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Greenie Tots All-Natural Foods for Kids: Review

April 6, 2010 By 3 Comments

Greenie Tots  produces all-natural meatless entress for children.  These meals are minimally processed and are free of hormones, pesticides and High Fructose Corn Syrup.   The entrees are delivered fresh frozen.

We received two meals to sample for this review, the “Chicken”, Cheese & Spinach Quesadilla w/ mixed vegetables (shown above) and the Pasta & Spinach “Meat” Sauce (below).  The day was unusually warm for March in New England, but the entrees arrived still semi-frozen.  Although, I would not refreeze them , they were perfectly fine to refrigerate, as I knew they would be used within a day.

I gave my daughter the Quesadilla mealthat afternoon.  It contained two shrink wrapped packages, one with the actual quesadilla, and the other with some veggies.  I microwaved them for the reccommended time and then let the meal cool for her.  I tried the quesadilla. and though the texture was a bit soft, it had good flavor, I also pondered the percentage of kids that would actually eat the lima beans in the mixed veggies.  To my surprise, my fussy daughter ate almost all of the quesadilla.  She never did touch any of the vegetables, but it is very challenging to get her to eat those, no matter how they are prepared.

The next day, I gave her some of the pasta meal.  She refused to eat any of it.  This was expected.  I have only had success in getting her to eat al dente pasta, and even then only cavatelli or spaghetti.  Since my picky tot was steadfastly refusing, I gave it a try.  The pasta was soft for my preference, but the sauce was flavorful.  It was not overpowering in any way, that could possibly turn kids off.  I think many children would like it.

Verdict:  These meals are a good alternative for parents who are pressed for time.  They are certainly a far healthier option than fast food, or the chemical laden frozen dinners offered by many companies.  I would suggest getting the sampler pack, before ordering any particular meal in bulk, to see which ones your child likes.

Disclaimer:  While I did receive product samples to try, the opinions presented here are my own.

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Filed Under: Children, Eco-Friendly, Food & Beverage, Reviews & Giveaways Tagged With:

Giveaway: Seventh Generation Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

April 3, 2010 By

Last Saturday, I got a big box full of eco-friendly cleaning supplies from Seventh Generation.  It was perfect timing because I was just about to start a couple cleaning projects.  The box contained: multi-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, disinfecting wipes, unbleached paper towels (100% recycled content), a recycled plastic cleaning caddy and  Alexandra Zissu’s new book,The Conscious Kitchen.

The only cleaning product from this kit that I have not tried yet is the disinfecting wipes, but I don’t tend to use those in general.  I have been pleased with the performance of these products.  They seemed to clean just as well as the toxic products they are replacing, and omitted an herbal scent rather than noxious odors.  The bathroom cleaner actually cut through soap residue a little better than the cleaner it replaced.  The paper towels didn’t pick up quite as well as the heavy duty brand we sometimes buy, but they performed far better than store brand towels.  I also, browsed through the book and picked up a few good hints from it, especially concerning what the safest food options are to buy.

Disclosure: I received this sample kit from MyBlogSpark and Seventh Generation, to try the product line.  The opinions presented here are my own.

Giveaway

Thanks to MyBlogSpark and Seventh Generation the winner of this giveaway will receive their own kit.

Mandatory Entry (this must be done for all other entries to count):  Tell me what you are doing in your own life, to be greener.

For additional entries:

  • Follow this blog via email or RSS
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect
  • Follow @TwiMommi on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway up to one time per day.
  • Become a fan on my new Facebook Page
  • For 2 entries! Grab my button and post it on your blog, or add Blommi.com to your blogroll.  Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment.  (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
  • For 3 Entries! Blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post (be sure to leave 3 separate comments)

One winner will be selected from all valid entries, using random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn.  Contest ends April 17, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

Congratulations to the confirmed winner: Amy D.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Household, Reviews & Giveaways Tagged With: ,

Snack Taxi Reusable Sandwich Bags: Review

March 23, 2010 By

reusable fabric snack bags

I recently got to try out some of Snack Taxi’s line of eco-friendly reusable food storage bags, for review.  I received a sandwich bag, snack bag, napkin and produce bag.  The reusable sandwich & snack bags only differed in size.  They are cotton fabric on the outside and are lined with nylon, which is coated with polyurethane, on the side which does not touch the food.  The pouches are fastened with velcro closures. The napkin is a double sided with complimentary patterns, so it can mix and  match with the other items in the product line readily.  The produce bag is a large nylon fabric sack, which can handle a pretty hefty amout of fruits or veggies. Just the thing to bring along to the farmers market to protect your more delicate purchases.

As you can see in the pictures, SnackTaxi products come in a wide array of fabric patterns, but what you see here is just the tip of the iceberg.  They offer everything from kitschy, to feminine, to classic,  to “guy” themes.  There is a pattern for everyone.

reusable food storage bags

When the time comes to wash your Snack Taxi bags, no worries.  They can be hand washed and left out to air dry, for maximum lifespan, or in the washer & dryer for convenience.  If your Snack Taxi sacks get especially gooped up, it is suggested you fill them with hot water and let them soak for a little while before washing.  In my opinion, they seem quite durable and should last a significant amount of time, whichever cleaning method you select.

These will work great for my daughter’s lunch, when she starts preschool, in a couple months.  Using these 4 days a week will certainly cut back on our plastic bag waste.

Disclosure: While I received a sample for review, the opinions presented here are my own.  No monetary compensation was given.

Giveaway is closed, congratulations to Heather, the confirmed winner!

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Household, Reviews & Giveaways Tagged With: ,

Giveaway: Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk Plus DHA Omega-3

March 1, 2010 By

As most parents of young children are already aware DHA is an important nutrient for growing brains, especially in the first 5 years.  It can be a struggle to ensure children get adequate levels of DHA Omega-3, since it is found in a limited number of food sources.

Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk Plus DHA Omega-3 is fortified with a vegetarian form of DHA.  Vegetarian forms of DHA avoid the complaints of “fishy taste”, you may get with other sources.  Kid’s are not likely to complain about drinking chocolate milk.  If you can slip in DHA on top of all the usual vitamins and minerals already found in milk, then you are off the a great start on good nutrition.

I was looking forward to trying this milk with my daughter, but have been unable to locate this particular product in my area.  If I can’t locate any by the drawing date of the giveaway, I will throw my free product coupons in, as well.

*Disclaimer:  I was given free product coupons to try this product, but was unable to locate it, so information provided is general.

Giveaway

Thanks to Horizon Dairy, two winners will each receive  2 free product coupons for half gallons of  Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3  ( plus two $1 coupons )

Mandatory Entry: Visit the Horizon product locator , and tell me a  store that carries half gallons in your area.  The locator seems to be down right now, just leave a comment… it will count as the mandatory entry.

For additional entries:

  • Follow this blog via email or RSS
  • Follow me through Google Friend Connect
  • Follow @TwiMommi on Twitter
  • Tweet about this giveaway up to one time per day.
  • For 2 entries! Grab my button and post it on your blog.  Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment.  (remember to leave 2 separate comments)
  • For 2 entries! Become a fan on my new Facebook Page

Two winners will be selected from all valid entries, using random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification.  If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn.  Contest ends March 15, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.  Open to US residents , age 18+.

Congratulations to Jill L. & Ro the confirmed winners.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Food & Beverage, Reviews & Giveaways Tagged With: ,

Hand Bound Books & Albums from Rag and Bone Bindery

February 27, 2010 By 12 Comments

Rag and Bone Bindery produces hand bound archival quality books and albums.  These handcrafted books are perfect for safekeeping your special memories. Their product line includes: photo albums (see review below), journals, guest books, baby books, binders and more.  Rag and Bone books and albums are available in a wide selection of attractive cover fabrics.

hand bound books fabric choices

The bindery is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and their books and albums are handcrafted right in the studio, by professional bookbinders.  Rag and Bone also sources, many of their materials locally.  This local sourcing is not only an environmentally sound choice, but is  economically beneficial to this struggling community.  Another way that Rag and Bone has reduced the environmental impact of their production is the use of recycled content.  30% post consumer content paper is used for pages and paper products, and the book board used to create the covers is 100% recycled content (75% post consumer).

It is also nice to know that, Rag and Bone has done special orders for Oprah, Barnes & Noble, Sundance and many more.

Books, albums and papergoods can be purchased directly through the Rag and Bone website, or through various boutiques.

Hand Bound Photo Frame Album: Review

Hand Bound photo album pages

I was given one of Rag and Bone’s Photo Frame Albums for review.  The album features slip in heavy stock pages, made of archival paper.  It holds twenty standard size (4″x6″) photographs. There are currently 37 different fabric options available for the covers.  The pattern featured in this review is called “Poppies”.

handcrafted photo album

The bindery has been in business since 1991, and the experience certainly shows in the quality of their products.  The cover was well constructed with tight seams.  Unlike mass produced books, the care taken in production is quite visible.

hand made album binding

I found it very easy to slide my photographs into the frame pages.  The photos stayed snuggly in place without any slippage, but removing them, to rearrange was no trouble at all.  These are important things to keep in mind, when selecting an album, especially if you are dealing with older cherished pictures.  No one wants to damage special photographs putting them into an album for safe keeping.

handcrafted baby photo album

The photos I put in my album are some of my favorite shots of my daughter.  Most are about two years old now, and finally have a home.  I am happy to know they are now safely stored in archival sleeves, and the presentation could not be better.

I will be keeping these photo frame albums in mind, when buying shower gifts in the future.  They are perfect for both bridal or baby showers.  The albums would also be an excellent choice for professional photographers, to showcase or package their work.

*Disclaimer: While I was given a free sample for review, the views presented here are my own honest opinion and no monetary compensation was given.

Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Reviews & Giveaways, Rhode Island Area, Women Tagged With: , ,

Steaz Iced Teaz Review

February 23, 2010 By 10 Comments

 

Steaz is a Fair Trade company which produces 3 different lines of organic ready to drink teas.  I received a sampler six pack of Steaz Iced Teaz a few weeks ago, from a promotion they did with Amy at ResourcefulMommy.  The pack contained two each of: Green Tea with Peach, Green Tea with Blueberry Pomegranate Acai and White Tea with Lime & Pomegranate.

I am not generally a big fan of ready to drink iced teas, most are too sweet for my taste.  I also avoid high fructose corn sugar, which far too many beverage companies use as a cost cutting way to sweeten their teas.  Not only does Steaz use real cane sugar, but their teas are lightly sweetened.  I find this to be far more refreshing.  The level of sweetness was perfect in my opinion, and my husband enjoyed them also.

My favorite out of the three I tried was the Green Tea with Blueberry Pomegranate Acai.  I have purchased this flavor a few times, after the samples ran out.  My husband liked the Green Tea with Peach the best.  He usually drinks iced tea I brew for him, but I’m sure I will be picking up a few cans over the spring and summer, to bring on outings.  Steaz  Iced Teaz are currently available at Target, natural food markets and many super markets.  Hopefully in time they will be more widely available in convenience stores, as well.

Verdict: Well, I have already bought Steaz Iced Teaz after trying the samples.  That in itself tells the whole story.

Disclosure:  I got some samples that were available to public.  The views presented here are my own honest opinion and no monetary compensation was given.

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Filed Under: Eco-Friendly, Food & Beverage, Reviews & Giveaways Tagged With:
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