AspenClean Plastic-free Detergents Now Available in the U.S.

 AspenClean, the popular Canadian brand producing award-winning safe and effective alternatives to chemical-based cleaning products, is offering its line of plastic-free detergents to Americans through its website: aspenclean.com.  The laundry detergent pods, dishwasher pods, and oxygen bleach powder and stain remover, all with plastic-free packaging, ship anywhere in the United States.  AspenClean products are made with only natural and organic ingredients and have won cleaning product awards from Parents and Good Housekeeping magazines.

 

“All of our products have earned a prestigious A-rating verification by the Environmental Working Group, delivering the same results as conventional products but putting family and planet first,” said AspenClean founder Alicia Sokolowski, a parent who started the product line when she was looking for safer, chemical-free home cleaning products after her baby was born.  “We focus on using organic and plant-based ingredients and biodegradable, recyclable and plastic-free packaging for a better planet.”

 

The plastic-free product line includes:

 

·         AspenClean’s Unscented Laundry Pods

AspenClean’s Unscented Laundry Pods are entirely fragrance-free and carefully formulated with oxygen bleach and enzymes, using no synthetic fragrances, toxins or irritants.  The zero-plastic laundry pods are naturally formulated to remove tough stains, fight odor and fight dirt, grime and grease but are non-toxic and packaged in a compostable container. These laundry pods are packaged in a 100% recycled paper package designed for convenience while being conscious of the impact on the environment. The vegan laundry pods are gentle on sensitive skin and won’t damage your clothes with harsh chemicals. Remove tough stains and leave your clothes feeling good as new with an eco-friendly laundry pod that is still 100% baby safe, pet safe and is environmentally sustainable.  Also available are Eucalyptus Laundry Pods and Lavender Laundry Pods.

 

·         AspenClean’s Unscented Dishwasher Pods

Made of biodegradable, plant-based ingredients that leave your dishes sparkling clean every time, AspenClean’s Unscented Dishwasher Pods are packaged in a 100% recycled paper container with no plastic at all, while being fully compostable and safe for your family and the environment. These eco-friendly dishwasher pods remove even the toughest of food stains and eliminate grease without leaving any residue or film on your dishes or glassware in just 1 cycle! 

 

·         AspenClean’s Oxygen Bleach Powder and Stain Remover

AspenClean’s Oxygen Bleach Powder and Stain Remover is made of biodegradable, plant-based ingredients that gives your laundry a natural booster to remove tough stains on clothes!  The oxygen bleach stain remover will leave your clothes whiter and brighter using the natural power of mineral-based ingredients and enzymes in just 1 wash. Give your clothes a deep clean by removing those stubborn stains and restore them back to brand new.  Revive those whites and brighten those dull colors! Add the color-safe oxygen bleach powder as a laundry booster or as a stain remover to any load of laundry.  AspenClean Oxygen Bleach is suitable for standard and HE laundry machines. 

 

About AspenClean

AspenClean was born out of a parent’s journey to find a safe and effective alternative to chemical-based cleaning products. AspenClean offers 100% ingredient transparency and every formula is made without toxic, or even potentially toxic, ingredients. They are cruelty-free, Ecocert® certified and have received an A-rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).  All AspenClean products are 100% recyclable, while the company’s line of biodegradable, plastic-free products are a big step towards a plastic-free future.  For more information, please visit https://www.aspenclean.com/.  Follow AspenClean on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @aspenclean.

Roses Aren't Green

Are you thinking about saying I love you with a dozen roses this year? 

You're not alone. Valentine's Day is the biggest day of the year for most florists and rose growers. American shoppers are expected to spend nearly $2 billion on flowers — most of which will be roses — this Valentine's Day. But are roses a green gift in 2020? 

Apologies to all the rose lovers out there, but the answer is that, unfortunately, roses aren't green. 

That may be surprising. After all, flowers are natural and compostable. But when we examine climate and flowers, the biggest issue is transportation. Valentine's Day occurs in the middle of winter for most of the U.S., and Valentine's Day bouquets have to travel a long way to get to your loved one's arms. Most of the roses given for Valentine's Day in the U.S. come from overseas and, particularly, Latin America-- especially Colombia and Ecuador, the world's second- and third-largest exporters of cut flowers after the Netherlands. In fact, Colombia alone shipped more than 4 billion flowers to the U.S. in 2018 .

In total, it's estimated that more than 15,000 tons of flowers are delivered in less than a month to fill Valentine's bouquets from Ecuador alone. And, because roses are particularly fragile, they have to be flown and trucked in temperature-controlled planes and trucks which has significant consequences for the climate. 

While we often think of dirty, polluting fossil fuel plants as the main driver of carbon pollution, Transportation is actually the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, comprising 29 percent of the country's total emissions with approximately one quarter of those U.S. transportation emissions come from freight.

The International Council on Clean Transportation estimated that Valentine's flower delivery flights burn approximately 114 million liters of fuel , emitting nearly 360,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 

And air travel is just the beginning. 

Once flowers land in the U.S., they need to travel via refrigerated truck to your local florist. Refrigeration means vehicles have to burn more fuel--increasing carbon emissions. 

So, what are the alternatives? 

One is to look at flowers that are able to be grown more locally or are more hearty. Another is to skip the flowers altogether and consider green gifts such as planting a tree in your love's names or making a donation to an environmental organization. 

CleanChoice Energy has a program that allows you to give the gift of a cleaner, greener world this Valentine's Day. With a $25 gift , you can help plant trees in the Mississippi River Valley. Each purchase helps remove 1 ton of carbon pollution from the atmosphere .

After all, there's no better way to say "I love you" than doing your part to ensure a safe future for the planet your loved one lives on.

Holiday Gift Guide - Natural Creations by Nicole

Natural Creations by Nicole's mission is to provide organic, chemical free, and non-toxic aromatherapy and skin care. We offer natural, healthy alternatives to healing your body, while striving for sustainability and a happier, healthier planet. The majority of our products are packaged in glass containers to keep plastic waste at a minimum and to reduce our carbon footprint. All of our products are made in small batches with love, using the finest raw materials our earth offers to us.

Natural Creations by Nicole was founded in 2016, and is owned and operated by Nicole Crudele of Sea Isle City, NJ. We make essential oil blends, lip balms, body lotions, sugar scrubs, and bath salts in various scents. You can shop for these products online at  NurtureYourselfGoods.Etsy.com and in store at Beachy Keen, 4601 Landis Ave, Sea Isle City, NJ 08243. This holiday season be on the lookout for gift sets and baskets for your family and friends!

Our passion is providing products to our customers that are free from parabens, toxins, chemicals, and preservatives. Nicole continues to further her education by becoming a certified Aromatherapist. Natural Creations by Nicole is expanding the business to cover the more rural community of Upper Township, where we will have a store front for our products, wholesome foods, and a yoga studio for every body: Luna Soul & Bowls.

Clean Goes GREEN – with Safe, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Product Solutions! - #Giveaway

NatureZway™ Is Helping Protect Consumers and the Environment with Eco-Friendly, Chemical-Free Cleaning Products Made from Bamboo and other Naturally Sustainable Materials. 

NatureZway’s cost-effective (and Panda-Friendly) Bamboo Products include eco-alternatives to Paper Towels 100 times more absorbent than conventional brands, along with super-absorbent Bath Tissues, Sponges, Cloths, Brushes, Compostable Trash Bags, Pet Waste Bags, Floor Wipes and more. 

Going green has never been easier, safer with eco-friendly cleaning products from NatureZway. We all know that our world, environment and home is filled with toxic chemicals. NatureZway is dedicated to help make the world a better place for you and your family. 

Bamboo Rules!! NatureZway bamboo cleaning products are responsibly sourced from renewal and sustainable materials. It is interesting to note that bamboo is a member of the grass family and easily renewable. Not only is bamboo fast-growing (matures in 3 years), but takes up less space, uses less water, requires no pesticides to grow, reduces soil erosion and greenhouse gases, and captures more harmful CO2 from the atmosphere than trees or cotton.

I like eco-friendly products as much as anyone else - we've taken major steps here over the years to recycle as much as we can and minimize our waste output. Having cloth diapered for several years, I am very familiar with bamboo fabrics and their wonderful absorbency. One of the things I still need to do is get rid of the paper towels!  I use SO many of the darn things it would be nice to eliminate that waste. NatureZway offers several different cleaning products  including "paper" towels, floor wipes, sponges, and cleaning cloths as well as bath tissue, and compostable waste bags for your home and your pet cleanup. 

NatureZway is now available at select Northern California Costco locations, Target.com , reusueti.com, Amazon, and at select HyVee, Select Bed Bath & Beyond retailers & County Markets.

Follow NatureZWay on their social media sites:

Twitter
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a prize pack of NatureZway products. To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end on  5/17/19. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form

Ring in the New Year with BuddhiBox - #Giveaway

The start of the new year is the perfect time to get back on track with your exercising regimen, but we all know those resolutions tend to fall to the wayside as the year progresses. If you're into yoga, the BuddhiBox is the perfect way to give yourself that extra push you need to stay inspired all year long. This exciting subscription box fuels your mind, body, and soul with a diverse selection of products you can feel good about using. Having one show up each month is incentive to stay on track all year long.

This month's box was filled with some pretty amazing stuff.  There are so many cool things included, and even the presentation is lovely. It also includes an inspirational quote, yoga pose, and recipe. Here are the items I received to give you an idea of what you would get each month.

Drawing Board Shop Note Cards : These beautiful note cards are hand-painted and add a personal touch to an gift.

Crystal Crowe - Light and Magic Candle Tin - This lovely candle is made from soy and has real candles and herbs mixed in.

Yamei Silver-plated Opaline Necklace - This pretty necklace is simple but classy. The stone increased your personal power and boosts self-esteem.

Me Time Botanicals Sweet Kisses Organic Lip Oil - Night the dry winter air and keep your lips soft and kissable with this sweet organic oil.

Original Way Selenite Heart -  Selenite is a great stone that promotes peace and helps raise your consciousness.  

Halsa Sweet Savasana Oil - This special blend of oils is designed to  help promote. It also has an amazing aroma!
This is just a sampling of the items you would get in your BuddhiBox. Every month is different and they always throw in little extras like coupons and recipe cards. It's a great way to try new products sure to appeal to yoga practitioners and spiritualists alike.

In addition to their standard BuddhiBox, the company has offers an awesome  jewelry subscription box. This fun subscription will provide high quality, yoga-themed jewelry that any enthusiast will love. It is a quarterly subscription box. Every three months, they will ship 2-3 unique jewelry pieces, created by local artisans. Each one is hand-made with loving intention. To learn more about this or any of the amazing products available at BuddhiBox, be sure to visit their website.

Connect with Buddhi Box

Face Book          Twitter          Pinterest            Instagram 

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a one month subscription to Buddhi Box. To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end on 1/13/19. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Open to the US only  Thanks again to  BuddhiBox for offering this fantastic prize. 

Entry-Form

Sleep Soundly Sweet Zzz Natures Novel Mattress & $150 Discount

As a blogger, the upcoming holiday season is the busiest time of the year for me. There are so many companies pitching me products, sometimes I spend ten hours a day just going through emails. On top of that, I have my regular job, college classes, and four kids in sports and other activities that constantly need to be chauffeured around. At the end of the day, all I want is to lay down on a comfortable mattress and get a good night's sleep. Sadly, with my old mattress, that isn't happening. Every time my cat moves, I am jolted back to full awareness. If I’m lucky enough to get a few hours of sleep, the pain in my lower back wakes me up well before the alarm goes off. I haven’t had a really good night's sleep since before my last child was born. Thankfully, a mattress from Sweet Zzz Mattress could change all that.

Like most people, I am always a little nervous about making a big purchase like a mattress online. How do I know which one is right for me without testing it out in person? Luckily the Sweet Zzz Mattress website is user friendly and very educational. They have options for every size ranging from twin to California King. All of the products designed by Sweet Zzz Mattress are made with organic cotton, latex, and natural wool. You may think a mattress is just a mattress and it doesn't really matter if its organic or not, but that simply isn't true. Many mattresses can be made with toxic chemicals and allergenic materials. This can impair breathing and compromise your health. Sweet Zzz Mattress uses only natural, organic and renewable materials in all their products. All the materials are certified by OEKO-TEX as Class 1, which is the highest rating available.  Their latex is also made from rubber trees, which means it’s completely safe and renewable. The whole family, from infants to adults, can enjoy this mattress without worrying about toxic materials.

The Natures Novel Mattress is nice and firm, but still conforms to your body, allowing your muscles to fully relax when you lay down to sleep. In addition, the cotton and wool material offers many other unique benefits. The 1-inch cover is soft and cozy, creating the ultimate sleep environment. The wool material provides you with the best of both worlds by cooling you off in the summer and keeping you warm in the cold winter months. In addition, the material is fire retardant, which will give you a feeling of greater security as you slip beneath the covers at night. They manage to pull this off without using any chemicals, which is pretty spectacular.

Another unique feature of the Natures Novel Mattress is the Tatalay latex, which offers quite a few advantages over Dunlop. With Tatalay latex, the material is 50% more breathable than the alternatives. The material is also hypoallergenic. This means that those who suffer from allergies and asthma will breathe easier on this mattress. According to their website, the “evenly distributed latex cells offer the best pressure relief and longevity”. In addition, because it’s made from only latex, water, and air, it will not gas off like other latex brands. To put it simply, this means there will not be any unpleasant odors when your mattress arrives. This makes for a healthier sleep environment.

In addition to their mattresses, Sweet Zzz Mattress also offers natural latex pillows for your enjoyment. These lovely pillows are engineered to provide superior comfort. As you sleep, your neck and head are completely supported. The Sweet Zzz Natural Pillows are never too firm or too soft, and they keep their shape no matter how much you toss and turn. The pillow is also encased in a soft fabric made from natural cotton. The material is breathable and can be removed and tossed into your washer for easy cleaning. They are the highest quality, most luxurious pillows in their class.

Of course, getting a new mattress is a huge investment, and many of us are nervous about buying one we haven't been able to test drive at the store. However, with Sweet Zzz Mattress there is no risk involved. When you order the mattress, you have 100 days to try it out. If you aren't 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can send the mattress back for a full refund. Shipping is even free both ways. They also offer finance plans with zero interest if you pay the loan off in a reasonable time frame.  Add to that the fact that they offer a lifetime warranty, and it's an even better investment. If you’re feeling patriotic, it may also make you happy to hear that the mattresses are designed and made in the USA! It’s always a nice bonus to know you are boosting our nation’s economy when you make this type of purchase.

If you are in the market for a new mattress or pillow, consider the Natures Novel Mattress from Sweet Zzz Mattress. With their diverse selection of natural latex mattresses, you're sure to find one that's just right for you.  They even offer in-home assembly and removal for a small fee, making the whole process simple and stress-free.  In addition to offering a quality product, this is a company that also gives back to the community. When someone orders from their store, 1% of every purchase is donated to charities that help ensure a greener future. Start getting a better night's sleep and waking up pain free. Treat yourself to a Natures Novel Mattress today. To learn more about this fabulous company, stop by their website.

***Discount Code***

If you’d like to purchase a Natures Novel Mattress for yourself, now would be the perfect time. Simply enter the referral code NEWAGEMAMA to receive $150 off your mattress purchase. This offer is only valid for a limited time, so take advantage of it today!

Lolleez Organic Throat Soothing Lollipops Review.

When it came to sore throats, mom of four and health coach, Melissa Evans couldn’t find anything to “eez” her kids’ throats or her mind. Thus, the idea for Lolleez was born. Lolleez are organic, worry-free, throat soothing lollipops for kids, that offer a simple solution to a simple problem.

What makes Lolleez different?

• First, it’s the ingredients – Lolleez are made from USDA Certified Organic ingredients and ingredients you can pronounce and understand, like natural fruit pectin and organic honey. They are also Non-GMO as well as gluten, dairy and nut free.
• Second, it’s the worry-free shape – Lolleez are flat and on a stick versus a round ball, which is a potential choking hazard.
• Lastly, it’s the flavors – Lolleez comes in three delicious kid (and adult) friendly flavors: Watermelon, Strawberry and Orange Mango. After surveying hundreds of kids, Lolleez™ founders determined that traditional flavors like cherry and grape have a negative association that is tied to medicines.
•  

“Few ailments cause overall unhappiness to both kids and parents like a sore throat. Whether it’s allergies, a cough or a cold, a sore throat is painful. Every time you swallow, it’s there and it hurts,” said Melissa Evans, Lolleez Founder. “There is nothing worse than watching your child suffer, so I’m really excited to be able to offer an organic and worry-free throat remedy that can help soothe both physical (child) and emotional (parent) pain, with the launch of Lolleez.

Lolleez will be available at Target stores nationwide this month and just in time for allergy season!  Lolleez come in packs of 15 pops: Watermelon, Strawberry, Orange Mango and a Variety Pack for a suggested retail price of $6.99.

My Thoughts:

When I heard of Lolleez I was thrilled! My family and I have horrible allergies. Sore throats are a constant in our household, especially during allergy season. Although I enjoy throat lozenges, the aspect of choking has always been a concern for me, especially for younger generations. I try to have organic products around already, so this product was perfect!

Not only are the flavors of Lolleez fantastic, they truly work! It was impressive to see the size of the product and how sturdy they were. I was sent the variety pack and each was delicious and worked quickly! You would never know that these sweet treats were helping until you suddenly become aware of the relief. I noticed my throat soothed in about three to five minutes. The relief lasted long too! A lot longer than the traditional throat lozenges.

The only suggestion I do have for users is to watch the edges as it melts down in your mouth. I noticed that a couple of my pops got little rough spots that are a bit sharp. However, if you bite that area off, it'll be solved. The Lolleez still stayed put even after that.

I would highly recommend Lolleez to adults, children, and families alike! These are groundbreaking products for anyone that experiences sore throats.

If you try Lolleez, feel free to post your results on social media using the hashtag:

#LolleezOrganicThroatSoothingPops.

Connect with Lolleez:

Website  Facebook  Instagram  

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers - Go Organically® Fruit Snacks

It can be difficult to maintain a balanced diet for the family during the holidays. With so much running around, we're all searching for a kid-friendly, easy snack alternative. Go Organically Fruit Snacks are a tasty, on-the-go USDA-certified organic fruit snack made with real fruit. Three mouthwatering flavor varities including, Fruit Medley, Mixed Berry and Tropical, offer families the most delicious and authentic choice. 

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Made with real fruit
• USDA Certified Organic
• 100% DV Vitamin C
• GMO Free
• Excellent source of Vitamins A & E
• Made with natural flavors and colors from natural sources
• Gluten-Free
• Contains no preservatives
• Delicious taste and texture

My Thoughts 

There is nothing my kids love to have in their lunch box more than fruit snacks. They would eat them everyday if they could. I've tried a lot of brands and they all seemed pretty much the same.  But the fruit snacks at  Go Organically® Fruit Snacks  are unique. They are unique because they are certified organic and are made with only natural ingredients! They are also loaded with Vitamin C, A and E, are certified organic, and they taste great.

We received a selection of  Go Organically® Fruit Snacks in the tropical flavor.  It didn't take much prompting to get my kids to try them because they will eat anything that looks like candy.  But I know that these fruit snacks are actually good for them. They loved the great fruit flavor  which include strawberry, kiwi, grapefruit and orange.. I tried them too. Even though I normally find the fruit snacks to be a little too sweet for me, these snacks were pretty tasty.  They actually taste like real fruit. They are a great way to satisfy the afternoon munchies or to toss in a lunch box once the kids head back to school.

Celebrate National Hand Washing Day with Live Clean Hand Soaps

Did you know 95% of people don't know how to wash their hands properly? According to Dr. Tania Dempsey MD of Armonk Integrative Medicine, "If everyone washed their hands with soap regularly, one million deaths could be prevented every year." Sounds so simple, yet seems 95% of people are doing it wrong.

October 15^th is National Hand Washing Day, and to help spread the word about spreading germs we’re excited to share an easy and affordable solution: Live Clean Soaps.

Live Clean Hand Soaps are composed with certified organic extracts and 98% renewable & sustainable plant-based ingredients; it’s cruelty-free, SLS free, phthalate free, paraben free. Available in three delicious flavors Coconut Milk, Fresh Water and Argan Oil at Target and Amazon.com for $4.99 – you get 500ml aka A LOT OF PROPER HAND WASHES!

Here are a few more fun facts from Dr. Dempsey (and more info on her below):

·         Studies have shown that diarrheal illnesses can be reduced by 50% just by frequent hand washing

·         Respiratory illnesses can be reduced by close to 20% with hand washing

·         It takes at least 15-20 seconds of vigorous hand washing with soap and water to remove enough of the harmful bacteria that spreads disease

Please let me know if you are interested in speaking with Dr. Dempsey or Roseann Fernandez of Live Clean to explain how important washing your hands are with the right product! Happy to send over product samples as well!

 Whats the point of dousing your hands in chemicals when you can use all natural hand soap and get even better end results?

About Dr. Tania Dempsey MD:

Dr. Dempsey received her MD from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and her BS degree from Cornell University. She completed her Residency at NYU Medical Center/ Bellevue Hospital and then served as an attending physician at a large multi-specialty medical practice in White Plains, NY, before opening Armonk Integrative Medicine. Dr. Dempsey combines primary care treatment and integrative medicine with particular focus on thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, food sensitivities, and weight management.  She is an active staff member of Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut. She is also a member of the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) and the American College of Physicians, and holds a certificate in Vanguard Endocrinology. Dr. Dempsey has been featured on Fox News, Clean Plates, Harper’s Bazaar, Prevention, Reader’s Digest, SHAPE Magazine and countless other outlets.

My Thoughts

The hand soaps from Live Clean make washing your hands a luxurious experience because there is a touch of  moisture and/or hydration in every bottle.  Like all their products, the gentle formula leaves your hands feeling rose-petal soft. It never dries out your skin, even if you have to wash them a dozen times a day.  Normally, my hands get dried out if I wash them too much, but not with these soaps. My hands stay healthy without the extra step of adding lotion each time I wash.

In addition to keeping my skin extra soft, the Live Clean line also comes in several fabulous varieties including Coconut Milk, Fresh Water and Argan Oil. The aroma clings to your skin long after your wash, but it's a light, fresh scent. I love holding my hands up to my nose and getting a jolt of these delicious scents. These wonderful soaps are pampering, purifying, yet still fight bacteria. They are an all around amazing products.

 I loved all the products from Live Clean, and I feel better about using a plant-based product because it's a more natural alternative. Plus, I have soft skin and shiny hair. Best of all, the prices are reasonable too. Each bottle is only $4.99.  It's a win-win with this trio! Grab a few bottles for yourself on the Live Clean website and see the difference it can make it your beauty routine.