Emmy’s Organics Review

About Emmy’s Organics

Many people have found that changing their diet can help with so many digestive issues. This was true for founders and owners of Emmy’s Organics, Ian and Samantha. Once Ian cut out dairy, gluten and a few other irritants it made a world of a difference. Ian had a homemade macaroon recipe that totally wowed Samantha when they first started dating. They took that concept and ran with it, and it has now become the very successful company Emmy’s Organics.

Emmy’s Organics have a strong foundation of success due to their use of organic and GMO-free ingredients. They are striving to lower their carbon footprint, which is one of my Simple Green Living ideals. The facility where their products are manufactured is wind and solar powered.  This is a double bang for their buck!

Emmy’s are 100% vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO and made with the highest quality raw ingredients

Emmy’s Organics sells a nice variety of organic products which include:

• Macaroons
• Super Cereal
• Chocolate Sauce
• Gifts

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Mama’s Experience

I was able to try both the Macaroons and Super Cereal by Emmy’s Organics. Each had me feeling really positive with each bite. I could tell that no “junk” was added into these foods. Thoughts that popped into my mind when I took a bite: whole, raw, real, tasty, fresh. I was able to share a bunch of these amazing Macaroons with a bunch of my girlfriends at one of our girls nights. We all love fun and tasty food, but some of them need to maintain a gluten-free and dairy-free lifestyle. I was so excited that I was able to share some Emmy’s with these women too!

Here is what we all had to say about Emmy’s Organic Macaroons!

“The lemon is really refreshing”

“Real. It tastes like real food”

“Tastes homemade, like it was made in someones kitchen”

“I can eat these! A dessert I can eat!” (a women with multiple food restrictions)

“The mint chip is my favorite”

“The dark cocoa is so amazing!”

The Blueberry Super Cereal is such an awesome food. I love how versatile it is. It can be eaten by the handful, with milk as a cereal or with yogurt as a granola. The main ingredient is buckwheat, which is something I had never tried before. It has a really plane flavor and wonderful crunch. It makes me think of a cross between cracked wheat and a nut. Buckwheat is “a super-nutritious, gluten-free seed that contains all 8 essential amino acids and a wealth of minerals and antioxidants.” – Emmy’s website This cereal is way sweet considering that there is no added sugars. The only sweeteners are the natural sugars found in the raw ingredients. I cant get over the fact that this cereal has much many good things for me and still tastes great! Not having to worry about added sugars and syrups makes this a new favorite treat for my yogurts.

These are real foods you have to try. Please hop over to Emmy’s Organics today to see all their awesome products.

Check out the store locator to find a location near you.

Terra Bella Box Review

About Terra Bella

With countless subscriptions boxes available today you can easily get lost and overwhelmed. I have been looking for a natural product based box. When I found Terra Bella I was immediately intrigued. Each box contains 5-6 natural based beauty products. You can sign up without a contact (that’s right, no contract) and do a month to month deal. They also offer 3, 6 and 12 month packages which make the best gifts at Valentines Day, birthdays and just about any holiday! There is also a mini box called Terra Bella Box Lite. This is a box which contains only 2-3 items per month. They do not offer Terra Bella Box Lite in 3, 6 or 12 month subscriptions, instead they just offer month to month boxes. I think it’s perfect as an easy birthday gift for your friend or sister

Tired of getting subscription boxes with beauty products you never use! Terra Bella only contains natural, usable products every beauty product lover will be excited to try. Do you have sensitive skin? So does the founder of Terra Bella, Kate. She got sick and tired of buying subscription boxes and not being able to use the items, or worse, having a reaction from the products. What a waste and disappointment. Thanks to Kate’s hard work and determination she created a subscription box we can all love. I am blessed with pretty ‘average;’ skin but I don’t want the harsh chemicals that those with sensitive skin folks avoid. Kate took the time to search out companies that are small businesses. This helps all of us support local economies. She also strives to provide products from women and minority-owned businesses. Helping families instead of large corporations. Buying from these businesses also allows your products to come from smaller, fresher batches.

I live in Ohio. I have Cleveland and Columbus kinda near by, but no huge metropolis. My local stores don’t stock these wonderful smaller brand products. Finding quality organic products on a local shelf is possible, but not with the variety and scale a curious beauty product lover seeks. By subscribing to the Terra Bella Box you can get a taste of tons of amazing brands and products you probably would never have found locally.

Terra Bella Box = $37.95 (month to month)

$107.84 (3 months)

$209.67 (6 months)

$395.34 (12 months – Best Value)

Terra Bella Box Lite = $17.95 (month to month)

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Mama’s Experience

I love a good subscription box. There are tons of boxes available, but not so many ‘good’ ones. A good box is one I want. One where I will use the items that are included. That is what makes Terra Bella so unique, you want all the products, not just a few of them. That is what makes customers go back and sign up for 3, 6 and 12 month subscriptions. They quickly see that this is not some random stuff in a box, but a well thought out and purposefully planned box. I love that the support local businesses. Families, just like mines and yours.

January 2016 Box

1. Wellsmith – Detox Bath Tea
2. SkinYoga – Coffee Body Scrub
3. Fig + Yarrow – Smelling Salts
4. Meraki Botaniclas – Rosemary Sage Hair Oil
5. Mother Earth Beauty Bar – eyeshadow primer
6. Mother Earth Beauty Bar – eyeshadow in Midnight Mocha

Wellsmith – Detox Bath Tea

Bath teas are one of my most favorite treats. I get little alone time as a mom of two toddlers. When I get the chance to take a bath I revel in the glory of it. I always use a special add in to my bathing experience. I have tried different bath teas before, but what I love about Wellsmiths is that you get to divide up the tea for yourself. You get your own separate cheese cloth sack bag. This is a reusable bag that you fill with as much or as little bath tea as you desire. I typically place it under the running water so as my hot water fills the tub is pummels the tea and helps mix and release it. This package suggests to boil water and add your bag to the boiling water. Then after the tea starts to release 15 minutes) to dump the water and bag into your bath. I like this idea as a way to fast activate the tea bag. I have not tried this as I haven’t have the time to boil water before (I mean precious little moments count for a tired mom), but I do plan on trying this method soon. The smells that emit from this bath tea are so fun and relaxing. This will instantly turn your tub into a spa. If you’re keen to pursue new methods of detoxification for your own wellness, you could consider a foot soaking detox to help you relax and that is intended to remove toxins from the body.

SkinYoga – Coffee Body Scrub

I love a nice body scrub. Every few weeks or sometimes every weekly, I will give myself a full body scrub to help wipe away dead skin and to boost healthy skin growth. I do this to feel fresh and to keep those tiny red bumps that sometimes happen on my arms at bay. This scrub smells amazing! You are literally bathing in luxurious coffee! Be sure to rinse completely as to not create coffee stains on your skin (which really can happen). To watch your elbows, palms and feet for staining (think of the areas you get weird stains with spray tans). The little wooden box, which is so attractive, contains 2 uses of individually packages coffee scrub.

Fig + Yarrow – Smelling Salts

This is a fun item I would never have bought for myself. This is exactly why I love subscription boxes. I have not jumped on the essential oils bandwagon like a ton of my friends have. I think its fun and interesting and probably has some sweet benefits, but I just don’t know much about it. This is a blend of salts and smells which are supposed to help stimulate energy and discourage drowsiness. You are supposed to shake the vial a bit and then hold under your nose and smell. I plan on keeping this next to my coffee maker. So when I am waiting for my liquid courage to face the day brews, I can try out my salts.

Meraki Botaniclas – Rosemary Sage Hair Oil

When I think of hair oil I think of my mother, in a good way! She taught me that you need to treat your hair with care especially in the winter. The dry air can reek havoc on your hair. Whether you are a habitual blow dryer user, curling iron addict or just live in a dry area, you need to try oil on your hair. This particular oil is to be used for 1 hour up to overnight. You take 3 drops and apply to the ends of your hair up to the roots. Being more generous with the tips and less on the scalp (however if you have dandruff or a dry scalp I would use a drop up top to help any itchy flakes). Once in hair wrap your hair up with a towel and let the oil sit for at least 60 minutes. Some people choose to sleep overnight with it in for a super deep treatment. Either way, once its done wash hair like usual. You will see and feel a difference right away. It will be shiny, healthy and silky.

Mother Earth Beauty Bar – Eye Shadow Primer & Mother Earth Beauty Bar – Eye Shadow in Midnight Mocha

I am not a daily eye shadow user. Eye shadow is something I wear to a wedding or a special night out with my husband. I do know that basics about shadow. A primer is like a base that will hold the powder in place. After a while when wearing eye shadow the powder flakes off and falls on your cheeks and nose. By using a good primer you keep the shadow on without covering your face in loose powder. This primer can be used straight from the tube (like applying lipstick) or you can use your finger. You want even stroke so you don’t miss an area (think of it like vacuuming, getting all the lines straight). The shadow that comes in this box is a soft goldish/tan color. It’s perfect for all skin tones.

Bleuberets Artisanal Jam Review

About Bleuberet

Bleuberet started as a ton of my favorite companies did, in a family kitchen. The recipes that start with the heart, a real family making foods they love, are the kinds of food you can taste the difference in. When I tasted Bleuberet I knew there was something special about these jams, something I couldn’t put my finger on. After talking with the owners I found out one of their secrets and it’s not even a secret at all! Their blueberries are not your average blueberry found here in my local grocer, but fresh, always picked in season Maine blueberries. “They are a smoky blue color, with a white powdery outside.  A Sweet-tart burst of flavor is how we explain the taste.  Wild Maine Blueberries are only available fresh for about 5-6 weeks a summer, so preserving them in a jar of jam assures that we can have summer all year long.” – Source: Bleuberet. Bleuberet makes sure to freeze their berries during that 5-6 week “peak-freshness” period. Using a technology called IQF (instant quick freeze) means that the berries are frozen as individual berries, thus sealing in the fresh taste. This allows the berries to keep that tart punch that is still super sweet throughout the year.

Growing up in main, this family spent those precious few weeks picking berries to their hearts content. Lugging them all home to make jams, pies and all kinds of fun berry goodness. Having such a love for them, and knowing the best way to enjoy them properly all year long, their jam making session became a part of life. Having been taught by their grandmother how to make the perfect jam, they followed her recipes (occasionally adding their own twist) and have created the successful business of Bleuberet. We feel pretty sure she would love what they created and would be beaming with pride.

Local Sources:

Bleuberet tries to pick all their fruit and other ingredients as local to Maine as possible. This helps stimulate the local economy and ensures freshness. They would never choose a sub-par ingredient to be placed in a jar with a Bleuberet label. They choose organic whenever possible. They are currently using Transitional Wild Maine Blueberries. Transitional means farmed organically, but not certified. They also put in added sugar, but just enough to enhance the natural flavors, never so much as to over power. Their jams should always taste like a blueberry, not a sugar-ladened spread.

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Mama’s Experience

These jams are the jam! I knew that I would just love every flavor of Bleuberet jam. What I didn’t expect was that my kids ages 2 and 3 would like them too! I tried all of them on their peanut butter and jam sandwiches over the past few months and each one they gobbled up. Best part about that is I know they are getting quality, healthy jams instead of some preservative laded junky jam.

Artisanal jams are meant to be enjoyed in a more refined way then your average PB&J though. They are specialty created to be paired with foods that will elevate the jam as well as what it paired with. This allows you to have a more sophisticated tasting which is great for parties, family events or just wanting to spice up your Saturday night at home.

Bleuberet has 9 different flavor options of jams as well as a maple syrup and pickled carrot.

1. In The Buff – wild maine blueberry jam
2. Spiced – wild maine blueberry & spiced jam
3. Madras Curry – wild maine blueberry & curry jam
4. Bharbie – strawberry & rhubarb jam
5. Cranberet – maine cranberry & apple jam
6. Lingoberet – strawberry & lingonberry jam
7. Fennelicula – wild maine blueberry, heirloom apple, blackberry & fennel jam
8. Lavender’s Blue – wild maine blueberry, lemon & lavender jam
9. Fraise – strawberry & fenton’s bladwin heirloom apple jam

This Lavender jam was just right to pair with a cranberry orange scone you can find at most any bakery. The hints of lemon put along side of the orange in the scone gave you that tangy citrus punch that makes you come back for more. The lavender gave the jam a depth that is not found in a traditional jam ingredients. It really elevated it to a sophisticated dessert jam. What surprised me the most about this jam was how much my kids liked it on the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. These are kids who would eat fries off the floor mind you. I did not thin lavender would be a toddler approved flavor, but to my pleasant surprise they loved it! This would be great on a simple pound cake or sugar cookie.

This is your classic strawberry jam. Do you want a thick, rich jam that you can eat off a spoon? Then this is the jam for you! I sampled this with strawberries and mascarpone.  This gave you a rich and filly treat. This jam is so basic that you can use it with really any recipe that jam in used. Its thick but spreadable which makes it a perfect every day jam.

This was the jam I was most curious about. I never tried pairing a jam with a protein like chicken before. I have heard of chefs suggesting this but never had the guts. So, in the comfort of my own home I was able to give it a whirl! I prepared this chicken by lightly salting the skin then covering the exposed sides with hummus. This adds some depth of flavor to the chicken and increases the moistness. When I took a bit I was pleasantly surprised at how awesome this jam is with chicken. I ate all of this breast with little additions of jam to most bites. It really made my meal a lot more fun. I can envision myself making a cold turkey sandwich on ciabatta bread with a brick or munster cheese.

The Spiced jam is so much fun to eat with an aged cheddar. I tried this jam a few times with several different cheeses. Cheese, jam and some nuts with berries are a favorite late night snack of mine. I was able to watch some fun cooking shows and feel like I was partaking in some refined dining while snacking. Its a great serving jam when having company over. I love finding a beautiful charcuterie board at a party. It gets me giddy. This would be the quintessential jam to place on any board. It holds its own but complements every cheese you may pair it with. Total home run.

There are so many fun flavor combinations the Bleuberet jams have given us. The options are endless. They make the perfect housewarming gift or hostess gift. Do yourself a favor and try out a few of these amazing jams for yourself.

Ozmo Cup Review

About Ozmo

This is no ordinary cup. This cup is seriously something straight out the The Jettisons (remember that old 70’s cartoon?). Ozmo had the average every day person in mind when developing their revolutionary product, the Ozmo Cup. We are typically under-hydrated and over-caffeinated every day. At least I am! Being a busy mom of 2, I often forget to pick up a glass of water. I chug a tad too much cold coffee. I know this, and always accepted it as an unchangeable fact, until now.

Ozmo comes from the scientific term, Osmosis. Osmosis is the diffusion of water from a region of high water potential to a region of low water potential. – Ozmo.io

The Ozmo is a cup and app that uses sensor technology to measure your water and coffee intake, which is then transferred to your app. You are able to live time see how much water and or coffee you have taken in today. Here are some of the basic highlights for you:

• This is a “smart cup” & app which will tell you (in live-time) how much water or coffee you drank today
• You can set it up with personal goals, or have it tell you how much you need based on age, weight, weight and lifestyle
• It will notify you when you need to take a sip/it’s been too long since your last gulp of water
• BPA-Free material
• USB charging (no batteries required)
• Holds 16 fluid ounces
• Leak proof design (confidently toss it into your work bag or purse)
• 1 charge lasts up to 3 weeks

What the lights mean:

1 blue LED light: achieved 20% of your hydration goals for the day.

2 blue LED lights: achieved 50% of your hydration goals for the day.

3 blue LED lights: achieved 90 % of your hydration goals for the day.

3 blue LED lights blinking: achieved all your hydration goals for the day.

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Mama’s Experience

I cannot even begin to say how cool this cup really is. I mean, we are attached to our phones, so having an app that helps you keep hydrated is just so smart. The app is free and can work independently from the cup. You can manually put in your water/coffee intake and you are set. However, the cool part about the whole program is the cup itself. Having a cup with a USB port makes my nerdy side grin.

The primary reason I like this cup so much is because it’s so easy to use. I don’t have time to monkey around with inputting data and measuring out things. The app and cup do all this for me. It even has the option to give me a reminder when I have not taken a drink in a while; it vibrates to give me a friendly heads up. The charge hold is amazing! It really does go days and days and days without needing a charge. Not having to remember one more thing to plug in at night is such a blessing. Filling up is easy-peasy. Just fill up to the top line (which hold 16 ounces of water), twist the lid on securely and take a swig.

This cup is NOT dishwasher safe, however they are working on making a newer version that will be. The support staff is always working on ways to make things more efficient and smooth for the user. They want to make you a healthier you but without you having to do the dirty work.

The app has been available on iTunes for Apple users for a while, and only came available to Android users in the past few weeks. The app is free on both devices to download. You can personalize your app by inputting your gender, age, weight, height and activity level. The app will then suggest a daily ounce intake and you can accept it or not. If you want more or less than the suggest total you can change it too.

Ordering an Ozmo Cup has never been easier. Click here to check out their website and shop till you drop!

Sherwood Print Buttons Cloth Diaper

I love my Buttons cloth diapers. They are the best 2 in 1 style diapers for my child. I love them for quick trips out and about. Instead of lugging a ton of AIO diapers in my diaper bag, I can toss in a few super absorbent, yet thin inserts, along with a Buttons cover and bang! I am ready to rock!

My sons skinny legs and tiny waist can cause diapers to leak not only through the leg gussets but also up his front. Buttons Diapers have never leaked do to his size. I have had a few leaks, but hey, all kids have a mega pee load occasionally right!? This print is really what makes it stand out. Foxes are so on point. They are everywhere you look, but this print is unique. I have never seen it used before, making it more appealing. Its a dark brown and orange combo, its the perfect unisex diaper. Little arrows that intersect each other are the underlying spacer design which fill the diaper in a subtle way; not taking over the primary focus of the fox design. I cannot say enough awesome stuff about this diaper!

Click here to buy one for yourself. Be sure to follow Buttons Diapers on Facebook for fun updates and more designs.

Crayola Cling Creator Review

With each holiday my family loves to put fun and festive window clings on a few of the windows in our home. This is a fun way my kids can participate in the decor each holiday and season. I have fond memories of my brother and I playing with the window clings growing up in our home. Making up stories like our own story book come to life. Hours of screen-free entertainment. Crayola, always a step head of the game, now sells the Cling Creator. This amazing product allows us to make our own clings to use as we see fit. Making fun everyday designs, or customizing them, I can make a cling for anything I desire.

Being that this kit if for children ages 8 and up, and my daughter being only 3, I was able to have her help with small sets, making her feel as though she is really making the cling. The Cling Creator comes with everything you will need to get started.

• Modeling clay
• Clay rolling pin
• 5 double-sided molds
• Multipurpose molding tool
• Cling solution
• Four mixing pots
• Color solution
• Shaker maker
• Refill packets are also available

In as little as 15 minutes you can have your own homemade window cling!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iNHMdDjQZo

This Cling Creator is so easy to use. Buy following the simple 4 step process you will have your own original cling in minutes. This is such a fun and family friendly activity. Spending time with each other is priceless and Crayola helps your family make memories that will last a lifetime.

Complete Clings in Just 15 Minutes

Kids will love how easy it is to use the Cling Creator to create custom clings all on their own. Labeled color mixing pots make it easy to pour the correct ratios of color and firming solution. Once you pour the liquid cling solution into the mixing pot, drop the pot into the mixing chamber and blend it using the fun mixing mechanism. Then pour the solution into the molds and let your clings solidify. The process only takes 15 minutes.

Design Your Own Mold from Clay

In addition to five pre-made double-sided molds, the Cling Creator comes with clay you can use to create your own mold designs. Use the included drawing tool, a stamp, or a toy to make impressions in the clay where you’ll pour your cling solution. Kids get to experiment to see how different shapes create different kinds of molds.

Make up to 20 Clings

With enough color and firming solution to create 20 custom clings, the Cling Creator provides hours of creative entertainment. Specially designed storage nooks for the solution tubes, mixing pots, multi-purpose tool, and molds mean you won’t have to worry about misplacing anything. Refill packs of additional color and firming solution are sold separately.

Decorate Your Window, Mirror, and Locker

Apply your custom clings to flat, smooth surfaces like windows, mirrors, and even metal lockers. The clings stick for as long as you want. When you get tired of your old designs or want to show off new ones, simply remove the previous clings. You can also re-position the clings if you accidentally apply them unevenly, and you never have to worry about cling residue or stains on surfaces.

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The Cling Creator can be found in major retailer as well as online.

Mama’s Experience

This kit is so fun and easy to use. The directions are very clear and easy to follow.

Simply combine liquids, mix and pour into molds. Waiting it the hardest part!

Having the 3 primary colors provided in the set, you are able to make them solids or mix to make new colors like green or purple. This really allows for creativity to blossom and ideas to flow. Add googly eyes, glitter or drip in a second color to create polka dots. Keep your mind turning and you will come up with dozens of great ideas. This is the perfect too-cold-to-play-outside activity. I highly recommend this to any child who is being home-schooled as a multi-step learning activity.

My family celebrates Christmas each December. Not as simply another gift based holiday, but as Jesus’ Birthday! We count down the days to baby Jesus’s birth. We talk about what He has done for us and for all people. Keeping our holiday faith based we don’t focus on Santa, but on Christ our Lord. Using the clay which comes with the kit we choose to make a cross for our own homemade symbolic nativity scene. Making a cross to be the center, 2 stars to show how the shepherds and wise men followed the star to find Jesus and a music note to symbolize the angels singing in heaven above for His glorious birth.