Category Archives: Product Reviews

Product Review: Buckwheat Pillows and Honey

  By Donna DeForbes | February 11, 2014 - 5:00 am | ,
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Benefits of Buckwheat Pillows | Eco-Mothering.com

I’ve been on the hunt for a new pillow, so when asked to review a buckwheat hull pillow from Crooked Brook, I jumped at the chance. The pillow arrived, small and flat with the feeling of a sack of birdseed. How could that possibly be comfortable? And yet, when I lay my head down at night, the pillow seemed to conform perfectly to my head and I melted into dreamland. What is in this magic pillow? The pillow is filled with buckwheat rather than feathers or foam. This idea dates back to ancient China and Egypt but has become more popular in America in recent years. Buckwheat is actually a fruit seed of the rhubarb family, not a grain like the name suggests. The hulls are typically roasted first to remove any dust from the fields before being inserted into pillows. Allergen note: While buckwheat is an excellent natural substitute for … Continue reading →

Product Review: Mohawk Valley Trading Company

  By Donna DeForbes | January 7, 2014 - 5:00 am | , ,
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Natural Products from Mohawk Valley | Eco-Mothering.com

There are companies who try to make everything natural and green—a valiant effort—but they often spread themselves too thin. Then there are companies who specialize in a few items and do those items very well. Mohawk Valley Trading Company is one such company. With a warehouse and apiaries located in upstate New York, they produce honey, beeswax, maple syrup and soap— unprocessed and natural and of the highest quality. I had the pleasure of sampling some of their products, which are only available online. Beeswax and Honey I have their beeswax candle lit right now as I work on my computer. (Apparently, when burned, beeswax candles emit negative ions, which are believed to clean the air and reduce symptoms of depression and asthma. Not that I suffer from either, but I figured it might offset the electromagnetic radiation from the computer.) Beeswax candles may seem a little pricier, but honeybees … Continue reading →

Product Review and Giveaway: Mother’s Therapy Organics Hand Sanitizer

  By Donna DeForbes | December 17, 2013 - 5:00 am | , ,
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Mother's Therapy Organics | Eco-Mothering.com

Triclosan, that chemical found in many soaps, toothpaste and, mostly, hand sanitizers, has gotten a bad rap for years. Studies have linked it to thyroid malfunction, liver toxicity and muscle impairment (particularly around the heart). While the FDA is still researching the possible side effects of triclosan, why risk it? Especially when there are products out there without that superfluous, potentially harmful ingredient. One of those is Mother’s Therapy Organics, a women-owned company focused on non-toxic sanitizing products. Their items—currently a hand sanitizer, a germ-fighting lotion and a baby lotion—contain NO triclosan. Instead, they use natural ingredients such as aloe, alcohol, Echinacea, goldenseal and essential oils (lavender, lemon, clove, sweet orange, sweet almond). We’ve been using the hand sanitizer and germ-fightin’ lotion for a few weeks now, and I love the soothing cucumber scent. The lotion is non-greasy. The sanitizer dissolves into your skin without that goopiness some brands have. … Continue reading →

“The Magical World of Sebella” Children’s Book

  By Donna DeForbes | November 26, 2013 - 5:00 am | , ,
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The Magical World of Sebella | Eco-Mothering.com

This fall I started reading the Harry Potter books to my seven-year-old daughter. Like me, she quickly fell in love with the wizarding world of Hogwarts. Unfortunately, we had to stop after book three because I feel book four’s child death is too heavy for her to handle. The reading has not stopped, however. Sofie is now getting her magic fix with a chapter book called “The Magical World of Sebella: The Magic Castle” by Thea Berg. Geared for children ages 7-11, the book is about a young witch named Sebella who lives in a house once owned by an infamous magician. Naturally, strange things happen in the house: a statue comes to life; secret portals are revealed; and an All-Powerful Magician requests their services. Will Sebella and her friends save the Magic Castle? I love magical books for children. They usually maintain the belief that anything is possible, that … Continue reading →

Follow the Celadon Road: A Company For Every Shade of Green

  By Donna DeForbes | November 7, 2013 - 5:00 am | ,
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Eco Products from Celadon Road

Originating from the glaze color of ancient Chinese ceramics, celadon is a beautiful, soothing shade of gray-green. Celadon Road is one company’s vision for the path to a greener life. The Massachusetts-based company was founded on Earth Day in 2008 by a mom who wanted to put people and the environment first. (Check out their green initiatives!) Celadon Road is dedicated to promoting an eco-friendly and socially conscious lifestyle through their products. And what are those products? Everything from family skin care and sustainable jewelry to organic pet supplies and household cleaners. Candles, soaps, lotions, sponges, baby toys, water bottles, dog beds, recycled glassware, reusable lunch containers and more! They offer their own line of products mixed with items from other companies (e.g.: Green Alligator™ bath supplies and Twist® Euro Sponge). But the bottom line is the same: The products must be high quality, natural, eco-friendly and, often, Fair Trade. I’ve … Continue reading →

Celebrate the Holidays… Naturally

  By Donna DeForbes | November 5, 2013 - 5:00 am | ,
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Are you wishing for more eco-conscious, low-stress holidays, healthy-eating holidays but don’t know where to start? Wouldn’t it be great to find all that information in one spot? Then check this out—quality eBooks (including mine) combined into one sweet deal! Natural Food and Drink Season’s Eatings by Elise Schwartz of Healing Cuisine by Elise A whole food cookbook to help you plan your Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday menus! Includes 62 dairy-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, grain-free recipes for appetizers, sides, main courses, desserts and drinks. (Regular price: $13.95) Natural Cocktails by Kendahl Millecam of Our Nourishing Roots Bring happy hour home, and shake up classic cocktails—without dyes, artificial colors or fake flavors! With over 165 recipes, this book will show you how to be a proficient mixologist who can infuse your own liquors, make your own bitters and build your own real food cocktails. (Regular price: $22.00) Natural Home and Body The … Continue reading →

“Fall Into Health” Download Package: $2,000 worth of material for just $39!

  By Donna DeForbes | November 2, 2013 - 5:00 am |
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Who doesn’t love a bargain? Well, here’s a deal for all you real food, natural living folk who love access to quality information and free stuff. The Fall Into Health download package includes 47 e-books, 3 video classes, 15 podcasts, 2 magazines, 26 coupons and 2 meal plans from 50+ authors, food experts and health professionals. That’s a value of $2,000 for just $39! The Fall Into Health package includes something for every aspect of your family’s health: Kids’ nutrition Real food cookbooks Ridding your home and body of toxins Getting rid of heartburn Reversing food allergies Going gluten-free Losing weight Managing PMS Anti-aging skin care Exercising as preventative medicine … and much more! My first eBook, The Guilt-Free Guide to Greening Your Holidays (which will normally sell for $14.95), is also included in this package. Grab it now at a deep discount with a ton of other great books. Check … Continue reading →

Shop UNCOMMON GOODS and Help Raise Money for Charity

  By Donna DeForbes | September 10, 2013 - 5:30 am | , ,
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better-to-give

In my blog gift guides, I’ve often featured eco-friendly items from Uncommon Goods (such as their up-cycled sari scarf and this adorable recycled glass sheep night light). Uncommon Goods is an independently-owned company that features handmade products and designs created in harmony with the environment. For fourteen years, they’ve focused on sustainability, animal protection and supporting local artists (with the majority of their merchandise crafted in the USA). Their membership in B Corporation means the company meets a rigorous standard for sustainable businesses, including wage levels, environmental impact and giving back. Recently, the company reached out to me for help with increasing charitable contributions through their Better to Give program. For 12 years, Uncommon Goods has donated $1 from every purchase toward charities around the world. So far, they’ve given $700,000 to vital causes, and they’re aiming to increase their monthly average by 10% in September. The charities they support focus … Continue reading →