Medicine Mama's Sweet Bee Magic

I am really picky about what I put on my skin.  So when I was sent some samples of Medicine Mama's products to try for myself,  I was so excited.  It is really hard to find a moisturizer made from all natural ingredients that moisturizers without feeling too greasy.   All Medicine Mama’s  products are certified organic and are 100% pure and natural. They are free of all parabens, chemicals, preservatives, dyes, and fragrances. I especially love that I recognize and can pronounce all the ingredients used to make their products.

Sweet Bee Magic consists of a blend of six Organic and Natural ingredients:

purifying propolis
healing, antimicrobial honey
nourishing royal jelly
revitalizing bee pollen
moisturizing extra virgin olive oil
protective beeswax

The All in One Healing Skin Cream is good for:

Promoting radiant, supple skin

Providing overnight skin nutrition

Treating rashes, burns and scars

Protecting cuts, scrapes and bites from infection

Soothing dry or irritated skin

Relieving sunburns

Guarding against sport-related chafing

Keeping skin & healthy

The All in One Healing Cream was my favorite out of the products I tried.  A little goes a long way so eventhough the container seems small it will last for awhile.  I used it as a moisturizer so I can not attest to its healing properties, but it left my skin feeling so hydrated and smooth. 

The Bee Magic Wand consists of a blend of Organic and Natural ingredients:

purifying propolis & honey blend
protective beeswax
nourishing extra virgin avocado oil
moisturizing extra virgin olive oil

The Bee Magic Wand is perfect for:

Chapped Lip Remedy

Shaving Burn Care

Daily Moisturizer

Overnight Skin Nutrition

Cold Sore Relief

Cut Scrape & Bite Relief

After-sun Support

Rash, Burn & Scar Repair

I love the size of the Magic Wand.  It is compact enough to carry with you, but large enough to use on your face without a problem.  I keep it beside my bed to use before I go to sleep each night.  It keeps my lips moisturized until morning. 

Baby & Mama Magic consists of a blend of six Organic and Natural ingredients:

purifying propolis
healing, antimicrobial honey
nourishing royal jelly
revitalizing bee pollen
moisturizing extra virgin olive oil
protective beeswax

Baby & Mama Magic can be used by baby and mama just as the name implies:

For Baby:

Protects skin from irritating rashes caused by bacteria
Heals & Nourishes chafed skin and sensitive rashes
After-bath skin care for deep and lasting moisture

For Mama:

Protects against & reduces signs of stretch marks
Helps maintain skin’s elasticity during pregnancy, birth & postpartum.
Soothes sensitive skin from nursing.

Since my children are older and I am not pregnant, I was not able to try the lotion out for its intended purposes.  But I can tell you it is a great moisturizer.  I love the smell and feel of the lotion. 

If you would like to purchase any of these products, you can order them here.  Here is a list of retailers.

Juice Beauty Review and Giveaway

***THIS GIVEAWY IS NOW CLOSED***

One of my biggest challenges in my going green journey has been finding skincare products that are good for my body and the environment that actually work.  I have tried so many different products that left me very disappointed.  So when I was given the opportunity to review Juice Beauty's products, I was so excited. 

Juice Beauty products are made with a minimum of 85% and up to 98% USDA certified organic content. Instead of the typical water-base that most natural skincare brands use (which just dilutes all the active ingredients), Juice Beauty products have an organic fruit juice base that is naturally loaded with antioxidants, essential vitamins and phytonutrients.

Juice Beauty EcoChic Values

1. CLINICALLY VALIDATED RESULTS: efficacy achieved through cutting edge organic technology.

2. AUTHENTICALLY ORGANIC: target a standard for all Juice Beauty products to fall within

80 – 98% total organic content. Meet California Organic Products Act minimum of 70% total organic content (excluding water) by using a certified organic base & ingredients.

3. POWERFUL ACTION WITHOUT: Stay on the cutting edge of purity by excluding Parabens, petroleum, butylene and propylene glycol, PEG, sodium lauryl sulfates, pesticides, phthalates, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances. Continual preservative improvement.

4. QUALITY AROMAS: Achieved from organic & natural essential oils (not synthetic fragrance).

5. SUPPORT our USDA CERTIFIED ORGANIC FARMERS: Stay close to our suppliers.

6. BUY LOCAL: Buy the majority of our ingredients locally from the West Coast.

7. SUSTAINABLE & RECYCLED: Use only sustainably sourced and/or recycled paper for all supplies, focus on recycled components & recycle again.

8. SOLAR POWER & GLUTEN FREE LABS: Manufacture the majority of our products using Solar Power and all manufacturing done in Gluten Free Labs.

9. NO ANIMAL TESTING: Conduct no animal testing.

10. GIVE BACK. Juice Beauty currently donates a percentage of all profits to the following charities: San Francisco Breast Cancer Fund; The Organic Center, Teens Turning Green; Conservation International and the documentary-Miss Representation.

I received the Green Apple Age Defying Kit.  I immediately loved all of the products.  My skin felt so soft and I could feel the skin around my eyes tightening after using the eye treatment.  I was so impressed that I ordered more of the eye treatment plus some other products to try. I want to try the tinted moisturizer with SPF next.  All of the products I have used smell wonderful too. 

So do you want a chance to win a kit to try?  To enter for a chance to win this kit all you have to do is sign up for Juice Beauty's newsletter, then leave a comment that you signed up.  For bonus entries follow them on facebook or twitter.  I will pick a winner April 4th.

Juice Beauty is also offering all of my readers a special offer.  You will receive a FREE Organic Facial Rejuvenating Mask (a value of $32) plus FREE Shipping with any order of $35 when you enter the code NEWGREENMAMA at checkout. The promo will be good until 4.14. This product is perfect for all skin types to get skin back in shape after winter!

Mighty Nest-Lifefactory Glass Water Bottle

It is no secret that I have a slight obsession with reusable water bottles. We have a Klean Kanteen for every person in the family plus a couple of spares. We rarely leave home without them. So when Mighty Nest offered to send me a Lifefactory glass water bottle to review, I couldn't resist. I love drinking out of glass, so I was very intrigued.



I have been using the bottle for over a week now and love it. I enjoy drinking out of glass and it is really easy to drink from the wide mouth top. I found that I drank more water during the week too. I think it helped to be able to see how much water was left in the bottle. It is also dishwasher safe, which is a HUGE plus. The only drawback that I found was traveling in the car. I usually use a klean kanteen with a sip top, so all I have to do is drink. With the glass bottle you have to screw the top off, which isn't always the easiest while driving. Overall though I love the bottle. It will definitely be my go to water bottle.

You can find the water bottles here.

Mighty Nest is offering all my readers 10% of the Lifefactory Water Bottles-the 22oz, 16oz, and oz. Just enter coupon code NGM10 at checkout. The coupon is valid until Sept. 15, 2011.


Disclaimer: Mighty Nest did send me the water bottle to review, but I am not being compensated in any way by Mighty Nest.

The Magic School Bus Oceans iPad App

My kids love to play on the iPad. There are so many educational apps out there, but it is hard to find one that is education, entertaining, and fun. The Magic School Bus app is just that.

The app tells a story, but also includes videos to watch.

There are games to play.

And information at the touch of the screen.

My 7 year old daughter was captivated by the story and all the additional information. She really enjoyed the games and the videos. There is tons of information so it takes awhile to get through the whole story, which I liked because I felt like I was getting my money's worth. My 5 year old son was not as enthralled, so I would say that this appeals more to an older child.

If your kids are already familiar with the The Magic School Bus, they will love this app.

Click here to find it on itunes.

I am Crystal Confident For Sure

Do you remember a couple of weeks ago when I was rambling on about my lean mean green hygiene? Well, I decided to take the plunge and try the Crystal deoderant stick. I was apprehensive at first, but have to admit I have been pleasantly surprised. It works much better than the Almay one I was using. I have even converted my husband. There is no residue, no scent, and it works. A note of warning- you will still sweat, which is normal. Everyone sweats, right? Maybe, it is easier for me to say since I am not especially sweaty.

Time magazine just had an article on deoderants. Like everything else, nothing is conclusive, but it makes you think. If I can use something that still works and does not contain harmful chemicals, why not?

Barefoot Book Giveaway- Last Chance

Ok folks, this is your last chance. My Barefoot Books giveaway ends tomorrow (June 10th). If you have not already entered, all you have to do is leave a comment here telling me your all time favorite children's book. The Whole World book comes with a sing-along CD, it is printed on forest friendly paper, and it includes some tips on how to live green. It is a great way to inspire your kids to be good to our environment. The illustrations are vivid and colorful. When I read (well actually I sang) the book to my daugther, I felt like I was transported back to my own childhood. What a cute book!! I will announce the winner on Wednesday June 11th.

Barefoot Books Giveaway

As I have mentioned before, I love to read. Since reading has always been such an important part of my life, it is a passion I want to share with my children. We read to our kids every night as part of their bedtime routine. Even though there are some nights I wish that our routine was shorter and we just tucked them in bed with a kiss, I do cherish this alone time with them. Besides, before bed is really the only time they will sit still long enough to read books.

Over the last four years, we have accumulated a pretty decent size library of books. We also frequent the local library to check books out. My son is at the age where he wants to read the same books over and over again. Well, actually he just wants to look at pictures of "big trucks". My daughter, on the other hand, enjoys a different book every night. She asks questions about everything and really absorbs the story.

I find myself constantly looking for appropriate books that teach her a lesson or that just have a good story to tell. Our latest favorite is Herb, The Vegetarian Dragon from Barefoot Books. Since I am a vegetarian, my daughter finds the story very interesting. The first time I read it to her she was immediately captivated by the artwork and the unique plot. I have to admit I thought the book would be a little over her head, but I was wrong. She loves it. Any book that teaches a lesson and applies to our every day life is a winner to me.

Barefoot Books publishes children's books and CDs that are educational and beautifully illustrated. They pride themselves in providing books that speak to all walks of life. The themes of the books are meant to open their minds and also promote discussion of these important topics. In addition, they have taken great strides to "Go Green". Click here to read the press release.

All of this being said, I am proud to announce that I have a very exciting giveaway. I have a copy of Whole World, which was featured on Oprah's O List back in February 2008, to give to one of you. Here's what you need to do to qualify for the giveaway. Enter a comment telling me your all time favorite children's book. If you also include a book that you have read or would like to read from Barefoot Books, you will get an extra entry. Be sure to include your e-mail address (in the following format to avoid spam newgreenmama at gmail dot com)so that I can notify you if you are a winner. It never hurts to link back to me and spread the love. The contest will end June 10th. I will randomly choose a winner.

Barefoot Books is currently having a huge summer sale. Check it out.

Planet Harmony Fruit Snack Review

I have been on a search for a "healthier" fruit snack for my kids. Don't get me wrong. There is no substitute for the real thing and my kids do eat fruit. My son will eat the fruit leather, but my daughter will not. Both like dried fruit, however, they both have a weakness for the packaged "gummies", as my youngest likes to call them. I searched the supermarket aisles for a better (naturally sweetened, organic) fruit snack, but came back empty handed. I noticed Amazon.com had Planet Harmony Fruit Snacks, but they were sold out. I signed up to get an alert when they received more in stock and waited.

A couple of weeks ago I received the notice that they had more in stock so I placed my order. (Along with the Smart Power Strip, but more on that in another post) I ordered right when I received the alert and there were only 2 left. So I am not sure if they are in high demand or if they do not get a lot in stock. I do not usually order snacks online and have actually tried to stop my online shopping altogether, but made an exception to try these.

The packages are 3 oz, which is 2 servings, but I have been making them last for 4 servings. The snacks are definitely yummy and taste more like candy (which I guess they really are) then I had expected, which my children like of course.

The ingredients include: organic sugar, organic corn syrup, organic white grape juice concentrate, citric acid, pectin, sodium citrate, natural flavors, colors added (including annatto, turmeric, grape skin liquid, and black carrot juice concentrate).

There were a couple of incredients that I was unsure about so I did some further research. Pectin is a gelling agent used to thicken foods to a jelly-like consistency. It is diluted with sugar and combined with citric acid to adjust pH. Typical levels of pectin used as a food additive are between 0.5 – 1.0% - this is about the same amount of pectin as in fresh fruit. The sodium citrate controls the acidity of gelatin desserts, jam, ice cream, candy, and other foods. Both are safe and occur naturally in citrus fruits and berries according to this website. I wish that they did not contain corn syrup, but at least it is not High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Here is an alternative to the traditional gummy bears: Planet Harmony Gummy Bears

Overall, I am happy with my purchase. I received 16 packages, which is more than I really wanted. I do think that they would make good party favors in lieu of candy, but we will not have a birthday party until June. Hmmmm, I am sure we will think of something to do with all of the goodies.