ECO Lunchbox Contest

May 2, 2012 By 1 Comment
ECOlunchbox Contest

ECOlunchbox Contest

 

 

I don’t know about you but I bring my lunch to work with me almost everyday. I don’t generally like to use plastic bags or disposable wrapping because it really is just a waste of time and packing. I prefer to use tupperware but after eating certain foods some of it stains or will always feel greasy no matter how many times I wash it, then I feel bad having to recycle it because it probably could be used more but I feel like it’s not clean.  Food containment is a constant struggle.  I was looking for some eco-friendly alternatives and I found ECO Lunchbox. I like the concept of stainless steal which does not retain odors, stains or residue. They are dishwasher safe (not microwave safe), non-toxic, non-leaching, unbreakable and easier to clean.  They are independently tested and found to be lead free.   I wanted to try ECO Lunchbox because stainless steal just seems like a cleaner way to go than plastic.
I have reused mine with many a different meal and after washing it is good as new. I bring it to work with me everyday. Nothing spills or drips (which happens to me often with my tupperwear).
ECO Lunchbox has tons of other styles including lunch bags, snack sacks, napkins, bags, utensils and my fave the lunch tray. I personally never liked the concept in school but now it seems so appealing. I am one who likes to segregate her food. Learn more about ECO Lunchbox here!

 

CONTEST!!!!

Since I loved my ECO Lunchbox  so much I decided to give away one as well. To enter click here. Once you have done that you must
Follow ECO Lunchbox on Twitter here
and The Green Beagle here.
Like Eco Lunchboxes. Once you have done that comment below that you have done all 3 and you are entered to win!
The contest ends on May 31st. The winner has 48 hours to send me your contact info and pay for shipping. If I do not hear from the winner in 48 hours the contest starts all over again!!
Good Luck and Thank you for participating!

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Grow Your Own Mushroom Kit

April 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The great folks at Eartheasy.com sent me a Grow Your Own Mushroom Kit to try and I think it is just about the coolest thing ever. Here are some pictures I took from day 1 to 6. It supposed to take 10 days but I think my mushrooms are doing soo well I had to show you.

Mushrooms Day 2

Mushrooms Day 2

Mushrooms Day 3

Mushrooms Day 3

Mushrooms Day 4

Mushrooms Day 4

Mushrooms Day 5

Mushrooms Day 5

Mushrooms Day 6

Mushrooms Day 6

In 6 days this is how much they have grown. All you have to do is keep them out of direct sunlight, spritz with water 2 times a day and watch them grow. Then when you are finished with 1 side. You can turn it around and the start on the other side!!

This is a great way to teach kids about plant care, gardening (albiet differently) and being responsible. This makes a cool gift even for an adult. I have been having so much fun. Every morning I wake up to see how different they look and before I go to bed. They grew so fast I almost couldn’t believe it.Eartheasy.com has some other really cool grow your own kits as well. Check them out here Eartheasy.com and on Twitter & Facebook to find more super cool items.

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SleepyTime Tonic

March 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
SleepyTime Tonic

Sleepytime Tonic

 

 

As I have mentioned a zillion times my house is full of pets and they are all rescues. I love them all and they are my life but sometimes rescuing an animal does require you to give them a little extra TLC. My animals are also super spoiled because the BF works from home and is with them every waking moment.
That being said the girls have horrendous separation anxiety. We have to lock our puppy in a crate when we leave because she eats holes in walls and furniture which is not good. Our older dog was abandoned in the first year of her life and was chained to a fence for a long period of time before she was rescued so she gets terribly nervous and scared when we leave and for a multitude of reasons when you haven’t left. We have tried training and different products to help but nothing really has worked.
I have written about Happy Tails Spa a few times and feel like I can trust their brand so I went searching to see what they had to help soothe my pooches. I found their Sleepytime Tonic and was excited to try it. I had tried other products like it before and they never really had an effect but I was determined to help my babies. I tried putting the drops directly in the pooches mouths but they didn’t seem to like that too much so I put a few drops on their Frosty Paws treats or in their water and that worked like a charm. I will say I didn’t notice an immediate change the first few times I used it but after a little while the girls definitely started to exhibit a calmer demeanor when we got home. I started giving our older dog a few drops when it would storm out because she really hates that and I have to say she hid under things much less and seemed less bothered by it over all.
I am extremely happy my pooches are having an easier time when we leave them and even happier our older dog seems more relaxed. I hate to see them sad.
Here is a little more about what Sleepytime Tonic does:
Sleepytime Tonic was developed to relax and calm an over-anxious dog. The blend of all natural ingredients address underlying predispositions and weaknesses which cause the anxiety. If you have a nervous dog, an overactive puppy or simply want to calm down a hyper hound Sleepytime will do the trick. It does not sedate your dog it simply calms them down.
To learn more about Sleepy Time Tonic and Happy Tails Spa click here! Don’t forget to follow them on Twitter and Facebook.  You don’t want to miss out on awesome stuff for your pet!

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Napa Soap Company

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Napa Soap Company

Napa Soap Company

 

I have written about Napa Soap Company before and just held a contest for some lucky greenie to win a sample set of their soaps that ended yesterday. I have a fragrance background from past jobs I have had and for some reason the sense of smell is really important to me when using products. I cannot stand over scented or artificial smelling products. It ruins the whole thing for me.
The Napa soaps I received were not only packaged beautifully (and not over packaged which is something I have been seeing lately much too often) but what I noticed immediately was the careful detail to the scent of the soaps. That is one of the most important elements to any good soap, in my opinion. The soaps looked so beautiful in their packaging I really didn’t even want to unwrap them.
I appreciate a green company that pays attention to detail. The Napa Soap Company website is great, their products are lovely and the prices are quite reasonable. They live up to their green practices which is also an extremely important to me when purchasing a green product. Overall, I am going to say that I am impressed with Napa Soap Company and will be sure to use their product in the future!
Have you ever tried Napa Soap products? If so tell me about them!

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Gateau Chocolate

January 16, 2012 By Leave a Comment

cake boxGluten-Free Organic Chocolate Cake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to say I haven’t tried too many gluten-free baked goods. I have tried some and haven’t been disappointed yet. I was looking for a cake to get for the bf because his birthday was coming up and I wanted to get something a little special. I found Gateau Chocolat when looking for Gluten Free Organic Cakes. I was excited because I knew he would love it if I got him a gluten-free organic dessert for his birthday. I must also add I think the website is cute. It is simple but the color combination and logo I like which is always a plus in my book when a business, especially a conscious one, has a well designed site/logo. I am put off otherwise because I feel if you can’t put an effort into your website or even logo what effort are you making for your product. Now granted there is only one item to choose in 2 different sizes I was completely fine with that.

I received the cake quickly and in a cute package (not a fan of styrofoam the cake came in and will admit I have no idea if it was made from recyclable materials or was some other kind of eco packaging, which is my fault). The bf was soo excited about the cake the packaging got forgotten about.
When we opened the cake everything was together and the packaging did help keep from any damage or shifting in transit which was good.
We cut up the cake which looked like a super rich brownie of sorts. I am not a fan of nuts so I personally wasn’t enthused about them being atop my cake. The photo shows almond slivers, the ones on my cake were more like coarsely chopped nuts that I think were almonds but I picked them off of my cake so I am not sure what they were.
I thought the cake was chocolaty and delish. The wafter-like bottom gave the cake some crunch too which was good. The bf however wasn’t really a fan. He said it was dry and didn’t really like it which 1. made me feel bad for getting him a cake he didn’t like but 2. made me ask myself if we at the same cake at all. I liked it, I didn’t think it was dry at all. I really liked it. I think it is a great gift for people who enjoy gluten-free and/or organic food.

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Twisted Limb Paperworks

October 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Twisted Limb Paperworks 100% Recycled Handmade Paper and Custom Invitations

I think I have mentioned before how I love writing letters and sending cards which isn’t the greenest of approaches to correspondence but I go out of my way to find the green-est stationary I can get my hands on. I do my part and send out actual stationary only when I need to express that personal touch that e-mail/e-cards cannot display.
While searching for some invitations for a family member’s upcoming baby shower I came across Twisted Limb Paperworks unique designs. Twisted Limb’s handmade paper is just as unique as the company. You should be happy to know that the paper is made here in the USA which is a quality I will never get enough of. The colors and texture are much more fun than you can find in boring old mass produced stationary. Just feel one sheet of Twisted Limb paper and you will immediately see a difference. You can see the care and love put into producing Twisted Limb products. This paper isn’t made for the sake of cutting down tree’s it is an alternative to a necessary evil that will probably plague the world for quite a few more years.

About Twisted Limb Products (you can read more about Twisted Limb Paperworks by clicking here):
■Eco-friendly: We want you to fall in love with any of our designs knowing that they have the highest environmental integrity possible. The paper we make and use is the very best from an environmental standpoint or we don’t carry it. Except for the eco-friendly vellum, which is 30% PCW recycled and processed chlorine-free (best available), all paper that you receive from Twisted Limb Paperworks is 100% PCW recycled and processed chlorine-free; most are also manufactured carbon-neutral. Learn more about our sustainable business practices.
■Artisan-crafted in the USA: Our handmade paper and invitations are carefully made from start to finish in our colorful carbon-neutral art studio in Bloomington, Indiana

If you must purchase stationary or have an event that requires invites do your part and support businesses that support our environment, better yet that support our environment and our country! Did I also mention that they support your wallet by not charging a million dollars for their beautiful products?? Twisted Limb Paperworks goes out of their way to make beautiful, high quality stationary for their customers so go out of your way to do the right thing and choose green! You don’t be disappointed.

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Night Owl Journal Jotter

September 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment


I cannot express how large of a crush I have on Night Owl Paper Goods. The designs are adorable, the products are made here in the USA & are eco-friendly! The Peacock Wood Jotter is a fave design of mine because I have a thing for peacocks. I must have a to do list on me at all times so this little note pad is perfect for me or for the student in your life to make sure they keep track of all of their assignments/tasks! Once you are done with the pad you can use the wooden cover and back as a decoration for a craft or!
The wood used for Night Owl notbooks. pads, cards and accessories is beautiful. A simple idea with creative designs that are catching to the eye. They describe their style as folksy which for me gives their products such an innocent feeling.
Besides the designs you can choose from you can also design your own! This is perfect for events or even if you want to spruce up your children’s school supply arsenal.
Night Owl Paper Goods main goals are to conduct business in a manner that encourages and inspires respect for the environment and the community. Night Owl creates their products using environmentally-sound methods and conduct their operations in an environmentally-responsible manner.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
• 3″ x 4 1/2″
• Eco-friendly sustainably harvested birch jotter pad
• 75 Blank 100% post-consumer recycled pages
• Packaged in a clear envelope
• Wood & paper are 100% biodegradable & recyclable with paper goods

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Madara Eco Cosmetics Round 2

August 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Deep Purifying Foam

Deep Purifying Foam

From a well curated selection of natural skin, body, and fragrance products along with the best in organic makeup and natural hair products Organic Beauty now is your one-stop shop for getting green and glam. Organic Beauty Now also posts expertly sourced natural beauty tips, tricks, and news.

One of the brands that Organic Beauty Now carries is Madara. They are clean, light, and natural feeling. The Deep Purifying Foam I personally like to use after a hard work out. Madara’s Deep Purifying Foam makes my face feel fresher than ever.

If you have never tried Madara’s products you should.Even if you have tried Madara’s products now is your chance to win some. All you have to do is follow us on Twitter and make sure to friend us on Facebook. Once you have done both comment at the bottom of this post that you have done it and by Friday August 20th I will announce the winner.

Product Info:
Deeply and gently purifies facial skin and neck. Removes make-up and dirt. Cleanses without drying the skin.
Additional Information
Size 5 fl. oz. / 150 ml.
Skin Types all types
Applications Pump dispenser a few times, massage over wet face and neck. Rinse. Pat skin dry. Use mornings and evenings.
Ingredients Aqua, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Distillate*, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Alcohol, Glycerin*, Surcose Cocoate, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract*, Hypericum Perforatum (St. John’s Wort) Extract*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Extract*, Chamomilla Recutita (Camomile) Extract* * Ingredients issued from Organic Agriculture; 100% of the total ingredients are of a natural origin; 30,2% of the total ingredients are issued from Organic Agriculture; Natural and Organic cosmetic certified by ECOCERT SAS – B.P. 47 F-32600 according to ECOCERT Standards.

About Organic Beauty Now:

We’ve chosen each and every brand we carry to ensure that the products we offer you are truly organic and all-natural. All our natural beauty products are:

* Made with the highest quality ingredients, using only natural oils, bases and essences
* Certified organic and/or all-natural
* Cruelty-free and not tested on animals
* Free from chemicals—no parabens, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate or any other notorious cosmetic ingredient

Also, whenever possible, our products are:

* Contained in recycled or recyclable packaging , using minimal amounts
* Made of ingredients obtained from farmers and suppliers who uphold sustainable practices and carefully steward the land
* Made of ingredients obtained from sources that practice fair trade, ensuring that those who provide them are compensated fairly and treated with dignity

All of which means you don’t have to worry about what you buy from Organic Beauty Now. You can simply select products based on your desire to beautify and care for yourself and your family.

do it yourself solar power kits

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Magnolia Organics

August 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Magnolia Organics

Magnolia Organics

There are many things to say about Magnolia Organics but what I admire the most is their initiative. I am constantly asking green businesses to let me review their products or services to that I can highlight genuinely green items. Usually, I have to do all of the contacting. Magnolia Organics came to me to ask if I could review their products which I appreciate immensely. Magnolia’s initiative shows me how dedicated and serious they are about their products and our environment.

About to Magnolia Organics:

Magnolia Organics brings together eco-friendly products with an ethical and environmental conscious to unparalleled quality and design. With an unwavering commitment to fair labor, sustainable materials, minimalist packaging, and a close eye on the carbon footprint on each product, your purchase will bring joy to your home, and a sigh of relief from the planet. We invite you to browse around to understand more about who we are. After all, an educated consumer is our greatest ally in the march towards a more sustainable future.

Magnolia’s Mission:

To produce clean and sustainable home products with a focus on quality and design.
Sustainability: To use the most up-to-date eco-friendly practices from the seed to shipping with extensive 3rd party certification as a focal point.
Fair Labor: Only sound working conditions and fair wages to be allowed in each production process. Not only is it what our customers and stakeholders demand, but it helps maintain loyalty and top notch workmanship within our manufacturing family.
Research and Design: To relentlessly research cleaner production processes and maintain close attention to customers evolving demands to channel the development of new and exciting products.
To Create Value: Magnolia home products are affordable by efficient production; by design and economy of scale in conjunction with eliminating marketing and traditional retail expenses.
With great products, efficient production, eco-friendly practices, fair treatment of employees, and vast adoption of our products, we hope to have a significant impact on the health of our people and our environment on a global basis.

Product Review:

All of that being said now let’s get down to business! Not only was Magnolia nice enough to seek me out I was able to try a set of their organic cotton sheets which were marvelous! It is the summer and with the heat wave that New York has been having Magnolia’s organic cotton sheets worked wonders for keeping me cool and comfy. I compared the Magnolia sheets to some of my regular cotton sheets and you can feel the difference in softness. I did some pulling and stretching of  both sheets (attempting to be mildly scientific), I noticed the obvious difference in strength (the regular cotton sheet isn’t brand new like the organic cotton sheet to I did take that into consideration) but I really couldn’t get over how fabulous the sheets felt and made me feel! I almost feel like I have been sleeping better not so much because the sheets are obviously better but because I feel now I have a delightfully pleasant relationship with Magnolia.  Maybe that sounds silly but I can sleep more peacefully knowing my sheets, myself and Magnolia have all done one more thing to help protect our environment and our resources. Don’t forget to check out Magnolia Organic’s blog either!!!

The Rainfortest Site

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7 Rings Peace Bronze Bracelet

July 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

7 Rings of Peace

 I have written about From War to Peace before but now that I actually have my hands on some of their items I had to write again.

First of all look at my bracelet! Come one don’t you love it! Besides being so beautiful I have to say my favorite part is the magnetic closure.  I know who cares about closures but while I was trying the bracelet on and I held one end of the closure the other followed quickly and snapped shut.  I cannot tell you how annoyed I get trying to put on my bracelets one handed.  It almost forces you to constantly wear bangles.  I am so in love with the 7 Rings design From War to Peace has that I even have the matching earrings.  I know it looks simple but the detail where the rings intersect adds bonus decoration. It may seem simple but these pieces are so me. 

I wore the 7 Rings earrings and bracelet this weekend and got a multitude of complements which was my goal because then I got to give people a heads up on From War to Peace’s mission.  I think how From War to Peace’s  products are made is part of the appeal and if I can get more people out there made aware of what From War to Peace is doing it is better for everyone.

 Let me not forget to add another extremely important aspect to how awesome From War to Peace is they are an American business. The peace bronze, designs and products are made right here from the mining process to the making of the jewelry!

Product Info:
Our flagship design and our most popular. In ancient times, 7 circles meant perfection. In our filagree piece, the rings of peace form a 7-pointed star, representing the peaceful unity of all nations and faiths. An original design by Jason Main.
The magnetic clasp is very strong and robust. Easier to put on with one hand than a regular ‘Lobster-Claw’ clasp.
The Bracelet is 7″ round, perfect for most wrists.

About From War to Peace
Founders Paul and Sandee Ogren shared a dream of a world without war. They dreamt of a world where bombs are turned into beauty, hate into love, and war into peace. From War to Peace is their attempt to help make that dream a reality.

The story of From War to Peace is a story of transformation:
We recycle copper from disarmed nuclear missile systems to create Peace Bronze, the most precious metal in our world. We use it to make glorious art and jewelry for those who share our commitment to a world without war.
From War to Peace is a green company. We recycle everything, making the old newly useful. Our silver- and gold-plated pieces are created entirely from recycled metals. Our printed paper is all recycled. All plastics we use are biodegradable. Our Peace Bronze itself is recycled from missile system cabling. Even the server hosting our website uses solar technology to power its computers.
From War to Peace is a uniquely American company. The copper we use was originally mined in Montana, then used in the Midwest as wiring in nuclear missile systems before being disarmed. After recovering the copper, the Peace Bronze is made for us at a California foundry. We use casting foundries in New Mexico & CA for our casting. Local artisans turn it into jewelry and art objects here in the U.S.A.
From War to Peace is a giving company. We donate 20 percent of all FWTP profit to deserving peace and social justice organizations in the U.S.A. and around the world.

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