Romance Review and Book Blog Tour: Tempt Me If You Can by Janet Chapman

Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Posted by Dina

Book Description
In TEMPT ME IF YOU CAN, New York Times bestselling author Janet Chapman delivers the delightfully heartwarming yet sizzling sequel to The Man Must Marry (10/08), featuring Ben Sinclair as he falls for the one woman he never expected to love--and the son he never knew he had.

My Review
I love strong female characters - in books and in real life - who can take care of themselves. Emma Sands, the heroine of Tempt Me If You Can, is surely one. Raising her nephew Michael all by herself after her sister leaves him behind, she is determined to protect him from everyone - including his father, shipping magnate Ben Sinclair. Until an anonymous letter reveals Michael's existence to Ben, and he becomes equally determined to make things right - whether she likes it or not.

I enjoyed reading Tempt Me If You Can - a charming romance without excessive sugar on top. It's an engrossing read with small town secrets, dangerous villains, and well-drawn characters. I particularly enjoyed Janet Chapman's wry sense of humor that shines through some scenes. Among the supporting cast, I loved the character of Greta - a friend and mother figure to Emma, and the town's real-life fairy godmother.

Whether you are already a fan of Janet Chapman or are just discovering her books, Tempt Me If You Can is an enjoyable romance read. It just came out a few weeks ago, and it's available on Amazon as well as at book retailers.
 
Visit the other participating blogs for more reviews of this book: 
Broken Teepee: http://www.brokenteepee.blogspot.com/
The Bibliophilic Book Blog: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/
Renee’s Reads: http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/
Just Short of Crazy: http://www.justshortofcrazy.blogspot.com/
Book, Books Everywhere: http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com/
Michelle & Leslie's Book Picks: http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com/
Pam’s Private Reflections: http://hip2bhomeschooling.blogspot.com/
The Life (and Lies) of an Inanimate Flying Object: http://haleymathiot.blogspot.com/
My Five Monkeys: http://www.tableforseven-julie.blogspot.com/
Just Another New Blog: http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/
I Heart Book Gossip: http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/
My Book Addiction and More: http://mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com/
Jeanne's Ramblings: http://www.jeannesramblings.com
Frugal Plus: http://frugalplus.com/
Eclectic Book Lover: http://www.eclecticbooklover.com/
The Book Girl: http://thebookgirl.net/
Book Junkie: http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com/
Cheryl’s Book Nook: http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/
Steph the Bookworm: http://www.stephthebookworm.blogspot.com/
Readaholic: http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/
Starting Fresh: http://startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/
Sexy Women Read: http://sexywomenread.blogspot.com/
Lori’s Reading Corner: http://lorisreadingcorner.blogspot.com/
Marilyn’s Romance Reviews: http://marilyns-romance-reviews.blogspot.com/
Wendy’s Minding Spot: http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/
Marta’s Meanderings: http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours.  Book information courtesy of Simon & Schuster.
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The Spring Green #13: Aluminum-Free Deodorants from Tropical Traditions Review and Giveaway (Ends 4/7) CLOSED

Monday, March 29, 2010 Posted by Dina

When my favorite deodorant was discontinued years ago, I started looking for a replacement. Most stick deodorants were too soapy for me, and sprays felt too wet. I decided on roll-ons but then started reading about all the chemicals they contain. A big concern for me is that most contain aluminum. If you'd like to know why, feel free to do some online research - there is plenty of readily available information that may help you be an informed consumer.

Tropical Traditions has a line of natural deodorants that are made from their popular virgin coconut oil as base and contain no parabens, chemicals, or aluminum. I've tried several Tropical Traditions skin care products based on their wonderful coconut oil, and all work wonders for me. Since we apply deodorants to highly sensitive areas of the skin, it's a relief to know that no harmful substances can be absorbed in the body when using these roll-ons. Here is what they contain: purified water, organic virgin coconut oil, organic jojoba, plant based emulsifying wax, grapefruit seed extract, baking soda, and organic essential oils. No mystery compounds here!

The roll-ons are just the right size to slip in a purse or gym bag, and come in three scents: classic, lavender, and frankincense. Tropical Traditions imports their high quality organic essential oils from France. They are distilled with low temperature and low pressure over an extended period of time to obtain the best fragrance. Among the three varieties, the classic one is my favorite. It is scented with organic essential oils of rosewood, geranium, cedarwood, and patchouli. The gentle flowery aroma is unobtrusive and very pleasant. The lavender roll-on includes essential oils of lavender, lemon, and rosemary. If you like lavender, you'll love this deodorant. Finally, the frankincense is a more woodsy, masculine scent, although its scent is appropriate for women, too. Its aroma comes from the essential oils of frankincense and sandalwood.

All three deodorants did a great job, got absorbed quickly and did not leave white spots on my clothes. If you are at all concerned about what's in your cosmetics, you should give the Tropical Traditions roll-ons a try.

Deal Alert
Right now, Tropical Traditions Aluminum-Free Deodorants are on sale! They are almost 40% off the regular retail price and cost $8.50 each. In addition, use coupon code 32910 for an extra 10% off anything on the site until midnight EDT on March 31.

If you decide to buy these products or anything else from Tropical Traditions, as a first-time customer you can get a FREE Virgin Coconut Oil book with purchase. Find out all about coconut oil and its uses! Just use code 5251001 in the Referred by a Friend section and the book will be added to your order at no charge.

The Giveaway
Tropical Traditions are generously giving away an aluminum-free deodorant to a lucky reader of this blog! The winner will pick a scent from the three I mentioned.

To enter, please take a look at the Tropical Traditions product line and tell me what interests you the most.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:
  • subscribe to Tropical Traditions' newsletter - you'll know all about their specials, sales and promotions - and get 2 entries;
  • check out the free coconut recipes here and tell me which one you'd like to try;
  • follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "Win Tropical Traditions Aluminum-Free Deodorant! #giveaway ends 4/7 @troptraditions @aitmama #win http://tinyurl.com/yhqsnfp"
  • follow Tropical Traditions on twitter;
  • go here and here for additional ways to get extra entries.
The deadline to enter is April 7, 2010, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. or Canada.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.  This post reflects my personal opinion and experience with the product which may differ from yours. Product information and images courtesy of the sponsor. The winner will receive their prize directly from the company. The sponsor is solely responsible for prize fulfillment. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.
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Winner of Simple Green Naturals!

Monday, March 29, 2010 Posted by Dina

The lucky person who will be cleaning their home with the Simple Green Naturals complete line of cleaners is #122, Jennifer T.!

Congratulations to the winner, and thanks to all who entered! Stay tuned for more reviews and giveaways this week. In the meantime, here is what else is up for winning at Just Another New Blog:

Odor Neutralizing Natural Soy Candles - 3 winners (3/31)
Ecover Dishwashing Products and Bag (4/4)
Case of Peter Rabbit Organics (4/4)
Recycled Glass Soy Candle (4/4)
Montana Legacy - 5 winners (4/5)
Seventh Generation Pack (4/6)
A Touch of Scandal - 5 winners (4/8)
Envirosax (4/10)
Sprout Watches - 3 winners (4/10)
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My Blog Is Carbon Neutral!

Sunday, March 28, 2010 Posted by Dina

Last night, I powered down and turned off the lights for Earth Hour. As I was sitting in the dark during a time I usually spend at the computer, I was wondering how much energy - of the non-renewable kind - my blogging uses up every day. Imagine my excitement this morning when I read about a new green project on Northern Mama's blog.

A group of people in Germany is helping make blogs and websites carbon-neutral! My Blog Is Carbon Neutral is an initiative started by the Make it Green program aiming to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. They plant a tree for your blog and offset its carbon footprint for the next 50 years. How cool is that!

According to a study by Alexander Wissner-Gross, PhD, a physicist at Harvard University and environmental activist, an average website causes about 0.02g (0,0008oz.) of carbon dioxide for each visit. Assuming an average blog gets 15,000 visits a month, it has yearly carbon dioxide emissions of 3,6kg (8lb.). This can mainly be tracked back to the immense energy usage from (mainframe) computers, servers, and their cooling systems.

The trees are planted in Plumas National Forest in Northern California by the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. partner for My Blog Is Carbon Neutral. The Arbor Day Foundation is a non-profit conservation and education organization with the goal helping reforest 5,500 acres of Plumas National Forest with 792,000 trees.

Read how you can join and have a tree planted for your site or blog! I am proud to say that now my blog is carbon neutral. Is yours?

co2 neutral shopping and coupons with kaufDA.de
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The Spring Green #12: Sprout Watches Review and Giveaway (Ends 4/10) CLOSED

Friday, March 26, 2010 Posted by Dina

What is your watch made of? Metal, plastic, leather? How about a green timepiece? And by that, I do not mean the color.

Sprout is a company that makes watches - and their mission is to make them the most eco-friendly they possibly can. They've been in the business of making timepieces for over 50 years. Today, Sprout uses corn resin, organic cotton and bamboo to make adorable, trendy watches that are an environmentally responsible  fashion statement.

These watches come in two sizes: small and large. I received the large watch with the daisy pink strap and inner ring you see in the picture. The bezel is a lovely moss green and the case is ivory. My first impression was how light the watch is. The colors are vibrant and just right for spring and summer. The numbers on the dial are large and easy to read - love the interesting font style! The strap is soft and comfortable, and - you guessed it - made of certified organic cotton with good quality stitching. The case and buckle look like plastic but are made of corn resin that, unlike plastic, biodegrades almost completely (99%) in a year.

The watch lenses are made from mineral crystal, a type of glass made from sand. The dial is beige - the natural color of the unpolished bamboo it is made of. I learned some interesting facts about bamboo on the Sprout website. Bamboo is considered eco-friendly based on its properties as a natural fiber, a quick-growth plant that sequesters greenhouse gases, and a renewable plant that can grow back after its three to five year harvesting period. It largely doesn't need chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers to grow.

Finally - if you are not completely convinced by now that this is one cool, green watch - all Sprout watches are lead and phthalate free. My watch is 86% eco-friendly as measured by weight.

I just have to mention the packaging. Each watch comes in a recyclable carton box with a grass seed card inside. If you place it in a sunny spot and water it daily, in about 5-10 days you will see a little grass garden starting to grow. 

The Sprout watches come in 6 color combinations per size. I had the hardest time picking my favorite, because I love them all! You can choose a black strap, charcoal gray case and gray bezel ring for a more conservative look, or go for any of the other designs featuring beautiful shades of light blue, green, red, pink and ivory. At an affordable $30 apiece, you can even get several - but don't keep them all for yourself. These watches would make the perfect eco-minded accessory or gift.

Event Sneak Peak
This year, Sprout is proud to participate in the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in Washington, D.C.  It's going to be a huge eco-event with giveaways, musical performances, art exhibits and guest speakers!  Check out http://www.earthday.net/earthday2010 for more information and if you are in the D.C. area, make sure to stop by! 

The Giveaway
Three (3) of my readers will win a Sprout watch of their choice!

To enter, please visit Sprout and comment below with your favorite watch.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:
  • subscribe to the Sprout newsletter - see the right bottom corner of their homepage - and get 2 entries;
  • follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "Win 1 of 3 #eco-friendly Sprout #watches just right for spring! #Giveaway ends 4/10 @SproutWatches @aitmama #win http://tinyurl.com/yhkrfoj";
  • tell us where you can buy a Sprout watch;
  • follow @SproutWatches on twitter;
  • go here and here for additional ways to get extra entries.
The deadline to enter is April 10, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Three winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. and Canada. Sorry, no PO boxes. 

* Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate my review. This post reflects my personal opinion and experience with the product which may differ from yours. Product information and images courtesy of the sponsor. The winners will receive their prize directly from the company or PR firm. The sponsor is solely responsible for prize fulfillment. One prize per person / mailing address. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.
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The Spring Green #11: Envirosax Review and Giveaway (Ends 4/10) CLOSED

Friday, March 26, 2010 Posted by Dina

I shop with my own reusable bags all the time. I use them for groceries, clothing, and books. We bring them along for trips to the library and video store, to the pharmacy and farmer's market. As BYOB (bring your own bags) has become more widespread - and many stores provide incentives to do so - I was happy to hear that I am no longer the only person that uses them at my local CVS.

Envirosax takes reusable bags beyond function and turns them into a fashion and lifestyle statement. As aptly put on the company's website, their designer reusable bags are spreading the eco-friendly message with style! Envirosax even carries a line of bags made from organic materials.

I received  the beautiful Hemp Bag #5. Did you know that hemp was cultivated in China as early as 4000 BC? This plant produces the strongest natural fibre known. Hemp fabric is three times stronger than cotton fabric of the same weight. I also learned that with no known insect enemies and a high resistance to disease, there is no need to use harmful pesticides in cultivation. A truly green shopping bag!

The hemp bag came in a drawstring pouch, and the design is even prettier than it looks in the picture. The bag is very well made, and quite roomy: 19.5" x 16.5".  It can safely hold up to 22 lbs. I was curious how the bag would survive in the laundry - it passed with flying colors! I folded it into the little pouch with ease - in there, it's only 4" x 5.5". Once tucked away in the pouch, the bag can be conveniently carried in your purse, placed in your car's glove compartment, or even in a large pocket.

Apart from the bags in the organic series, Envirosax has a graphic series, bags for kids - great for teaching the little ones some green lessons - and  greengrocer series that come in many beautiful colors. The non-organic bags can hold up to 44 lbs. There are many wonderful designs, and you can find one - or many! - to fit your style.

The Giveaway
One reader will win an Envirosax reusable bag of their choice from the graphic series

To enter, please comment below which Envirosax bag is your favorite.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:
  • subscribe to the Envirosax newsletter - see the right side of their homepage - and get 2 entries;
  • follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "Win a beautiful reusable bag from Envirosax graphic series! #Giveaway ends 4/10 @Envirosax @aitmama #win #eco http://tinyurl.com/yf963n2";
  • name one celebrity that has been spotted with Envirosax;
  • follow Envirosax on twitter;
  • go here and here for additional ways to get extra entries.
The deadline to enter is April 10, 2010, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. and Canada. Sorry, no PO boxes. The winner will receive their prize directly from the company or PR firm. The sponsor is solely responsible for prize fulfillment.

* Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate my review. This post reflects my personal opinion and experience with the product which may differ from yours. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.
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Another Spring Green Winner: Organic Moisturizing Cream from Tropical Traditions

Friday, March 26, 2010 Posted by Dina

The lucky winner of the Organic Moisturizing Cream from Tropical Traditions has been selected via Random.org! Tabathia, comment #298, will be getting the scent of their choice.

Remember to keep entering those fabulous Spring Green giveaways! Check the left sidebar for an updated list. 
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The Spring Green #10: Dapple Baby Review

Thursday, March 25, 2010 Posted by Dina

As a mom, I am very careful how I clean my kids' toys and furniture. Especially when they are young, everything that's on the toys ends up in their mouth. I am not comfortable using conventional bleach, and some toys cannot be immersed in water or thrown in the laundry.

Dapple Baby solves that problem for parents. They offer natural baby products such as toy cleaners and laundry detergentnatural cleaners, and eco-friendly dish products. I tried the toy cleaner spray and the travel-size toy cleaner wipes. Both products are phtalate-free, paraben-free, SLES- and dye-free, biodegradable, and certified to contain no detectable levels of dioxane. In addition, they are not tested on animals and fragranced with pure lavender essential oil.

The toy wipes are great for quick clean-up of toys that cannot be washed with soap and water, laundered, or need to be cleaned when you are on the go. The wipes are a generous size, thick and strong. I loved the gentle scent and the convenience. In case you are wondering, here is the list of ingredients: purified water, baking soda, cleaners derived from fruits, tree oils and glucose, French lavender essential oil, essential oil dispersant, alcohol (less than 2%), preservative derived from natural amino acid, biodegradable fabric.

The toy cleaner spray can be used to clean not just toys but high chairs, swings, car seats, strollers, and anything that you can spray and wipe. I was happy to recognize almost all ingredients: purified water, baking soda, cleaners made from fruits, tree oils and glucose, French lavender essential oil, essential oil dispersant, and preservative derived from natural amino acid. Baking soda is one of my favorite natural cleaners, and I know my kids' toys can be cleaned safely with Dapple.

Dapple products can be purchased on the company's site, or at select retailers.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: This review reflects my personal experience and honest opinions about the products which may differ from yours. Free samples were provided to me. Company / product information and images courtesy of the sponsor.  
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Winner of A Set of 3 Organic Lip Moisturizers from Tropical Traditions!

Thursday, March 25, 2010 Posted by Dina

The lucky winner of a Set of 3 Organic Lip Moisturizers from Tropical Traditions has been selected via Random.org! Rachel, comment #161, will be getting the three flavors of her choice.

I have another fab Tropical Traditions giveaway that ends tonight - for a jar of their awesome organic moisturizing cream! Hurry up and get your entries in by midnight. Good luck!
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Romance Giveaway and Book Blog Tour: A Touch of Scandal by Jennifer Haymore (Ends 4/8) CLOSED

Thursday, March 25, 2010 Posted by Dina

Book Description
The last thing Garrett, Duke of Calton, expects to find while tracking his sworn enemy is the delectable, mysterious Kate. This beautiful servant girl rouses a longing the battle-scarred ex-soldier had never hoped to feel again. But when she turns out to be the sister of the man he seeks, he's convinced he's been betrayed.

Kate knows her duty to her family, yet how can she ignore Garrett's powerful pull on her heart? Or the heady temptation of his stolen-and sizzling-kisses? Scandal has followed the duke since the war. Now the greatest shock of all is on its way-the one that can separate Garrett and Kate forever.

The Giveaway
FIVE readers will win a copy of A Touch of Scandal by Jennifer Haymore!

To enter, leave a comment sharing your favorite book genre.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:
  • follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win 1 of 5 copies of romance novel A Touch of Scandal by Jennifer Haymore #books #Giveaway ends 4/8 @aitmama #win http://tinyurl.com/ygpub26" – you may do this once a day;
  • go here for additional ways to get extra entries.
The deadline to enter is April 8, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Five winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen.

Open to residents of U.S. and Canada only. No P.O. box addresses, please. One book per person. Winners will receive their prizes directly from Hachette Book Group. Book information and image was provided by the publisher.

Visit the other blogs participating in this blog tour:
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway, Guest Post 3/25/2010
www.bibliophilicbookblog.com Feature, Review, Giveaway 3/25/2010
www.booksoulmates.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway, Q&As 3/25/2010
www.booksoulmates.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway, Q&As 3/25/2010
http://www.kballard87.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 3/25/2010
http://stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com/ Giveaway 3/25/2010
http://fredasvoice.blogspot.com Giveaway 3/25/2010
http://ajourneyofbooks.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway, Q&As 3/25/2010
http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway, Q&As 3/25/2010
http://www.longlivechicklit.wordpress.com Feature, Guest Post 3/26/2010
smexybooks.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 3/26/2010
www.thebookgirl.net Review, Giveaway 3/26/2010
http://www.rundpinne.com Feature, Review 3/27/2010
http://booksandmakeup.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 3/29/2010
www.findingtimetoread.com Review, Giveaway 3/31/2010
http://www.mgpblog.com Review, Giveaway 4/1/2010
http://www.eclecticbooklover.com Review 4/1/2010
http://seductivemusings.blogspot.com/ Feature, Review, Giveaway 4/1/2010
http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com Feature, Review, Giveaway 4/2/2010
http://brokenteepee.info Review, Giveaway 4/3/2010
http://www.saveyspender.com Review, Giveaway 4/4/2010
www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 4/5/2010
www.justshortofcrazy.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 4/5/2010
http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com Feature, Review 4/6/2010
http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com Feature, Review, Giveaway 4/6/2010
http://razloversbookblog.blogspot.com/ Feature, Review, Giveaway 4/6/2010
http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/ Review 4/7/2010
http://triciareads.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 4/7/2010
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The Spring Green #9: Seventh Generation New Disinfecting Cleaners Review and Giveaway (Ends 4/6) CLOSED

Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Posted by Dina

Seventh Generation is a Vermont-based company that has been making safe and environmentally-responsible products for 20 years. Their name sums up the company philosophy very nicely. Seventh Generation comes from the Great Law of the Iroquois that states, "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations."

Most of you have probably come across something from their complete line of non-toxic household products. Seventh Generation just added three new disinfecting products:
I received samples of all three, plus a jumbo roll of Seventh Generation 100% recycled paper towels and an eco-friendly tote. 

The disinfectants are the first EPA-registered line of cleaners to kill 99.99 percent of germs naturally (including Influenza A and H1N1) using thymol, a component of thyme oil derived from the herb thyme. These new disinfectants are the perfect example of eco-friendly spring cleaning tools - and I am excited to feature them in The Spring Green Event.

The Disinfecting Wipes come in a 70-count canister and are great for a quick clean up while disinfecting and controlling odors. Since the disinfectant is made from botanically pure plant extracts, the wipes can be used safely to clean toys, changing tables, and toilet seats. I hope the company starts selling a travel pack that would be perfect to have in the car or diaper bag for all those times that my kids need to use a public restroom, a restaurant high chair, or sit in a shopping cart at the grocery store in the middle of flu season.

The Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner comes in a spray bottle that dispenses it as a foam. It stuck to tile and vertical surfaces better than liquid cleaners, and worked very well in my bathroom. For disinfecting, you can leave it air dry - per the manufacturer's directions, test in a small area first. The scent is Lemongrass & Thyme, a nice fresh fragrance without the chemical fumes of some traditional cleaners I've tried.

I used the Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner on my kitchen counters and appliances. It's very easy to use -just spray and wipe. Just as the other two products in the disinfecting line, it will not harm hard nonporous surfaces. It worked very well, and left my kitchen sparkling clean and smelling fresh.

One thing I would have liked for both cleaners is a see-through bottle (or maybe a see-through side) so that I could see how much is left. So far, it seems to me that the multi-surface cleaner will last awhile.

The reusable shopping tote is roomy and well made - the perfect bag for your grocery shopping, trips to the library, and more! I keep a dozen or so eco-friendly bags in my car - always prepared for a quick stop at the store or market.

Finally, I have to tell you that the Seventh Generation jumbo roll of paper towels is not your average roll! It is made from 100% recycled paper, with a minimum of 90% post-consumer materials. I do not use paper towels if a dish rag will do but if I had to, I would not look any further. All that recycling I do every day put to good use! So glad that Seventh Generation are saving cardboard, office waste, and other paper materials from going into a landfill. What's more - the jumbo paper roll is not white but has the natural color that comes from the mix of colors in the recycled paper. I do not need paper towels to be white. Do you?

The Giveaway
Now you can win the same set of Seventh Generation cleaners that I reviewed - plus the jumbo roll of paper towels and the reusable tote!

To enter, please visit Seventh Generation and comment below what product(s) interest you the most.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:
  • subscribe to the Seventh Generation newsletter and get 2 entries;
  • follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "Win the Seventh Generation new disinfectant line! #giveaway ends 4/6 @SeventhGen @aitmama #win #eco http://tinyurl.com/ykt5cdb";
  • follow Seventh Generation on twitter;
  • go here and here for additional ways to get extra entries.
The deadline to enter is April 6, 2010, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. Sorry, no PO boxes. The winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

* Disclaimer: I received free product samples to facilitate my review. This post reflects my personal opinion and experience with the products which may differ from yours. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.
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351 comments:

       
   

Romance Review and Book Blog Tour: Her Last Chance by Michele Albert

Tuesday, March 23, 2010 Posted by Dina

Book Description
HER LAST CHANCE is the fourth book in the Avalon series by romantic suspense writer Michele Albert engages readers in a thrillingly sexy adventure between a fiesty female Avalon operative and a hot FBI agent.

My Review
This is the first book from the Avalon series that I've had the pleasure to read. Claudia Cruz, a former police officer and current employee of Avalon - a company that recovers stolen works of art - unwillingly joins forces with Vincent DeLuca- an FBI agent in charge of finding the criminals behind a series of art thefts. The two start off by hating each other, then battling irresistible mutual attraction until both realize they could do much better on and off the job if they work together. The situation gets complicated when Claudia and Vincent uncover a connection between the art heists that threatens their lives.

Her Last Chance is well written and entertaining, with a sizzling romance connection between the two main characters and enough twists in the plot to make it a page turner. Although Claudia's Mexican heritage is a bit overplayed and the title could be better, the book remains an enjoyable, fast-paced read.

Visit the other blog tour participants for more reviews:
The Bibliophilic Book Blog: http://www.bibliophilicbookblog.com/
Renee’s Reads: http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/
Just Short of Crazy: http://www.justshortofcrazy.blogspot.com/
Book, Books Everywhere: http://bookbookseverywhere.blogspot.com/
I Heart Book Gossip: http://juniperrbreeeze.blogspot.com/
My Book Addiction and More: http://mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com/
Jeanne's Ramblings: http://www.jeannesramblings.com
Frugal Plus: http://frugalplus.com/
Book Junkie: http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com/
Cheryl’s Book Nook: http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/
Steph the Bookworm: http://www.stephthebookworm.blogspot.com/
Readaholic: http://bridget3420.blogspot.com/
Rundpinne: http://www.rundpinne.blogspot.com/
Sexy Women Read: http://sexywomenread.blogspot.com/
Wendy’s Minding Spot: http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/
Marta’s Meanderings: http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours.  Book information courtesy of Simon & Schuster.
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2 comments:

Romance Giveaway, Review and Book Blog Tour: Montana Legacy by R.C. Ryan (Ends 4/5) CLOSED

Monday, March 22, 2010 Posted by Dina

Book Description
They're the McCords...three rugged, sexy cowboy cousins who'll inherit the family range--if they seek the treasure hidden on it. But even more precious are the women who can tame their wild hearts...

She was the one person who shook Jesse McCord's quiet determination. She was the only one he ever let in, body and soul. Then suddenly Amy Parrish was gone and the oldest McCord cousin devoted his life to the family ranch. Now Amy is back, offering help to Jesse find the McCord gold. Yet Jesse's not about to give her a second chance, and he hopes his pride will protect him from her irresistible charms. But under the wide prairie skies a dangerous, unseen enemy is fast closing in, threatening Amy and Jesse's very lives and the promise of their... MONTANA LEGACY.

My Review
I found Montana Legacy to be a fun and easy read. Handsome rugged cowboys? A damsel in distress / strong, smart and beautiful woman? A love interrupted, then rekindled with a passion? A family that sticks together in hard times? Looking for long-lost treasure, trying to figure out a mystery while finding out who the bad guys are, all set against beautiful Montana! The characters are likable and memorable, the storyline flows, and the book is altogether enjoyable, with twists and turns and just the right dose of mystery thrown in. I finished it in a day, and can't wait to read the next book in this series that comes out in May - Montana Destiny.

The Giveaway
FIVE readers will win a copy of Montana Legacy by R.C. Ryan!

To enter, leave a comment sharing your favorite book genre. Or tell us, are you a romantic at heart?

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:
  • follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win 1 of 5 copies  of romance novel Montana Legacy by R.C. Ryan! #books #Giveaway ends 4/5 @aitmama #win http://tinyurl.com/yzprflx" – you may do this once a day;
  • go here for additional ways to get extra entries.
The deadline to enter is April 5, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Five winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen.

Open to residents of U.S. and Canada only. No P.O. box addresses, please. One book per person. Winners will receive their prizes directly from Hachette Book Group. Book information and image was provided by the publisher.

Visit the other blogs participating in this blog tour:
http://www.masoncanyon.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway, Guest Post 3/22/2010
http://reesspace.blogspot.com Feature, Review, Giveaway 3/22/2010
http://reesspace.blogspot.com Feature, Review, Giveaway 3/22/2010
http://rannthisthat.blogspot.com Review 3/22/2010
http://zestynachos.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 3/22/2010
http://chaoticbookobbsession.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway, Q&A 3/23/2010
http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com Feature, Review, Giveaway 3/24/2010
http://www.mybookaddictionandmore.wordpress.com Feature, Review, Giveaway 3/24/2010
http://myfoolishwisdom.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway, Q&A 3/24/2010
http://www.mgpblog.com Review, Giveaway 3/25/2010
www.cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 3/25/2010
http://www.kballard87.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 3/25/2010
www.justshortofcrazy.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 3/28/2010
http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com Feature, Review, Giveaway 3/28/2010
http://www.saveyspender.com Review, Giveaway 3/29/2010
http://www.takingtimeformommy.com Review, Giveaway 3/29/2010
http://triciareads.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway 3/31/2010
http://brokenteepee.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 4/1/2010
Marta's Meanderings Feature, Review 4/1/2010
http://carolsnotebook.wordpress.com Review, Giveaway 4/1/2010
http://thebooktree.blogspot.com Feature, Giveaway 4/1/2010
http://www.startingfresh-gaby317.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 4/2/2010
http://www.renees-reads.blogspot.com/ Review, Giveaway 4/2/2010
http://stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com Review, Giveaway 4/2/2010
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170 comments:

Eleven Winners!

Sunday, March 21, 2010 Posted by Dina

This week's winners are brought to you, as always, by Random.org!

Corked: #128 afineday, #23 skkorman, #106 Elena, #116 Daniel M, and #122 CherylS22;

To Sin With a Scoundrel: #2 RachieG, #56 chey, #92 scottsgal, #6 Luvdaylilies, and #114 justpeachy36.

Tropical Traditions Glass and Surface Cleaner: #155 Michele P.

Thanks to all who entered, and to Hachette Book Group and Tropical Traditions for the giveaway prizes.

Here is a list of my current giveaways, in case you missed them:

Set of 3 Organic Lip Moisturizers (3/23)
Organic Moisturizing Cream (3/25)
$25 GC to ABC Neckties (3/27)
Simple Green Naturals (3/28)
Odor Neutralizing Natural Soy Candles - 3 winners (3/31)
Ecover Dishwashing Products and Bag (4/4)
Case of Peter Rabbit Organics (4/4)
Recycled Glass Soy Candle (4/4)
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Link Your Giveaways Saturday: The Spring Edition!

Saturday, March 20, 2010 Posted by Dina

Spring is officially here, and so is the Spring Edition of Link Your Giveaways Saturday! Happy Spring to all! Link to your goodies below. My own Spring Green Event is up and running, and of course there are giveaways!

Set of 3 Organic Lip Moisturizers (3/23)
Organic Moisturizing Cream (3/25)
$25 GC to ABC Neckties (3/27)
Simple Green Naturals (3/28)
Odor Neutralizing Natural Soy Candles - 3 winners (3/31)
Ecover Dishwashing Products and Bag (4/4)
Case of Peter Rabbit Organics (4/4)
Recycled Glass Soy Candle (4/4)

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The Spring Green #8: Babybearshop Recycled Glass Soy Candle Review and Giveaway (Ends 4/4) CLOSED

Friday, March 19, 2010 Posted by Dina

Created by a mother in search of a pure alternative for her baby with allergies, BABYBEARSHOP is a luxury organic body care line. The BABYBEARSHOP products are all-natural, and contain absolutely no parabens. They are made in the USA, are 100% cruelty-free, never tested on animals, and packaged in recyclable containers.

I received one of their recycled glass soy wax candles for review. The candle is lovingly packaged in a fabric drawstring bag, and provides 30 hours of burn time. I love the lavender vanilla scent and that it comes from organic oils, providing a delicious scent without chemicals. The jar is made in the U.S. from recycled glass and is absolutely beautiful  - with an etched song bird and flowers all around. I plan to reuse the jar as decoration when the candle burns out. The set is complete with a small box of matches. This hand-poured soy candle would make a wonderful eco-friendly gift for any occasion!

Deal Alert
BABYBEARSHOP have provided a buy one, get one free promo code for my readers! The candle sells for $24 but you can get 2 at this price with discount code MySoyCandle. Stock up on these great candles! As an environmentally responsible company, BABYBEARSHOP plants a tree for every order to offset carbon emissions created by shipping.

The Giveaway
BABYBEARSHOP are giving away one recycled glass soy wax candle to a reader of this blog!

To enter, please take a look at the BABYBEARSHOP product line and tell me what interests you the most.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:
  • subscribe to the BABYBEARSHOP mailing list - you'll also be entering to win free products there - and get 2 extra entries in this giveaway;
  • visit the store finder and comment where you can buy their products;
  • follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "Win #eco-friendly recycled glass soy wax candle made with #organic oils! #giveaway ends 4/4 @aitmama #win http://tinyurl.com/yfwwy8z";
  • go here and here for additional ways to get extra entries.
The deadline to enter is April 4, 2010, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. The winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: This review reflects my personal experience and honest opinions about the product which may differ from yours. Free sample were provided to me and the giveaway prize is sponsored corporately. Company information and images courtesy of the sponsor. 
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253 comments:

       
   

The Spring Green #7: Peter Rabbit Organics Review and Giveaway (Ends 4/4) CLOSED

Friday, March 19, 2010 Posted by Dina

I first came across Peter Rabbit Organics when I was looking for a healthy treat for my kids at Starbucks. I noticed the little pouches, and thought - now that's a great idea! All fruit and no sugar? I want some, too!

Peter Rabbit Organics is a small, privately owned company which started in the United Kingdom. Their squeezable fruit is a huge hit at home, and now is available in the U.S. I received samples of all three varieties that are currently sold in the U.S.: mango, banana and orange, apple and grape, and strawberry and banana.

The pouches contain 3.5 oz of pure fruit, no preservatives or anything artificial. No water has been added, and the products are certified organic by Oregon Tilth.  They are BPA free and require no refrigeration before opening. All three varieties are made in the U.S.A. and the company uses local suppliers in Oregon whenever possible.

This squeezable fruit is the ultimate on-the-go snack for kids - and adults. Everyone in my family loves the taste! All three varieties are delicious. My personal favorite is the strawberry and banana. Each pack provides a generous portion of fruit, and is perfect to have in the diaper bag, lunch box, or even your purse or the car for a quick, nutritious treat. My kids can't have enough of these! We've had them in the park, on the way to school, and as an afternoon snack. They can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. The products are naturally sweet, and only 70-85 calories per serving, providing 1.5-2g of fiber. All ingredients are listed on the label - even with the percentage of each fruit! For example, organic banana 61%, organic mango 23%, organic orange 16%.

Finally, there is more than one way to enjoy Peter Rabbit Organics squeezable fruit! You can mix with oatmeal or cereal, use it as a dip, or top waffles and pancakes.

Peter Rabbit Organics products can be purchased locally or online. The company makes other products as well - pasta sauce, fruit juices, pastas, ketchup, and cookies - that are sold in the U.K. I personally cannot wait for these to be available here!

The Giveaway
One reader of this blog will win a mixed case of 10 pouches! Start Spring right with a healthy, green snack!

To enter, please leave a comment with a healthy snack idea for kids or adults.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:
  • check the store locator and leave a comment below letting me know where you can buy Peter Rabbit Organics products;
  • follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "Win a case of delicious Peter Rabbit Organics fruit snacks #giveaway ends 4/4 @PR_Organics @aitmama #win #organic http://tinyurl.com/yz8lb79";
  • follow Peter Rabbit Organics on twitter;
  • go here and here for additional ways to get extra entries.
The deadline to enter is April 4, 2010, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. The winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: This review reflects my personal experience and honest opinions about the products which may differ from yours. Free samples were provided to me and the giveaway prize is sponsored corporately. Company information and images courtesy of the sponsor. 
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241 comments:

       
   

The Spring Green #6: Ecover Review and Giveaway (Ends 4/4) CLOSED

Thursday, March 18, 2010 Posted by Dina

In this Spring Green review, I am delighted to introduce Ecover - another company that helps us live green!


Since this brand name may be new to you - it was to me until recently - here is some information about the company. Ecover was founded in Belgium thirty years ago. From the very start, this international company has been a trendsetter in the production of ecological cleaners. Ecover started marketing a phosphate-free washing powder even before phosphates were branded as a problem.

Today, Ecover is the world’s largest producer of ecological cleaning products. The company operates two green production facilities - one in Belgium and another in France. The one in Belgium is the world’s first ecological factory which also landed Ecover on the UN Roll of Honour for combining commerce with conscience.  Ecover make their eco-friendly products in sustainable facilities using sustainable practices.

Ecover has received numerous awards and recognition for special contributions and achievements in the field of environmentally friendly, sustainable development. Just last week, the company was nominated for the European Business Awards for the Environment. The prizes, awarded by the European Commission every two years, single out European companies that have made an outstanding contribution to sustainable development in four categories - management, products, processes, and international cooperation.

My Review
Ecover's household products fall into five broad categories: dishwashing, laundry, household, personal care, and miscellaneous. I received two dishwashing products for review: the dishwasher tablets and the dishwashing liquid. The dishwasher tablets come in a box of 25. This product is completely biodegradable and has minimum impact on aquatic life. It's phosphate free and has not been tested on animals. In addition, it is safe to use in septic tanks and contains no chlorine bleach. The tablets are made from plant-based ingredients, and the box they come in is 95% recycled cardboard. I am glad to see that Ecover's commitment to preserving the environment extends even beyond the product itself to cover packaging. As with similar products, the tablets are individually wrapped in plastic which protects them against moisture - plus it's completely recyclable.

The complete list of ingredients of the dishwasher tablets is available here. I found this product extremely effective, leaving my dishes sparkling clean. Unlike other dishwasher products I've used, Ecover did not leave any residue. I must say that these tablets are now my preferred dishwashing product! Ecover also makes rinse aid that I intend to try.

The other product I tested was the Grapefruit and Green Tea Dishwashing Liquid. This product is based on plant and mineral ingredients and comes in a 16 or 32 oz squeeze bottle. The first thing I noticed when I opened the bottle was the lovely fresh fragrance! Even my husband commented on the pleasant aroma. The liquid cleans effectively even the dirtiest dishes I washed. It does not make a lot of bubbles but works great. Similarly to the dishwasher tablets, the liquid is biodegradable, safe for septic tanks, and has minimum impact on sea life. The bottle and labels are made from 100% recyclable plastic. Last but not least, the liquid is colorless - who needs color in dishwashing liquid, anyway? If you are curious about the ingredients, a complete list is available on the Ecover site and on the dishwashing liquid bottle.
 


You can purchase Ecover products at HerbTrader.com, or check out the store locator here.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win the same set of Ecover products I reviewed - dishwasher tablets and dishwashing liquid - plus the pretty reusable shopping bag you see in the picture!

To enter, please take a look at the Ecover product line and tell me what interests you the most.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:
  • check the store locator and leave a comment below letting me know where you can buy Ecover products;
  • follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "Win #eco-friendly dishwashing products from Ecover! #giveaway ends 4/4 @EcoverUS @aitmama #win http://tinyurl.com/ylqu9g4";
  • follow Ecover on twitter;
  • go here and here for additional ways to get extra entries.
The deadline to enter is April 4, 2010, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. The winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: This review reflects my personal experience and honest opinions about the products which may differ from yours. Free samples were provided to me and the giveaway prize is sponsored corporately. Company information and images courtesy of the sponsor. 
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350 comments:

       
   

The Spring Green Event Update!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 Posted by Dina

The Spring Green Event at this blog is in full swing! Spring is almost here, and I am celebrating by showcasing companies and products that help us live green. Here is an updated list of who will be featured in The Spring Green so far:

Tropical Traditions
Simple Green
Seventh Generation
Piggy Paint
Kiss My Face
Orglamix
Sama Baby Organics
Nature's Baby Organics
BABYBEARSHOP
Fresh Wave
Ecover
Castle Baths Spa Products
Celery Street
Original Sprout
Envirosax
Dapple Baby
Naturally Me
Peter Rabbit Organics
The Cream Perfume Company
SkinMD Natural
Glengarry Gardens

And the current Spring Green giveaways:

Glass and Surface Cleaner (3/17)
Set of 3 Organic Lip Moisturizers (3/23)
Organic Moisturizing Cream (3/25)
Simple Green Naturals (3/28)
Odor Neutralizing Natural Soy Candles - 3 winners (3/31)

Get 3 extra entries in every Spring Green giveaway by spreading the word about The Spring Green Event! You may blog, tweet, and post about it on any social media venues you like - please link to the blog or to this post. Then leave a comment on the giveaways you are entering: "I spread the word about The Spring Green Event" and post the link. Simple! And those of you who had already spread the word about The Spring Green Event before it started (you know who you are!) get 5 extra entries in every Spring Green giveaway they choose to enter.

Stay tuned for more Spring Green reviews and giveaways!
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3 comments:

The Spring Green #5: Fresh Wave Natural Odor Neutralizers Review and Giveaway (Ends 3/31) CLOSED

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Posted by Dina

There are some smells that I love to be around: freshly baked bread, chocolate chip cookies, warm banana nut bread. Most other smells from cooking, I prefer confined to the plate. Especially sea food, meat, cabbage, and most dishes that stink up the house long after we are done with the meal! And it seems everything absorbs the smell: air, walls, carpets, furniture.

I am not very fond of using air fresheners because I am concerned about the chemicals they contain. I was excited to come across a company that helps us minimize unpleasant smells - naturally! Fresh Wave's products are efficient, effective and safe for any green home. Unlike most common, chemical air fresheners, which are designed to mask unwanted smells, Fresh Wave® is created for odor elimination. Fresh Wave offer Sprays, Crystal Gels, Candles, Vacuum Pearls, Laundry Multi-Purpose Additive, Carpet Shake and Pearl Packs for non-toxic odor elimination without the use of perfumes or fragrances.

I had the opportunity to try out three Fresh Wave Odor Neutralizing products:  Carpet Shake, Multi-Purpose Additive, and Candle.The Fresh Wave Odor Neutralizing Carpet Shake is a powder that comes in a 6 oz container. Its active ingredients are natural extracts of lime, pine needle, aniseed, clove, cedarwood, soya and soda bicarbonate. All you have to do is shake some on the carpet, wait 10 minutes, and vacuum. If you need a stronger odor elimination, brush it in. I found the carpet shake very effective - both on my carpets and the car upholstery. The areas I used it were refreshed, with a faint trace of woodsy aroma that was gone by the next day. The powder did not leave any scent in the room or car. This product is safe to use around pets and people - but since this is not food, keep the little ones away from the treated area until you have finished vacuuming.

The Fresh Wave Odor Neutralizing Multi-Purpose Additive has many uses in odor elimination. Here are a few ideas from the company's website:

Does your front-load washing machine smell? Are cleaning chemicals stinking up your house? Could your garbage can use a good scrubbing? Think the dishwasher needs a washing? How about extracting odor from carpeting? You can eliminate all of these odor concerns and hundreds more with our multi-purpose cleaning additive.

I used the sample of Multi-Purpose Additive to wash my car's floor mats, and was very happy with the results. Similarly to the effect carpet shake had on my carpets, the mats were freshened up without residual smells.

My favorite product from the three I tested was the candle. For years, I've used candles in our home to minimize undesirable smells. While many candles I've tried do have a nice aroma, they are not very effective in getting rid of smells. I found the Fresh Wave Odor Neutralizing Candle very effective in getting rid of lingering cooking odors. I was making salmon burgers that night, and it effectively neutralized the odor of fish that usually seems to get in every corner of the house - even with the doors closed. The candle is made of soy wax, soya, and natural extracts of lime, pine needle, aniseed, clove, and cedarwood. It comes in a 6.25 jar and provides 40 hours of burn time. I think it's great that the jar has a lid for easy storage and portability. And while the actual candle has the natural scent of its ingredients and smells mostly like pine, it did not perfume my house with a pine scent - just eliminated the cooking odors.

You can find out more about the company and its products on their site, Facebook page, YouTube, and Twitter.

The Giveaway
The people over at Fresh Wave are generously giving away a soy candle just like the one I received to three (3) lucky readers of this blog!

To enter, please take a look at the Fresh Wave products and tell me what interests you the most.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:
  • subscribe to the Fresh Wave newsletter (left side of the page) and get 2 entries;
  • follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "Win 1 of 3 odor neutralizing natural soy candles from Fresh Wave! #giveaway ends 3/31 @fresh_wave @aitmama #win http://tinyurl.com/yjf7tt7"
  • follow Fresh Wave on twitter;
  • go here and here (updated 3/17) for additional ways to get extra entries.
The deadline to enter is March 31, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Three winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. The winners will receive their prizes directly from the sponsor.

* Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received free product samples to facilitate my review. This post reflects my personal opinion and experience with the products which may differ from yours. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.
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Two Lucky Winners: Sweet Leaf Bath Co. and Joyful Girl Natural

Monday, March 15, 2010 Posted by Dina

I have two winners to announce! They will be getting some extra pampering this Spring, thanks to our generous giveaway sponsors Sweet Leaf Bath Co. and Joyful Girl Natural.

Random.org picked the following numbers:

Bare Necessities Package from Sweet Leaf Bath Co.: #314 Scott;

Joyful Girl Natural $25 GC: #82 Jessica.

Congratulations to our winners, and thanks to all who entered.

Whether you won or not, do not despair! My fabulous Spring Green Event currently has 4 giveaways, and I am working on more reviews and giveaways. In case you are curious, check out the updated list on the left sidebar. And of course you can win a great romance read, or a gift certificate to ABC Neckties. Good luck!

To Sin With a Scoundrel (3/16)
Glass and Surface Cleaner (3/17)
Set of 3 Organic Lip Moisturizers (3/23)
Organic Moisturizing Cream (3/25)
$25 GC to ABC Neckties (3/27)
Simple Green Naturals (3/28)
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The Spring Green #4: Organic Moisturizing Cream from Tropical Traditions Review and Giveaway (Ends 3/25) CLOSED

Monday, March 15, 2010 Posted by Dina

About seven months ago, I reviewed the Organic Moisturizing Cream from Tropical Traditions. As soon as I tried this excellent moisturizer, I was hooked! I love using it as a night cream for my hands and face. The moisturizing cream is rich and pampering. It's been wonderful having it during the winter, since my skin is always in need of more TLC in cold weather.

In case you missed my review, I'll remind you that the moisturizer contains purified water, organic virgin coconut oil, plant based emulsifying wax, palm stearic, grapefruit seed extract, organic beeswax, and organic virgin palm oil. Besides the unscented version I tried, Tropical Traditions makes five scented ones: arnica, peppermint, lavender, citrus, and baby silk. These varieties also contain organic essential oils. Equally important, here is what's NOT in these moisturizers: no alcohols, no artificial fragrances, no petroleum.

Tropical Traditions carries a whole line of organic skin care products that are made with organic coconut oil and virgin palm oil. I have tried several of these products, and I highly recommend them. The palm oil contains high concentrations of a powerful form of Vitamin E called "tocotrienols" which is 40-60 times more potent than alpha-tocopherol, the most common form of Vitamin E found in most skin care products. It is also rich in natural carotenes. The palm stearic is also a natural component of the palm oil. The products do not contain parabens or artificial chemicals. Tropical Traditions use a special emulsifying wax that combines the water and oils together in a proprietary blend and is not soy based.

Deal Alert
Right now, Tropical Traditions' Organic Moisturizing Creams are on sale! Until March 21, they are 40% off the regular retail price. A 4 oz. jar of unscented costs $10.17!

If you decide to buy these products - and make your skin happy! - or anything else from Tropical Traditions, as a first-time customer you can get a FREE Virgin Coconut Oil book with purchase. Find out all about coconut oil and its uses! Just use code 5251001 in the Referred by a Friend section and the book will be added to your order at no charge.

The Giveaway
To help me celebrate Spring with my Spring Green Event, Tropical Traditions are generously giving away a moisturizing cream to a lucky reader of this blog! The winner will pick the scent from the six I mentioned.

To enter, please take a look at the Tropical Traditions product line and tell me what interests you the most.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:
  • subscribe to Tropical Traditions' newsletter - you'll know all about their specials, sales and promotions - and get 2 entries;
  • check out the free coconut recipes here and tell me which one you'd like to try;
  • follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "Win Tropical Traditions #Organic Moisturizing Cream! #giveaway ends 3/25 @troptraditions @aitmama #win #eco http://tinyurl.com/yhqwfj5"
  • follow Tropical Traditions on twitter;
  • go here and here (updated 3/17) for additional ways to get extra entries.
The deadline to enter is March 25, 2010, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. or Canada. The winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: This review reflects my personal experience and opinions about the products. No free of charge product or compensation of any kind was received or implied. Tropical Traditions are providing the giveaway prize.
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