how to maintain certain plants at an arboretum. Most of these classes are free or for a minimal cost.

– Take up cooking classes. These are great for both adults and kids as kids learn the important skills of handling knives, cutting techniques, and cooking from basics.

– Take art classes. Even if you don’t know your Leonardo da Vinci from your Matisse, you’ll learn basics about using paintbrushes as well as different forms of medium.

– Visit local beaches or small town beaches. Quaint little towns with their own beaches are a lot of fun and have unique tourist attractions. Spend a whole day there or spend a night.

Whatever you plan on doing with the kids be sure to include healthy snacks, sunscreen, and a tablet to look up important info while you’re there.

Being a parent is hard enough with everyday worries about your kids and what they’ll do and how they’ll grow up. With so many manuals and books out there on how to raise your kids among other advice, have you ever considered advice on how to shop for your kids? Well, shopping for food that is – and namely, the right kind of food that will ensure a healthy lifestyle. I’m pretty diligent when it comes to grocery shopping for my son and my family and I am an avid label reader. You have to be nowadays with so many new products out on the industry shouting at you through TV commercials, ads on the internet, magazines, and so forth. As individuals, we are constantly being tempted with new and delicious foods the minute we walk into a grocery store or turn on the TV. And although as strategic and cunning as those advertisements and packaging may be, we do have a lot of control on what we buy and what we shouldn’t buy.

Straddling off the successful book titled, Unjunk Your Junk Food written by the sassy authors and founders of Naturally Savvy, they have created a new e-book called, Label Lessons: Your Guide to a Healthy Shopping Cart (http://www.naturallysavvy.com/labellessons/). Similar to their first book, Label Lessons teaches you how to properly read product labels and compares not only food, but supplements and personal care items as well. It is an invaluable book one which will surely stay in your reading list as well as on your coffee table. And since it’s an e-book, it’s easy to keep it on your tablet, computer, or smartphone should you feel the need to look at it while you’re shopping. The book has clear illustrations of the “bad choice” and the “naturally savvy approved choice”, and gives reasons to why there are differences between the two products. Many reasons are compelling and what I think about when I am buying something new for my son and family to try.

With the convenient age of shopping virtually anywhere in the United States as well as abroad, it seems that convenience may not always be the best choice. We shouldn’t readily rely on processed foods as a go-to for a meal or snack for our children. But when we do, it should always be made with the right choice. Not everyone can afford to purchase organic and natural foods but we can be selective on what we buy for our kids. After all, eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle will only instill good habits in our children later on. My son is tempted just like any other kid will be when he sees those colorful cereals on TV with the clever animation jumping into their creative minds. After all, advertising and marketing companies know exactly what they’re doing in enticing you to buy the products. Perhaps that’s why obesity and other food-related health issues remain a problem with kids in the United States. It’s all too easy to pick up a box of sugary, sticky, colorful snack rather than eating a piece of fruit or something healthier.

In the book, Label Lessons, I was really impressed at all the details and information that was written. The book relates why artificial food colors are a hazard to one’s health as well as packaging of certain foods that can be dangerous as well. It also covers topics on genetically modified ingredients and how to avoid them, ingredients that can potentially cause irreversible harm to your body, and how to choose the right ingredients. I really liked the recipes offered in the book as well and the ingredients label that defines the differences between what is good for you and what is bad.

Label Lessons is a free e-book for anyone to download and share: http://www.naturallysavvy.com/labellessons/. Feel free to share it with anyone who wishes to start eating healthy or want to get more information than what they already know. And the best part is – Naturally Savvy will donate $1.00 for every share of the e-book via the link above to the Holistic Moms Network (http://www.holisticmoms.org/). And to help you make the right food choices, there are also coupons included in the e-book for you to download and print.

So don’t even think about whether you should read Label Lessons or not. It’s such an insightful and useful book that you will be both shocked and relieved after you finish reading the book.

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.

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