Eco Friendly - Faith and Family Reviews

Tag Archive for Eco Friendly

My Healthy Home with Ology

Posted by html404 on April 14, 2014
in Children's Health, Cleaning, Eco Friendly Products, Health, Kids Stuff, Personal Care Products, Safety, Uncategorized

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. #WalgreensOlogy

My healthy home includes using products that are safe for even my children to use. As Earth Day draws near, I thought it fitting to try a new brand called Ology, found exclusively at my local Walgreens store, and do a bit of spring cleaning.

About Ology

Ology products are free of 10 harmful chemicals (you can look these ingredients up at http://www.ewg.org/ and find out exactly why they are harmful):

Ammonia
Chlorine bleach
DEA (diethanolamine)
TEA (triethanolamine)
Parabens
Phthalates
Formaldehyde
Nonylphenol ethoxylates
Triclosan
SLS/SLES

Plus, Ology contains no dyes or artificial fragrances. This is huge for us as our children have had reactions to some ingredients, especially fragrances.

Their paper products are 100% tree free, strong, biodegradable and septic safe. Made from readily renewable sugar husk that would otherwise be disposed and they use Bamboo which is faster growing than trees, making Ology products better for the environment.

Celebrating Earth Day with Ology

My children helped me demonstrate how we used some of Ology products in our home. Starting with the large photo and going clockwise:

JAG is waiting for dinner using Ology bamboo plates. These plates are very sturdy. I really liked them!

JR is cleaning the bathroom with Ology all-purpose cleaner, which is free without harsh solvents or ammonia, and paper towels. The paper towels are surprisingly thick absorbent.

Jr. is helping me put Ology bathroom tissue on the toilet paper roll. This tp is very strong and absorbent.

Blondie is washing her hands with Ology Oatmeal & Honey bar soap. Everyone thought this soap made their hands very soft.

Nook is blowing his nose (yes it’s staged as he didn’t have a runny nose at the time!) with Ology facial tissue.

Ology laundry detergent is gentle on the skin. This is especially important for the delicate skin of my children. I was excited to try this detergent since we have yet to find a chemical free detergent that works for our family.

If you are trying to make your home more healthy, I’d highly recommend giving Ology a try.

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5 Last Minute Stocking Stuffers

Posted by html404 on December 22, 2012
in Eco Friendly Products, Fun Stuff, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Kids Toys, Organic, Reviews, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping, Techie Stuff, Technology/Electronics

If you are heading out shopping this weekend and still need a few stocking stuffers, we have some ideas for you! Below are some products we have recently tried and reviewed or have used in the past. From techie stuff to kids toys, there are last minute stocking stuffers for nearly everyone in the family!

1. Shredz. We got our first snow the other day and our boys have been outside playing with their new Shredz action figures and accessories. The boys really like them! The photos speak for themselves.

2. Eco.Ditty. Eco.Ditty is a company that offers eco-friendly, organic cotton, reusable sandwich and snack bags.

3. Fruit. My mom use to always put a huge apple and orange in our stockings. We never saw that size of fruit any other time of the year.

4. Love’s Christmas Journey DVD. We won this movie in a drawing or something and received it this week. Planning on watching it this weekend or sometime over Christmas.

5. PlayMG. PlayMG is a portable mobile gaming device. It is very cool. So cool that my husband and I have enjoyed playing NBA Jam. 😉 If you knew us, you’d know that we both love basketball both watching and playing, but don’t do much of either anymore. Though PlayMG is a pricier item for a stocking stuffer, it is the size of a perfect last minute stocking stuffer, especially if you are stuck in what to get a special someone. No need to buy extra equipment, as it uses a standard cell phone charger to charge. Accessories can be purchased separately, like a case, charger etc.

We have really been enjoying learning to us our PlayMG, but I wouldn’t say it hasn’t been as user friendly as I would like. It took me an email and a couple calls to support and I still cannot get the internet to work even though my WiFi says it is connected. I have to call them again after Christmas. The game has frozen on us a couple of times causing us to reset it by pressing the brightness and volume down buttons, which I need to ask about. Support has been great though.

There were a couple of cards like this and that was the extent of instructions. 🙁 It came beautifully packaged though in a nice box that slide out like a drawer. Too bad my children sort of wrecked ours already or I could show you how nice it was.

I will say that so far the PlayMG has been a motivator for my boys (9 and nearly 11) to do their chores, so it is working in the sense that I want it too. I like that it is portable and needs no other service other than WiFi and it will work with our NetZero device. I also like that we can use the Bill My Parents card. I added $20 to it and Bill My Parents added another $10, so I can use that as an extra incentive for chores. OR if certain individuals are not complying then I can say I get to spend the money instead. Hoping I don’t have to resort to that but if I have to play hard ball I will!

The Bill My Parents card works like a debit card but teens cannot overspend if there is no money on the card. Parents can be notified via email of purchases etc., but they will not be able to get a report of websites visited or what their kids watched. That’s a downfall, if you ask me. I like that it’s a debit card. Now that my girls are getting older, it will be a useful tool to use to educate them about responsible credit card use.

Overall, we like PlayMG, I just wish more instructions came with the device on how to get everything set up -email, internet etc. This is a great device that gets my children OFF my iPhone and onto THEIR games without expensive cell phone charges or contracts.

Have fun with any last minute shopping, visiting or preparing you have to do this weekend!

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Goat Milk Yogurt vs. Cow Milk Yogurt Review

Posted by html404 on July 17, 2012
in All Natural Products, Food and Treats, Health and Nutrition, Reviews

Redwood Hill’s Goat Milk Yogurt Review

We were excited to try two different brands of yogurt. Green Valley and Redwood Hill Farm yogurt and kefir. Our store only had Redwood Hill blueberry yogurt in stock so that is what we got to try. And to clarify Redwood Hill Farm makes the goat milk yogurt, kefir and cheese. and Green Valley Organics Lactose free makes cow milk yogurt, kefir and sour cream.

See? All natural organic yogurt. It’s really hard to find in stores, but I love that you can pronounce all the ingredients and that it is healthy and good for you. As organic farmers and a mom of eight children it is important to feed my family food that doesn’t contain ingredients that could harm them.

My family was eager to see how goat milk yogurt would taste. In the past we haven’t really liked goat milk products that we tested out, but this brand was different.

A few children thought that they could taste the goat milk, but the majority thought that it tasted just like regular yogurt. My kids could eat yogurt everyday and they really enjoyed Redwood Hill’s. Even my pickier eaters liked it.

Green Valley Organics Lactose Free Yogurt – Cow’s Milk Yogurt Review

My husband loved the Green Valley Organics Lactose Free strawberry yogurt, which is made from cow’s milk. He thought that it was the best strawberry yogurt he had tasted – we have tried many brands and my husband can be very particular when it comes to food! He thought this strawberry yogurt was creamy and very good. The strawberry flavor really popped and it’s affordable as well. My husband eats yogurt almost daily and he is rather picky about what brands he will buys, but this one hit the spot for him and he would buy it in the future.

The Redwood Hill Farm Kefir was yummy. My oldest daughter who is very health conscious, loved it and thought it was the best kefir she had ever had. She typically doesn’t care for goat milk products, but loved this one. My other kids really enjoyed it too. We could not even tell it was made from goat milk due to the yummy flavors and fruity texture.

You can find Green Valley and Redwood Hill Farm’s products at Whole Foods stores nationwide as well as Jewel-Osco. Organic, all natural, and free from harmful chemicals and additives – sure to be a family staple at our house.

Visit Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery or Green Valley Organics Lactose Free on the web to find out more information about their farm and their products.

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Vitabath Review

Posted by Brande on September 18, 2011
in Personal Care Products, Shopping

“More than fifty years afters its debut, Vitabath has revitalized its product line with the introduction of the Fragrance Collection – 16 sulfate and paraben free body washes that leave skin feeling clean, refreshed, and vibrant. Featuring fresh, playful fragrances, a nourishing blend of Vitamins A, B3, B5, C, & E, and an antioxidant superfruit blend, the Fragrance Collection moisturizes and revives skin with its rich, luxurious lather.”

The Vitabath Fragrance Collection offers four unique, youthful fragrance profiles:

Spa Day is available in Green Tea & Sage with Aloe Vera, Lavender Chamomile with Lavender Extract, Cucumber & White Tea with Cucumber Extract, Citron Leaves with Lemongrass Extract.

In Bloomis available is Beach Blossom with Passion Flower Extract, Nouveau Rose with Evening Primrose Oil, Ivy & Lily with Chamomile Extract, Asian Orchid & Coconut with Angelica Extract.

Fruit Fanatic is available in Grapefruit Vanilla with Grapefruit Extract, Green Apple & Lily with Coneflower Extract, Wild Red Cherry with Cherry Blossom Extract, Pomegranate & Blood Orange with Orange Peel Extract.

Cupcake Couture is available is Dreamy Pink Frosting with Sweet Almond Oil, Luscious Lemon Creme with Lemon Extract, Heavenly Coconut Creme with Coconut Oil, Scrumptious Vanilla Sugar with Shea Butter.

My review:

I received the Fruit Fanatics Pomegranate & Blood Orange with Orange Extract. It’s so refreshing to wake up to, with the fresh smell of oranges. It makes my skin feel smooth and clean. Wonderful product! I’m thinking about getting Cucumber & White Tea with Cucumber Extract and Heavenly Coconut Creme with Coconut Oil!

The Vitabath Fragrance Collection is available from www.myvitabath.comand national retailers including Fred Meyer, Ricky’s Beauty, Harmon Drugs, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Ulta Cosmetics, AAFES and Stages Stores.

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

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Let’s Do Lunch

Posted by html404 on April 12, 2011
in Eco Friendly Products, Food and Treats

This was a cool video done by Kelly Lester, of EasyLunchBoxes.com and celebrity guest, Sam Harris, thought it was worth sharing since we really like the EasyLunchboxes!

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Eco Tip

Posted by html404 on April 12, 2011
in Eco Friendly Products, Tuesday Tip

Reuse!! There are several websites to help with this:

Ebay
Freecycle.org
Barter Bee
Recyclers World
Throwplace.com

Just to name a few:)

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Charm Factory Product Review

Posted by Bobbie Gould on September 1, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Fashion

I received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While I consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, my review is my honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

I was able to pick eight charms to add on to this bracelet. I picked the:

Love Charm– Because I wanted another faith charm.

Big Sister Charm– Because I love being the big sister of 8 children. 😉

Amethyst Heart Charm– My birthstone.

Grand Piano Charm– Because I love playing piano.

Pink Crystal Music Note Charm– Because I love music.

Large Sewing Machine Charm– Because I love to sew!

Cross In Heart Charm– To show that I am a Christian

Large Dolphin Charm– Because I love dolphins!

When I got the charm bracelet I was REALLY excited. The bracelet was very well made, and has a adjustable length which fit my 7 1/2 inch wrist perfectly! I could not find any fault with this bracelet. And might be ordering a couple more charms to add on to the bracelet! 😉

Here are some pictures of the bracelet:

100_5827

100_5831

100_5839

I liked that the charms and beads are .925 sterling silver and manufactured in the United States, all lead and nickel free. Their pewter charms are also nickel and lead free. Charm Factory products do not contain cadmium, which is a concern with some products made in Asia. (The jump rings attached to their pewter charms do contain a small amount of nickel. A few imports that they do not make here, like some chains from Italy, are noted in product details.)

All of the charms where very beautiful, and makes such a nice accessory that goes with almost every outfit! Perfect for anyone who wants to have a bracelet that displays what they love!

Charm Factory’s costs vary on the charms that you decide to buy. They sell over 4,000 charms! And there is no limit to the amount of charms you can have! The charms range from pets, hobbies, to food charms.

I encourage you to check out charmfactory.com

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Eco Lips Review

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 25, 2010
in All Natural Products, Personal Care Products

I paid $1 to receive a full size lip balm and here is my review.

I got the Eco Lips SPF 15 Berry Lip Balm and liked it. It smelled really nice. It wasn’t as waxy as other lip balms, so that was nice. And plus this lip balm has sunscreen powers in it to protect your lips. And it did protect my lips.

I really liked that it is all organic, and has no dyes or synthetic ingredients. It was a nice lip balm. But I still like my all time favorite lip balm. And in my mind nothing can beat that lip balm. (I won’t say which lip balm) I have tried a lot of organic lip balms. And I think this one is probably my 3rd favorite out of all of them.

I encourage you to check out Eco Lips. And all of their other great products!

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Back to School Product Guide: Eco-Friendly Backpacks

Posted by Bobbie Gould on August 12, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Product Guides 2010, School

backtoschoolecofriendlybutton

1.)Vyandelle- Bog Pockets Reliving the classic book bag with a new twist – a perfect carry all bag. Made with certified 100% PET trim on the exterior and reclaimed billboard vinyl and 100% recycled PET on the inside. Includes 2″ heavy duty 3 color adjustable strap and four plastic feet for a perfect standing bag. Two front pockets with inside pockets for gadgets, ipods and MP3s. A larger pocket behind the front two pockets, and then a roomy compartment in the main body as well as a laptop protector padded sleeve. Exterior pocket on the back and on sides. $39.99

billboardinabag

2.) Terra Cycle- Yack Pack This backpack stands out in a crowd because every billboard bag is one of-a-kind. Find one that fits your unique personality! This backpack features an integrated protective sleeve for laptop computers with screens up to 15.6″, adjustable straps, and its vinyl material can stand up to everyday wear-and-tear and is also water resistant. Specific billboard is subject to variability. A great recycled product!

yackpack

4.) Hemp Sisters- Deluxe Hemp Backpack with Laptop Storage riple-stitched construction and heavy duty 17 oz hemp canvas give this backpack superior durability and strength. With its overall dimensions of 18 in. high by 13 in. wide and 9 in. deep (front to back), its six zippered compartments and nine pockets (as well as twin cargo straps and bottle pockets on each side), there’s room for all your gear. The back and bottom of the pack, as well as the shoulder straps, are padded for extra comfort. Additionally, the primary storage compartment boasts an additional padded panel secured by a velcro tab that will safely and securely accommodate most laptop computers. Whether it’s from class to class or track to trail, this backpack will get you where you need to go! ($57.99)

hempbackpack

5.) Four Peas Chocolate and Lime Polka Dot Toddler Backpack- This adorable backpack is great for toddlers and preschoolers. Perfect for daycare or preschool. Toddler Backpacks are made with 600 denier plus nylon, and completely PVC free, and sturdy. The new toddler backpacks are 12.50″ tall X 10.5 inches wide by 5.5″ deep and are perfect for children 3 and over. They contain a zipper 3/4 around bag with a pocket on the front that is 5″ tall and a 3/4″ gusset with zipper. There are also 1 in. wide adjustable, padded shoulder straps and a padded carry handle on top. These backpacks are toddler sized and not intended for school books.

fourpeasbackpack

Happy Shopping!

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Back to School Product Guide: Eco-Friendly Fashion Products

Posted by html404 on August 12, 2010
in Eco Friendly Products, Fashion, Product Guides 2010

backtoschoolecofriendlybutton

Eco-Friendly Fashion Product

1.) Five ACCESSORIES- Messenger Bag this multi purpose bag is wonderful for school! A great laptop, book bag,overnight bag, gym bag, bicycle bag, beach bag a great bag for any high school student! Perfect for boys and girls. Meant to be worn cross body or over one shoulder, the bag closes in front with a big, sturdy buckle. Adjustable strap drop to 57”, with bag dimensions of 15.5” x 15” x 4.5. Interior pockets keeps everything organized. ($75)

messangerbag

2.) Global Goods- Green Hand Embroidered Bag carry the hope and determination of strong Peruvian women on your shoulder this season while being original and fashion-forward. This embroidered bag showcases traditional Peruvian design and is stitched with sheep wool. High quality leather accents this purse in warm olive and orange tones. The bag features a Fully lined, 100% cotton fabric, a Magnetic closure, a Inside Pocket, Real Leather straps and top detail. The Size: 12” x 16” x 5” base. Full strap length 19 ½”.

olive peruvian bag

3.) Charm Factory Charm Bracelet– We chose this company because we thought it was cool they have over 4,000 charms to choose from! You can pick the charms you want online pick a chain and they will make it for you! You can pick as many charms as you want. With charms from animals, to sports, to fashion accessories! These would be perfect for any fashion loving young woman. They have a variety of prices.

silverheartbracelet
amethystcharmbracelet

Almost every product is made in the USA. They are a green company and all their charms are nickel and lead free. Charm Factory products do not contain cadmium. The jump rings attached to pewter charms do contain a small amount of nickel.

5.) Global Goods- The Lightweight Gauze Scarf is a perfectly versatile accessory. The open weave of the gauze makes the scarf perfect for summer nights and can also be warm enough for those chilly fall evenings. You can even wear it as a sarong for those summer beach outings! The gauze scarf is hand-woven on a traditional foot loom in Guatemala.

Purple-Cotton-Gauze-Scarf