Jolly Mom: Recipes | Crafts | Atlanta Mom Blogger | Brand Ambassador | Product Reviews

You guys know that I am a bag-a-holic! I just love a good bag and now that I'm a mom my needs have definitely changed, but my wants are still the same. I need a bag that can function well as a diaper bag and I want a diaper bag that looks good. I have been a long time fan of Amy Michelle diaper bags and have drooled over them on many occasions! Just check out some of their bags!


About Amy Michelle:
Amy Michelle is a woman-owned, socially responsible company that specializes in the creation and marketing of designer quality, fashionable mommy/baby bags and accessories, designed for the busy lifestyle and organizing needs of today’s mom and her little one. Their mission is to help organize the lifestyle of Mom and her baby, by providing them with attractive, high-quality bags and accessories that are both sophisticated and sassy while offering fashion as well as function.

What I love about Amy Michelle bags is that they are very cleverly and thoughtfully designed. They all include a place for both mom and baby! All Amy Michelle diaper bags have the following features listed below:

Mom’s Section (front of bag):                    
Place for wallet                                            
Pocket for day planner, cell phone, & more    
Easy-to-find key ring                                    
Credit card holders and change purse        
Baby’s Section (middle & back of bag)
Compartments for diapers & wipes
Washable changing pad
Internal/External bottle pockets
Quick release pacifier holder

Michelle, co-founder of Amy Michelle, sent me one of their new ecobaby totes for me to review. These eco friendly totes are actually made from recycled fabrics and plastics! Pretty cool! The bag itself is impeccably made and durable! I love that the lining is bright so that I can actually see what is IN my bag! What I love the most about the ecobaby tote is that it converts to a backpack. This is an awesome feature to have in a diaper bag. There are so many times that I feel like I just don't have enough hands to hold Lucas, carry my bag and everything else! It's just really convenient to be able to have a backpack when you need it.


The ecobaby tote also has all of the same features that all Amy Michelle bags have. It easily hooks onto a stroller and has a front area for mom's things! At $75 the ecobaby tote is a bargain and with Mother's Day just around the corner, I think it would make an awesome gift for the eco conscious momma! The ecobaby tote is available in either a solid recycled black with green lining or the recycled black with world peace logo and green lining.


Even though I am loving the ecobaby tote, I will say that my heart lies with the Sweet Pea or Gladiola Diaper Bags! I haven't had the chance to try one yet, but from seeing the ecobaby tote, I know that the ladies behind Amy Michelle do not skimp on quality! At $135, these bags are also a steal! A designer diaper bag at that price is unheard of. I paid more than twice as much for my Mia Bossi diaper bag and I am pretty sure that I would like these better. Just check these beauties out!



Truthfully, any Amy Michelle Diaper Bag would make an awesome gift for any occasion! They are affordable, functional, and they offer a bag for every type of mom! You should also know that when you purchase an Amy Michelle bag, up to 5% of profits benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Denver!

I know that most all moms can relate to the horrors of sleep deprivation. No one tells you that even after the newborn stage the sleepless nights can still continue. Toddlers go through all sorts of sleep issues: fear of the dark, waking up at the crack of dawn to play, or simply they want to be with mommy and daddy. Of course, we don't want our kids to be scared at night so we inevitably do what any mom would do-let them sleep in our bed or we sleep in their bed. It would be nice though to get some sleep...everyone in the family, including the parents! So, when I ran across a product called My Tot Clock that promises to help parents get some much needed sleep, I had to find out more!

About My Tot Clock (from the website):
My Tot Clock is an all-in-one sleep aid, alarm clock, nightlight, and timer for children ages 2+. It teaches little ones when to sleep (blue light) and when it's okay to get out of bed (yellow light). It also plays bedtime stories, lullabies, fun wake music, and even white noise (like ocean sounds)! As an added bonus, My Tot Clock has a light blue light for nap time, a red light for timeout, and a green light for any positive timed activity. Perfect for those young enough to start learning a daily routine, but not old enough to be able to tell time. Also great for their sleepy parents!

Pamela Gonzalez, the inventor, sent Lucas a My Tot Clock for me to review. Right out of the box, the clock impressed me with its substantial size and quality. So, basically what you do is set up the timers for both sleep time and wake time. The clock will automatically go off at those times. For sleep time, the clock lights up blue and sings lullabies, reads bedtime stories, and even has a white noise option. The bedtime stories and lullabies automatically shut off after 30 minutes, but the white noise can be set to run all night. When the clock lights up yellow, it's time to wake up and you can set it to play a song. What's really cool though is that you can manually override these times. I mean it is not always feasible to get your kids into bed at the same time every night. Lucas is actually a pretty good sleeper, but lately he has started to rebel a bit when it is time for bed. The stories and lullabies keep him happy and entertained while he is in bed-he LOVES it! Also, the light up feature is great because it serves as a nightlight, which Lucas likes to have on.




*note: in the video I am manually overriding the timers*

The clock also has a discipline timer and an encouragement timer. You set these up for the duration of time you want them to run. When you need to use them, you just press a button to activate the timer. This is GREAT and came at the EXACT right time for me. Lucas has started throwing temper tantrums lately and I have started time outs with him. The problem is that kids don't have a concept of time at all. One minute means nothing to them. With My Tot Clock, they have a visual aid to help them understand when time is up!

The encouragement timer is also priceless and has so many uses. I will be potty training Lucas soon (next week). The encouragement timer is perfect to use for potty training because again, it provides children with a visual representation of time. For instance, if you have a child that wants to get off the potty too soon, you can set the timer for lets say 3 minutes and then tell your child that they need to sit on the potty until the clock goes off. The clock provides positive reinforcement and children will feel proud to have completed their goal! You could also use it for reading time, quiet time, brushing their teeth, and much more!


Really all I can do is rave about My Tot Clock. Pamela thought of EVERYTHING when she invented it. It is truly genius! My Tot Clock comes with the "Welcome To Children's Dreamland" Tot Clock Treasure, the "Night Sky" Faceplate, AC Adapter, and 4 AA Batteries. Measures 9" x 7.5". However, you can also purchase other adorable face plates and story and song cartridges for the clock.



Want It: My Tot Clock retails for $49.99 and can be purchased from the company website.

I grew up around music. My dad has played the guitar since he was a kid and from the time that I was born, he would play his guitar for me and sing to me. Now as a mom, I am a huge proponent of introducing children to music from a young age. Music has the power to make you feel happy, to inspire, bring back memories, reduce stress, and so much more. Not to mention that numerous studies have shown that learning how to play a musical instrument can enhance a child's intellectual, emotional, physical, and social development. With budget cuts affecting musical programs in schools across the country, parents are having to take the reigns to make sure their kids reap the benefits of playing an instrument.

Recently, First Act contacted me about reviewing their 30-inch children's acoustic guitar and to say that I was thrilled is an understatement! First Act is known for making high quality musical instruments for children. The guitar they sent me is actually from their First Act Discovery line, which is for children 4 years old and up. When I received the guitar, I was so pleasantly surprised! I mean, all of the guitars that I have seen for kids of that age are really toys...not instruments. The First Act Discovery Mini Acoustical Guitar is an actual, usable instrument made from hardwood!

The guitar is designed to make learning to play easy and fun for kids. Check out the features!

Guitar Features

• Mini-dreadnaught body shape
• Steel strings
• Sized and scale length designed for kids
• Natural gloss finish
• Low string action for easy playability
• Great feel and accurate intonation
• Complete with strap button and pick guard

Obviously, Lucas is too young to play this guitar right now and all my nieces and nephews are either too young or too old...so I did the next best thing and took the guitar to my dad. My dad owns a dozen guitars...some worth thousands of dollars. Playing the guitar is not just a hobby to him-it is a part of who he is. So, I gave him the guitar and asked him to play it and tell me what he thought. After playing a quick song, his exact words were "this guitar sounds pretty good for being a kid's instrument". I'd say it passed his test!

Quality wise-the guitar is great and the price is even better at $29.99! The only improvement that I would make is that the pick guard is glued on and it does lift up a little bit. However, I added a touch of a strong glue and it is fine now. Other than that, the guitar is a great starter instrument for kids 4 years and up and even comes with Learn-a-Chord cards to get kids started! You can find this guitar at Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, and FirstAct.com.

For me, organization is really about more than just...being organized. Having a tidy and organized home or workplace makes me happy or I guess I should say that when everything is a mess in the physical sense (read:stuff everywhere); I become an emotional mess. I am less efficient and to be honest...I am miserable. I know most of you know what I'm talking about. There is a certain zen that comes about when everything is in its place. Recently, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a webcast hosted by Peter Walsh (from Clean Sweep and Oprah) and Office Max to introduce Peter's new line of organization products, called [IN]PLACE by Peter Walsh. Words can't express how excited I was to be invited-I LOVE Peter Walsh. The best way that I can describe him is that he is REAL. He tells it like it is and his organization advice is realistic and doable.

A couple of weeks before the webcast, Office Max very generously sent me several products to try out in preparation for the webcast. I received the following products:

[IN]PLACE System Organization Kit (RV $19.99): This is Peter Walsh's answer to the needs heard over and over from people around the country. This organizational system helps with efficiency, assists with finding and managing files easily, reduces clutter and is flexible as well as portable.

Includes:

• 1 Erasable marker
• 5 Clip Tabs
• Document Wallet
• 3 Poly File Folders
• 3x3 White Post-it Super Sticky notes - 50 sheets
• 1 Poly Document Envelope
• 3 Poly Document Sleeves

[IN]PLACE System File Tote (RV $9.99): Designed with handles that extend to transport files easily and compress to fit inside a bag, case or cabinet.
Features:

• Retractable handles
• Up to 2" capacity; 500 sheets
• Durable poly material

[IN]PLACE System Post-it Wallet (RV $7.99-$8.99): Easily label and color-code your work.
Features:

• Wallet keeps sticky notes protected while traveling
• Super sticky technology helps when removing and replacing
• Designed to fit in all [IN]PLACE products without overhang
• Unique design allows you to access any color easily
• Can be used to color code archived files

Office Max also sent me some beautiful and ultra modern file folders, a journal, and some other goodies by DiVoga and a very useful OfficeMax Rubberband Ball.

So just as I expected, Peter Walsh and Office Max surpassed my expectations with the new [IN]PLACE product line. All of the [IN]PLACE products work together as a system and can be expanded. It is actually a VERY INNOVATIVE system with some great features unlike any that I've seen before. For example, the products are all made out of a poly material. Of course, the obvious is that this system is durable, but more than that; you can also write on all of the products with the [IN]PLACE erasable marker! That means that when you want to rename a file folder (or make a mistake), you just erase it and you have a brand new folder. Also, since they are clear, you are not tied to any particular color scheme.


Also, the Post-it Wallet is really cool as well. The Post-its are actually designed to replace traditional tabs. You know how you always run out of the right tab for your hanging file folders? Well, these Post-its solve that problem. They fit in all [IN]PLACE products and the file folders actually have measurment guides so that you always get the Post-it placed just right. Since the [IN]PLACE system is clear, you can see the tabs or Post-its clearly and they are easily accessed.

I used the system for two different things. The actual kit I am using to organize my coupons, which were a mess! I wasn't using my coupons as much BECAUSE they were a mess! Now, everything is clearly labeled and organized. The file tote I paired with the DiVoga file folders and journal to use for my blog. This is something I have been wanting and NEEDING to do for a very long time! I love that all of the [IN]PLACE products are portable because I am a wahm, which means that even though I do have an office; my entire house usually ends up as my workspace. Now, I can take my blog work with me everywhere in my house and still be organized. Next, I want to get my property management business organized with the [IN]PLACE system!


Peter Walsh also gave awesome organization tips that I wanted to share with you as well.

1. Keep your children's paperwork organized by color coding each child.
2. Start teaching kids good organizational habits at a young age. Start by modeling good behavior (i.e. picking up trash from car each time and have kids get involved in the process).
3. Peter says that 80% of what goes into files NEVER sees the light of day! His suggestion is to purge every 6 months (not including tax and banking records).
4. Be consistent when naming both electronic files and physical files (i.e. have same file names for same info stored both electronically and in physical files).
5. Organization does NOT start with products. It starts with a VISION! Determine what the purpose of the space is first.
6. Clearly label all file folders with the date a project started, as well as a descriptive, specific name for each subject filed. File or store folders alphabetically for quick access.
7. Sometimes, you just need papers close at hand, right where you can see them. But don’t just let them take over your desktop! Instead, organize papers in labeled folders and stack them in a stepped organizer.
8. For travel, business and leisure, create a different binder devoted to your important documents. For your travel binder, include pocketed folders to store airline tickets and receipts, a contact section storing important phone numbers, and a location portion highlighting hot spots and destination details.
9. Combine home and work calendars. Simply choose various colors to mark important dates: one for professional tasks and meetings, one for personal appointments, one for social engagements, one for your children’s activities, and so on.
10. Get out your pens, and color-code your tasks on your to-do list. For example, write out action items with a red pen, and use a black pen to cross out completed tasks. Then, write follow-up notes or comments with a blue pen. At the end of the day, rewrite the list for the next day with your current action items.

Want It: [IN]PLACE by Peter Walsh is available exclusively at Office Max stores.

Going "green" should not mean giving up our style, but finding modern, eco friendly products can be serious work. I mean, it's difficult to find "green" products period. Throw in another variable and the search can become a long and strenuous one. I spend a lot of time trying to bring you guys the best of the best in baby and mom products. Let's just say that I am "one" with Google. So when I come across a store that carries many mom and baby products that I have never heard of...I am impressed. When you add in that the store carries modern, eco friendly products and I am in...heaven!

The store that I am referring to is Ecobebe Boutique. You might have already seen their banner on my sidebar under Featured Sponsors. Ecobebe Boutique is a Jolly Mom sponsor and I have to say that I am proud and honored to have them! Not only is the owner, Danielle, a sweetheart, but her store is FABULOUS! Ecobebe Boutique is a haven for the eco conscious MODERN mom! Danielle carries only the most fabulous green mom and baby products out there. One look through her store and you will know exactly what I mean!



Danielle sent me the Cuddly Wrap baby carrier for me to review. The Cuddly Wrap is made from 100% organic lightweight cotton that is breathable and washable. Essentially, it is a wide, long piece of stretchy and VERY SOFT fabric that you tie in various ways. There are no seams, straps, snaps, or buckles to adjust, break, or lose. You can use the Cuddly Wrap from newborn and up-no age or weight restrictions and you can carry your child in either the premature/newborn hold, classic cuddle, or back carry position.

I was very intrigued and maybe even a bit worried (lol) about how the Cuddly Wrap would work. I am a babywearing mom, but I have only used soft structured baby carriers or slings so I was concerned about having to do the tying. I definitely like things to be quick and easy. After using the Cuddly Wrap, I will say that there is a learning curve the first few times that you use it. It is NOT hard to do the tying-you just have to remember what to do and that took me several times before I could remember the steps without referencing the instructions. Here's the thing though-this carrier is the MOST comfortable that I have tried to date. The reason is that the Cuddly Wrap combines the best features of a baby sling and a structured carrier. Wearing the carrier is similar to a sling in that you feel like you are just wearing clothing. However, unlike a sling, but very much like a structured carrier; the child's weight is distributed evenly over your entire upper body.

Once you get past the tying part and your baby is placed in the carrier there really is nothing like it! Lucas is really too big now for me to be carrying everywhere so I can't say that I use ANY of my slings or carriers that often anymore, but I am more excited about wearing my next baby in the Cuddly Wrap than my others...especially during the newborn stage. The Cuddly Wrap feels very secure when it is on so for a newborn baby I definitely like it more than a sling. It also positions the baby very close to your body...wonderful for newborn babies.



Ecobebe Boutique carries everything from eco friendly diaper bags to organic cloth diapers and bath and body products. You'll find modern, eco friendly brands like Rockstar Organics and boopalina + bebe. Trust me...visit Ecobebe Boutique-you will not regret it! Also, I want to mention that all prices at Ecobebe Boutique are in Canadian dollars so depending on the exchange rate; it usually means that it is up to 20% cheaper for those of us in the US.

Want It: The Cuddly Wrap is available at Ecobebe Boutique and retails for $69.99 CDN, which converts to $58 US dollars. Shipping at Ecobebe Boutique is a flat rate of $6.95 (CDN) for Canadian orders and $7.95 for orders shipped to United States. For orders under $12, shipping is $1 (CDN) for Canadian orders or $2 for orders shipped to the United States!

Fabric softeners, laundry detergents, and household cleaners are some of the most toxic chemicals in our home. They pollute our homes, our planet, and our bodies. This is not just a going green issue though...this is a health issue. For babies and kids, who tend to have very sensitive skin; detergents and softeners are known to cause rashes and allergic reactions. This actually happened to Lucas two times when he was with my mom. She likes to use TWO capfuls of softener in her wash! Lucas broke out in hives all over his body from her just holding him and being in contact with her clothing. This, however, is not just a problem that affects children. It affects EVERYONE. Fabric softeners and laundry detergents have a slew of chemicals that are known to cause cancer, brain damage, and more. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets are so bad that according to World Wire News, manufacturers have to add 50 TIMES the amount of fragrance JUST to cover up the strong chemical smell. Some of the chemicals (such as Ethanol and Ethyl Acetate) found in fabric softeners and dryer sheets are even on the EPA's Hazardous Waste List!


So, when I ran across the Complete Laundry System by Mystic Wonders; I was beyond thrilled and hopeful that I had found a suitable eco friendly alternative to detergents and softeners. The Complete Laundry System comes with one Wonder Laundry Ball and two Dryer Balls. The laundry ball is a laundry aid and chemical free cleaner that you just put in the washing machine. It allows you to use little to NO laundry detergent at all! The dryer balls work together to keep your clothes separated while the nubs keep redistributing heat to keep your clothes soft AND cut drying time!

So, I know that you're asking: How does it work? The Wonder Laundry Ball works through physics. The frequency enhanced mineral blend within the pvc/vinyl ball creates an energy field when agitated in the machine. When this energy meets with the water, the water is in its best cleaning state. It is the water that does the cleaning.

Mystic Wonders very generously sent me the Complete Laundry System for me to review. Ladies, I am really so excited to tell you guys about the Laundry System for so many reasons. Not only is it safe for the environment and our health, but it will also save you TONS of money! Both Mike (my hubby) and I were skeptical (him more than me) that these, especially the Laundry ball would work. Since there is ALWAYS a load of laundry to do in my house; we tried them out within minutes of receiving the package. For the first load (which was small), we did not use ANY detergent at all. They came out smelling clean without any stains or anything! Then, we popped them in the dryer with the dryer balls. I can't tell if the drying time was decreased because truthfully I don't really pay a lot of attention to how long it takes to dry our clothes. However, what I can tell you is that without using any fabric softener or dryer sheets-the clothes came out soft and wrinkle-free! Honestly, I am so blown away by the Laundry System-it is kind of like magic.

Here's the exciting part. These are SAFE for everyone to use and safe for our planet. No chemicals or fragrances to worry about! The Laundry Ball will last 3 plus years or 2,000 washes! The Dryer Balls are designed to last an entire LIFETIME! Can you imagine the amount of money that you can save? Since we received the Laundry System, we have not purchased any laundry detergent or fabric softener/dryer sheets at all. We do still use a little detergent when the clothes are heavily soiled. We're going to start trying to not use any at all soon though and I'll make sure to let you guys know what the results are.

Wonder Dryer Balls benefits:

• Energy savings because of reduced drying time.
• Reduced wrinkles.
• Reduced static cling on all natural fiber fabrics.
• Softening for your laundry.
• Removal of extra lint particles.
• Non-toxic for use around small children and pets.
• Hypo-allergenic for skin sensitive people.
• Colorfast on all fabrics.
• Non-perfumed.
• ENGINEERED FOR A LIFETIME.

Wonder Laundry Ball Benefits:

• Less to no detergents needed
• May cut drying time
• Less static cling
• Non-toxic to children's clothing
• Chemical free - Skin friendly
• May reduce allergic reactions
• Environmentally friendly
• Colors stay brighter
• Lasts about 3 years / 2000 washes

Mystic Wonders also sent me the Prill Beads and if you thought the Complete Laundry System was unbelievable, then you are in for another surprise!

About Prill Beads (from the website):
When Prill beads are placed in a gallon of yucky tap water... in 24 hours, that water is transformed into pristine water that is free of chlorine and most contaminants are neutralized. After 1 hour you can draw off and use 3 quarts, and by adding three quarts of tap water to the remaining quart you can then draw off 3 quarts of pure water every hour for the rest of your life!!

If you're wondering if you read that last part right, yes you did! Prill Beads will give you fresh, clean drinking water for the rest of your life! The water tastes amazing...how water SHOULD taste! Fresh, pure, and clean. This is another money saver too. You won't need to buy filtered water pitchers or bottled water anymore...ever. Obviously, I have not been able to TEST the rest of your life part (lol), but there is a lot of research and information available on Prill Beads, how they work, and their benefits. To read more, please visit Mystic Wonders.

I am not the only one that is in total AWE of Mystic Wonders! Owner and founder, Fern Gunderson, was named Professional of the Year for Natural Products Design and Manufacturing by Strathmore's Who's Who!

Want It: The Complete Laundry System retails for $49.95 or you can buy each item individually. Mystic Wonders also offers a 1 year Laundry Ball for $19.95. The Prill Beads retail for $19.95. All items can be purchased directly from Mystic Wonders.

I can't wait to see what you guys made! Don't forget to check out Go Graham Go for more Make Something Monday!

When babies are sick with a cold or stuffy nose; the only thing we can do for them is use saline drops and a nasal aspirator. Cold medicines are definitely not safe for kids of that age and in 2007; they were actually banned for use by any child under the age of 6. However, even saline drops are commonly known to have chemicals and preservatives that are not good for our kids. For example, Benzalkonium Chloride (BZCL) is a common preservative used in saline products, however BZCL has been proven to damage the sensitive lining of a child's nose. For a TOTALLY NATURAL, 100% preservative free saline solution that works, you have to check out the SinuCleanse System.

About the SinuCleanse® System
The SinuCleanse® system, by Med Systems was created in 1997 as an all-natural defense for adults and children who suffer nasal problems. It was created by Dr. Diane Heatley, an ENT and is clinically proven to reduce sinus symptoms. This drug-free treatment can be used as often as needed and is safe for every sinus sufferer, including pregnant women, people on multiple medications and children. The SinuCleanse® system is available in three easy-to-use applications, the original neti pot, the SinuCleanse® Squeeze™, and the Kids Mist™.

Med Systems sent me the Neti Pot, the SinuCleanse® Squeeze™, and the Kids Mist™ for me to review. The Kids Mist can be used on children ages newborn to 12 years old. It is by far the best saline solution that I've used on Lucas. It's not just that it's ALL natural that has me excited (although that makes me VERY HAPPY); the bottle design is the key. The way the nozzle is shaped makes it extremely easy and quick to use (a must of babies who are not fond of having their noses cleaned). Also, the saline comes out as a very fine mist so Lucas actually doesn't mind it as much as traditional saline drops. The Kids Mist also has an anti-back wash valve that prevents re-contamination. It is truly a wonderful product!

The SinuCleanse® Neti Pot is the #1 selling neti pot worldwide. Neti pots have been around for hundreds of years and they essentially use the flow of gravity to deliver the saline solution and clean out your nose. If you've never used a neti pot, I will say that it is a bit strange at first. However, it works unlike anything else to clean out your sinuses. What's interesting about the SinuCleanse Neti Pot is that it is actually made of unbreakable plastic whereas traditional neti pots are made of glass and can easily break. The SinuCleanse Neti Pot will last and last!

If you don't like the idea of using a neti pot or just prefer to use a positive pressure device, then you should use the SinuCleanse® Squeeze™. It delivers the saline solution through a convenient squeeze bottle. The bottle itself is easy to use and actually pretty innovative. Check out the features!



**Both the SinuCleanse Neti Pot and Squeeze can be used by adults and children as young as age 4 and 5.**


Benefits of the SinuCleanse® System (from the website):

• Prevents colds and promotes good health by cleaning out the sinus cavity
• Reduces nasal congestion and sinus pressure/pain
• Relieves allergy symptoms
• Relieves nasal dryness, stuffiness and runny nose
• Reduces coughing and other symptoms of post-nasal drip
• Promotes healthy nasal passages
• Treats chronic sinusitis symptoms
• Promotes the restoration of ciliary function
• Improves drainage
• Improves vocal funcion for professional singers and actors
• Improves breathing
• Improves sense of smell and sense of taste
• Relieves rhinitis of pregnancy

Want It: SinuCleanse® Kids Mist ($14.99), SinuCleanse® Neti Pot ($14.99), and the Squeeze ($10.99) can either be purchased online from the company website or at health and drug stores across the country.

Have you taken a good look at the grocery store aisles lately? If you have, I know that you've noticed all the new "green" products... or so the manufacturers want us to think. However, most of these products are NOT "green"-not even close. Most of the big brands are doing it though. They know that we are demanding more green and natural products, but rather than actually create those products; they try to fool us. Since there are not any regulations in place to prevent companies from doing this, they simply change the color of the bottle to an earthy shade, maybe add a natural ingredient or two, and tack on a label that says something like..."made with natural ingredients". They've gotten me several times. Hook. Line. and Sinker. Not anymore though-I have wised up to their clever (deceptive) packaging and I now know that I have to do my research or...I can let someone else do the research for me. An online store that takes the guesswork out of buying green is Sustain. They independently verify all green claims before selling a product and label the products sold on their site with one or more icons (pictured below) that describe the "green" benefits of that product. That way, we can shop with confidence!


About Sustain (from the website):
Sustain is a business dedicated to providing the resources necessary for families and individuals to live more sustainably. Founded in Louisville, Kentucky by brothers Mark and Tim Appleberry, the company opened its first store in November 2007 at the Vogue Shopping Center. From the start, the brothers have been dedicated to operating a sustainable retail operation. They used locally sourced, low formaldehyde mdf board for product shelving and outfitted the store with locally purchased previously used fixtures. In addition, the store is outfitted with energy conserving lighting and filled with great products designed to help people live a "greener" life. Sustain is also developing a carbon offset program to alleviate the environmental costs of its retail and ecommerce operations.

At Sustain, you will find eco friendly products for the home, children, pets, men, and women...every part of your life! I know that sometimes it feels like going green is costly, but the products sold at Sustain can actually help you save money in the long run. They sell low-flow shower heads, solar powered devices, energy monitors, and much more. Don't worry-Sustain also sells fun green products too! You will find organic bath and body products, organic toys, furniture and clothing for kids, reusable grocery totes, eco friendly home decor, and a whole lot more.


Sustain sent Lucas their organic cotton Children's T-shirt for me to review. It says Sustain on the front and the back says, "I'm greener than you". Very, very cute! Also, this t-shirt is SO SOFT. One of the softest and most comfortable t-shirts that Lucas owns!


One product that Sustain sells that I had NEVER heard of, but I would love to own is the Bath 3000 Crystal Ball. It removes 90% or more of free chlorine from your bathwater. Lucas suffers from eczema and dry skin so I think this would be great for him. It is safe for infants, adults, and pets and you basically just drop it into your bathwater. Finding new products like these and others is why I really like Sustain. Not only is it a great store to find new products, but it is also a place to learn more about living a sustainable life. Sustain also has an awesome blog where you'll find in depth green product reviews, advice on going green, and they even have recipes for eco friendly household cleaners.

SPECIAL OFFER! Sustain wants you to GO GREEN so they are offering all Jolly Mom readers 20% off their orders between now and May 15. Use coupon code: sustain at checkout.