Craftworks Society {Creations by Artisans with Disabilities}

I first found out about the Craftworks Society while attending the Maker Fair in Vancouver last year.  They had a booth displaying their products and after learning a bit more about their mission and who they were I knew I wanted to feature them on the blog.

AVENT: BPA-Free Baby Bottles with Anti-Colic System {Holiday Gift Idea}

Since my little one was very young he has always suffered from painful burps. He had them along with colic when I was exclusively breastfeeding him and also when I used a pump and he was drinking my breastmilk in a bottle. I tried many bottles back then but I never tried AVENT and now I know I should have given them a chance.

School Zone: Educational Tools for Little Ones {Holiday Gift Idea}

I really like featuring companies that offer interactive products for children that make learning fun.  I also believe the best way for children to learn is when they are working on an activity they really enjoy.

School Zone offers a variety of fun workbooks, flash cards and software geared towards children from preschool to sixth grade.  Their products allow for parents to coach and get involved in the learning process, an integral part in any child's education. 

Loose Button: Luxe Box Subscription - Holiday Gift Idea {Giveaway}

How many times have you purchased full size beauty products that didn't work for you? Have you ever wished you had a sample to try before spending all the money in a full-size bottle?  Luxe Box has the solution for you!

Mutsy: The Grow-Up! Booster Seat {Holiday Gift Idea}

We have been transitioning our little one to eat with us at the table.  Instead of using the tray in his high chair we have been looking for a booster seat that is safe, comfortable,  and easy to attach (to our chairs) and clean. We finally found what we were looking for in the Grow-Up! booster seat from Mutsy.

Dapple: Green Baby-Safe Cleaners for your Family

Dapple is a line of natural cleaning products for households and children.  They use non-toxic ingredients found in nature and all of their products are baby-safe. I am already a big fan of their natural baby products and I have used them for a while so I was excited to get a chance to try the Dapple Toy Cleaner Wipes and the Dapple Dish Liquid.

Smart-Trike, 3-in-1: A Tricycle that Grows with Your Child {Holiday Gift Idea}

I was super excited when I found out we were going to try out the Smart-Trike Zoo 3-in-1 Tricycle from Smart-Trike. First of all I love the fact that this is a product that is designed to be used for a while.  It can be used from 10 months up to about 36 months!  The super SMART-Trike can be adjusted depending on the child's age so it basically grows with your child.

Having a tricycle that grows with your child means not having to buy a brand new tricycle once your little one is older.  So you are saving money and avoiding waste at the same time! Brilliant!

When we received the package from Smart-Trike I wondered how many small pieces we were going to be putting together.   To be honest it wasn't that bad at all. First of all you are dealing with lots of larger pieces and the package has step by step instructions with lots of pictures that are super easy to follow. 

Now if you get confused with manuals and instructions and you are more visual then be sure to check out their website. I LOVE that they have a full assembly video showing step by step how to build your Smart-Trike.  It is super easy to just follow along and you can always pause the video if one step is taking you a bit longer than expected.

After we built the Smart-Trike it was time to test it.  My son was thrilled! He was screaming in excitement every time we pushed the tricycle.  He LOVED it!  We put it together in the first setting (10 months+) and it was very safe and secure for him plus very comfortable.  Some of my favorite features were: the Seat Belt,  Washable and Padded Seat Cover,  Side Safety Bar,   the Foot Rest, the Adjustable & Removable Handle and the Play Phone that comes attached to the front. My son sure loved that!

The Smart-Trike's frame is not made of plastic but instead metal and it has special injection rubber wheels designed for smooth riding.  You would think it is heavy but it is super light and easy to carry instead.  On top of that it is made with high quality materials and you can continue to use it for many many years!

We are enjoying this stage of the tricycle and it is great to take it when we go on walks instead of his stroller. He sure loves our walks when he is riding his tricycle,  he is all smiles and I hear lots of giggles and squeals. I can't wait to try the other stages once he is a bit older. 

Buy it: ($139.99 CDN) You can purchase your own Smart-Trike Zoo at a Toys R Us store near you.  The Smart-Trike would make a fabulous gift for the holidays.

Magellan RoadMate 9055-LM: Get to your destination on time!

The Magellan RoadMate 9055-LM is a premium GPS navigator with a  7" touch screen and amazing features that include lifetime map updates, Bluetooth calling, OneTouch™ favorites menu, free lifetime traffic alerts, highway lane assist and many more. 

I was super excited when I received it and I have to say that after using the new GPS for over two months I just absolutely love it.  I was used to my Iphone's GPS but the screen is tiny and at times it is hard to see where I am going while driving, plus I didn't have any lifetime traffic alerts.

The RoadMate 9055-LM's screen is really BIG and that helps avoid distractions when following the instructions in the screen, plus it makes it super easy to enter words and navigate the menu.  My personal favorite feature is that this GPS comes with free lifetime map updates. I mean I never have to worry about out of date maps. I remember driving with friends and their GPS and getting lost or driving in circles because the GPS's map was so out of date it didn't know any of the new buildings or addresses.

Something that my husband loves about the RoadMate 9055-LM is the Bluetooth technology that allows to make calls from the GPS navigator hands-free. The noise-cancelling microphone is great and we haven't had any dropped calls. 

Seriously, there are so many amazing features to talk about.  With the free lifetime traffic update you can avoid serious delays and get anywhere on time. No more traffic jams or getting stuck in construction zones. We seriously love that! Specially with our son who hates when the car is not moving. 

Something else that really helps is the beeping sound the RoadMate 9055-LM makes when it is time to turn or you are approaching an intersection where you should turn.  It allows me to be certain when making the turns and I don't feel like I am guessing like I used to when using other GPS systems.

In general we have no complains about the RoadMate 9055-LM, it is a lot bigger/heavier than my Iphone but I wouldn't change any of the features. I mean, it just makes driving around the city and getting places SO easy now.  Thanks Magellan!

Kio Kio: Natural BodyCare from New Zealand

I am always looking for skin care products for me and my family that are gentle and natural and contain no dangerous chemicals. Kio Kio New Zealand products are free of the toxic chemicals and free of propylene glycol, PEGS, silicones, GMOs, artificial colours, synthetic fillers, isothiazolinone, DEA or TEA, IBPC, harsh detergents or surfactants. They are also against animal testing on their products.

I tried a couple of their Kio Kio Body Washes and I have been enjoying how soft my skin is, plus the fragrances are amazing. Their body washes gently clean the skin with botanical extracts and they are suitable for all skin types including very sensitive skin. 

I really like that I only have to use a little bit of body wash and it goes a long way. My skin stays soft and hydrated all day and the scent stays in my skin many hours after my shower.

Kio Kio New Zealand products contain no petroleum and that is very important because petroleum actually clogs up the pores of the skin and prevents the skin from releasing moisture. With their natural plant based oils and butters Kio Kio products allow the skin to breath and stay hydrated.

I recommend their products if you are looking for luxurious and rich products that are natural and good for your skin.  I am going to be ordering some more once I finish my body washes as I would love to try all of their fragrances. 

Plus something to note as well is that they support the environment and  allocate some of their revenue into a trust to help support sustainable native New Zealand forest. Way to go! 

Kokopax: Eco-Classic Carrier {Giveaway/Discount Code}

At home I use a wrap with my little one for carrying him around the house and he loves it.  It really helps me get my work done those days he needs the extra cuddles because he doesn't feel 100% or just because he wants to be close to me. Babywearing is fantastic and I am very grateful to have started it with my son from very early on.

For outdoor exploring and going out I am unable to take the wrap with me because he is close to 25lbs and it gets difficult walking long distances while wearing him in the front now.  Thanks to Kokopax and their amazing Eco-Classic back carrier I am able to continue babywearing my son outside while out for longer walks or exploring and I am as comfortable as ever.

I received the "Road Trip" print and I love it so much. It is SO adorable! I also really like that the carrier is made with green textiles so it is safe for my child.

When I first heard about the Kokopax carrier I was shocked to find out the carrier only weights about 3lbs. Trust me it looks big and heavy but it is not! If I wear it without carrying my son I barely feel any weight is on my shoulders and while carrying my son I feel like I am wearing a light backpack.

My favorite feature is the kick stand that allows me to sit my son in the carrier and prepare him basically anywhere we are to be able to wear him. I can use it anywhere there is a flat surface (ground surface as you must avoid higher surfaces like tables or chairs to avoid accidents). 

My son loves how he is positioned at eye-level and gets a new view of the world around him. A bit different from his experiences in the wrap and other back carriers.

We air travel a lot with our little one and this carrier is fantastic because it fits in an airplane's overhead bin! Perfect to take with you instead of the bulky strollers!  The carry bag that it comes with is easy to transport (you can just fold it) and you are good to go. 

The carrier also has a back pocket with magnetic closure that is great to keys, cellphones, papers and other things you would usually carry in your bag.

You can use the Kokopax carrier from 6 months up to 2 years  or when your child reaches 35lbs, I personally foresee the Kokopax and I having a long term relationship for many more months to come!  Now I can see why the Kokopax carrier was featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show for Mother’s Day, it really rocks!

You can visit their website here to find a couple of other carrier lines, beautiful tote bags for mom, gorgeous organic hats for baby and more adorable accessories.

Buy it: Do you want to purchase your own Kokopax carrier? You lucky OneSmileyMonkey.com readers will receive a 10% discount on your purchase by entering  1smileymonkey2011 at check-out. Enjoy!

Win it: Click "Read More" below to see the Rafflecopter form to enter to win a super adorable Kokopax Eco Baby Hat (pictured above), perfect to protect your little one's head from the windy days ahead!   Open to US/CAN.

Dr. Sharp: Fluoride-Free Natural Toothpaste & Mouthwash {Giveaway/ $50 value}

Did you know that Fluoride, commonly found on toothpaste is actually toxic and when used in excess may cause severe health problems? Well, NOW you know!

Looking for a safe alternative I found Dr. Sharp Dentistry. Using their products I am not exposing my family to Fluoride any longer.

Dr. Sharp's products are fluoride-free and natural. They are made with vegan ingredients that are free of parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate and alcohol.  It is definitively great to see oral care products that are actually toxin free and made with certified organic and natural ingredients.

Their Natural Alcohol-Free Fresh Mint Mouthwash uses a fluoride- and detergent-free formula that contains no synthetic colors, flavors, or alcohol. It contains witch hazel, licorice, and sage extracts combined with aromatic mint flavor. The mouthwash is very refreshing and I like the mint flavor.  I also love the fact that it doesn't contain any alcohol.

Their Natural Toothpastes contain non-abrasive natural whiteners like bamboo powder, titanium, and calcium carbonate that help to whiten teeth when brushing regularly. I like that I can keep my teeth white without having to use any chemicals or irritants.  I have sensitive teeth and I noticed no increased sensitivity after using the toothpaste for a couple of weeks.

 

In general I am loving their products and I recommend them to my readers.  I support their products because they are sustainable and they work on minimizing waste and environmental impact.  Plus I like the fact that they are using natural ingredients and keeping chemicals away from our mouths!

Win it: One very lucky reader from the US/CAN will win a family pack like the one I received with a full size sample of their products ($50 value).  Click "Read More' below to  see the Rafflecopter entry form to enter.

Nicole Lee USA: Candace Handbag Feature {Discount Code}

Do I love purses and handbags? Yes I do!  Do I love Nicole Lee USA? You bet I do! Nicole Lee is an LA based handbag company that started back in 2004.   Since then it has quickly received a lot of recognition and gained a lot of fans all over the world (including me). Their super unique and funky designs are super fashionable and every new style is refreshing.

I was honored to receive on of the newest arrivals, the Nicole Lee EM1900 (Candace). A beautiful product and one of my top bags for the summer and now the fall.

I just love all of the little details.  The signature logo and geometric designs and the beautiful name plate! The color is gorgeous specially in person. So fashionable but yet perfect for going out!

I am of course a mommy and I carry a lot of things with me when I am out with my little one. I adore large handbags and this one is a great size. I can fit A LOT of things in it and I love it. I carry my son's cloth diapers, wipes, wet bag, diaper pad, toys, sippy cup and baby food and I have space for my own items too.

I use the interior slip pockets a lot for my cellphone and the wall pocket with the zipper closure to keep my wallet, makeup and hand sanitizer.  When it comes to pockets, the more the merrier always!

Now did I mention that the EM1900 (Candace) comes in Black, Purple, Blue, Camel and Brown? You can definitively find one that suits your style! Great bag for busy mommies, to take to work or just to go out with friends. I just love it!

Buy it: Now it is the right time to get your own Nicole Lee bag. You lucky OneSmileyMonkey.com readers will get an exclusive 15% discount on your online purchases by using:  OSMNL2011 at check out (valid 9/27/2011 through 10/4/2011). Enjoy!

Disclosure: I received a sample of a product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided and and all views and opinions stated on this post are 100% my own.

Solay: Natural Daily Detox Face Scrub {Giveaway}

Right before bedtime I love using a face scrub to massage my skin and remove any dirt and dead skin cells that accumulated during the day.  It is a routine that I love and treasure. For the last couple of months I have been using Solay Daily Detox Gentle Face Scrub and I am really liking what I see. 

First of all I love that the product is natural and 100% vegan. It contains small organic jojoba beads, calcium bentonite clay from the Death Valley and organic base to exfoliate the skin.  After using it I notice a very healthy glow and my skin is super soft!  

I just apply it and massage the product in a circular motion all over my face/neck for about 30 seconds or more and then rinse it with warm water. I feel very relaxed right after and my skin looks and feels great. 

I have used a couple of scrubs before that are not very gentle and my face ends up raw and not very healthy looking so having a gentle cleaner that does the work but keeps my skin soft and delicate is amazing.

Solay has some other great products that work great in conjunction with the scrub. Take a look at their site to find them and explore the natural alternatives to commonly used beauty/care products.

Win it: One lucky reader from the US/CAN will win a Solay Daily Detox Gentle Face Scrub ($30 value).  Click "Read More" to see the Rafflecopter entry form and to enter.

Kedzie Duffel by The Sak {Discount Code}

I have been a big fan of The Sak for a long time!  I love their handbag designs and their down-to-earth style.  I got my first The Sak bag at Macy's in the US and that bag is still one of my favorites. So I was really excited when I found out I was going to get the Kedzie Duffle-Aqua bag a couple of months ago.

I was anxiously waiting for the package to arrive and once it did I was not disappointed.  The aqua color is lovely.  It really goes with so many outfits! I love it!

The first thing I noticed was the quality of the handbag. You can see all of the details and feel the softness of the leather. Extremely high quality material.

As a mommy I have to be prepared always and not bringing a huge diaper bag with me means making sure I have all of the basics inside of my own purse. I love how spacious the Kedzie Duffel is.  I was able to fit my wallet, cellphone, hand sanitizer, change pad/bag, two cloth diapers, a change of clothes, sunscreen lotion, wipes, nursing cover and a couple of toys! I was impressed! The bag is 14"L x 6"W x 9"H.

The Kedzie Duffel has two side pockets that I use all the time. They have been great for storing my son's sippy cups so they are ready when he needs them.

I really enjoyed having a beautiful handbag for the summer and now for the fall and upcoming months and I am definitively still a fan of The Sak. A very big fan!

Buy it: Do you want to get 15% off your The Sak purchase? It is easy, be sure to check out their site here and sign up for their newsletter if you haven't already. Plus there is free shipping with orders over $75.

Disclosure: I received a sample of a product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided and and all views and opinions stated on this post are 100% my own.

Luster 1 Hour White: 60 Minutes to A Brigther Smile

How much money would you pay to whiten your teeth up to 6 shades in 1 hour? A $40 whitening kit that can be used at home doesn't sounds bad at all after seeing the ads from cosmetic dentists that charge close to $1,000 just for that.

After receiving the Luster 1 Hour White Kit my husband wanted to try it right away.  His teeth are very sensitive so I was very curious to see if he would experience zero tooth sensitivity as they advertised.

The Luster Kit comes with the following:

• Activating Whitening Light  & 4 AAA Batteries (love that the batteries are included unlike many other products)
• Accelerator Mouth Rinse
• Super Whitener

The 3 Easy Steps

1) Use accelerator mouth rinse for 10 seconds.

2) Brush on whitening gel.

 

3) Shine activation light on teeth for 2 minutes.

(Repeat the cycle again 10-20 times for up to 1 hour for best results)

We started with the mouth rinse and he was o.k with the taste. He said it had a slight peppermint scent and taste. He used the little plastic cup that was provided in the kit.  Then, he brushed the Super Whitening Gel on his frontal teeth (one at a time) and kept his mouth open and lips away from his teeth (for 2 minutes), that is a bit tricky but the light is great for helping keep the lips open.

The Whitening Light helps stimulate the photo-activator in the gel and you can use the top to rest your lips and keep them open.  One thing we both really liked was that after the two minute cycle ended the light would shut off and beep automatically so we didn't need to count or check our watches to know when the two minutes were up.

You are supposed to repeat the process ten to twenty times for best results (takes about 1 hour).  My husband did it ten times total (about 1/2 an hour) and saw immediate results.  How many times you have to do it  probably depends on the condition of your teeth to begin with and you may need to do it the twenty times to get better results.

There were no teeth sensitivity issues at all so we are pretty happy with the product and the results. I am thinking about getting one to try for myself now and I am definitively recommending it to friends and family. 

Disclosure: I received a sample of a product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided and and all views and opinions stated on this post are 100% my own.

Boba Carrier: Enhancing the bond between mother and child

I've heard a lot about Boba Carriers before and I was always curious about them. This is my first time owning one and I have to say that I am loving it!  

The Boba Organic Carrier is made with GOTS and OE100 certified 100% organic cotton and organic Texas cotton lining.  Organic carriers are a weakness of mine and now that I have an organic wrap that I use A LOT indoors I love having the Boba Carrier for going out to the city and to use when running errands as well.

The Boba carrier accommodates children between 15-45 lbs and you can use it to carry your baby on the front or the back. Right now because of his weight I feel like for long walks I am more comfortable carrying him on my back. 

Here are a few features that I am loving that are unique to the Boba when comparing with other carriers I have tried:

-There are no snap buckles to deal with or worry about,  I love that you wear it like you would a backpack and you don't have to worry about buckles failing or opening at anytime. I just feel that extra security when wearing the Boba.

-The Boba has a some extra inches of height to help keep your center of gravity closer to your body and support your child's back.  That really makes a difference when you wear it because it doesn't feel like you are not standing straight because of the weight. I can have an appropriate posture without feeling strain.

-A removable Hood is included.  None of the other carriers I owned had a removable hood included. I know with many of them you can buy the extra accessory but it is definitively nice to get the bonus when you purchase the Boba.

- There are removable foot straps for extra leg/hip support for your little one. We are not using those yet because his legs are not long enough to reach but we will use them once the time comes. Those straps enable a healthy position for your child by supporting the legs in a froglike position and allowing to naturally tilt the pelvis, fill out the hip sockets and align the spine.

I am definitively loving the Boba and this is my "city" carrier that I am using when running errands and not wanting to take our stroller.  I love it and my little one sure loves being close to his momma while seeing everything around him. Thank you Boba for making a great organic carrier for us babychild-wearing mommas. The perfect product to help enhance the bond between mother and child.

Disclosure: I received a sample of a product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided and and all views and opinions stated on this post are 100% my own.

Baby Nari Hip Hugger Feature & Giveaway

 

My son weights close to 25lbs and carrying him in my arms when I don't have my stroller or my carrier means back pain and wrist pain after a while.  There are times when I am picking him up and putting him down constantly because he loves being on the floor crawling and cruising and for those times I found the Baby Hip Hugger to be my best friend!

The Baby Nari Hip Hugger is a strapless carrier that makes it super easy to carry and put down your child multiple times while saving your back and arms.  It has been so useful now for this new cruising stage. Something else we use it for all the time is for going out to places where a stroller is not allowed or when it takes too much space.  My husband has used it for a couple of our trips and it is super useful at the airport.  Specially because of its size.  The front pocket is also perfect for the passports and IDs!

I love the non-skid heart shape seat because it looks super comfy for my little one and he loves being carried in it. 

Something I would suggest is to make sure you are wearing the Baby Nari correctly. You do not want it to be on your hips but instead around your waistline and you have to be sure that it is tight enough. That will ensure maximum comfort.

The Baby Nari has been a great addition to our carriers and stroller and it has been a must have when going on trips. I love the convenience and that there is no "set up" needed every time I pick up and put down my son.  I also love that I can just take my diaper bag backpack and the Baby Nari and everything I need is right there. I usually put my money, keys and cellphone in the front pocket and I love not having to look for those inside of my backpack while I carry my child. 

Buy it: We tried the toddler version but they also sell an infant one for babies up to 22lbs. You can  purchase both here. For a limited time only use discount code: "Babynari" for $20 off!

Win it: One lucky reader from the US/CAN will win a Baby Nari. Click "Read more" below to see the Raffecopter entry form. 

The Sleep Sense Program by Dana Obleman Review & Giveaway

 Dana Obleman

For the first seven months of my son's life I was waking up twice or three times every night to nurse him back to sleep or to give him his pacifier.  The sleepless nights for several months were extremely difficult and after reading many books and trying different methods I was feeling powerless.

It was at a mommy group meeting that one of my friends suggested trying the Sleep Sense Program. She had started the program a week before with her little boy (roughly the same age as my son) and she was already seeing great results. He was sleeping in his own room and starting to sleep through the night.

Thanks to my friend's recommendation I visited Dana Obleman's website and after finding out she was in British Columbia I was lucky enough to get in touch with her directly.  Dana has been working with children and parents since 1998 and has a B.A. in Psychology and her sleep sense program has received a lot of positive testimonials.

After speaking on the phone with her I received a copy of her Sleep Sense book and a questionnaire with some questions specific to our bed time routine and situation.  We filled out the information and sent it back to her the same day. By that afternoon we received a personalized sleep plan with specific recommendations and suggestions to improve our son's sleeping. 

After reading her book and personalized plan we did everything she suggested.  Even though a couple of things were a bit difficult at the beginning (like getting rid of his pacifier or waiting 5 minutes before going in the room when he started crying),  I can say 100% that it was worth it and that her plan really works.  Not only did I stop night time feedings but I also got my needed night time rest.  After 3 days of starting her program our son was already sleeping in his own room from 7:00pm until 6:00am. And what I love the most: If he woke up HE went back to sleep on his own without me going in his room.  The key was having him learn to do so. 

We really can't thank Dana enough! She was extremely helpful and available to respond to all of our questions and concerns and she always responded to us in a timely manner. Very professional and friendly.

There are still a few days when he has a harder time going to bed and specially fighting his nap times but with her help and following her book's suggestions we have definitively gone a long way.  I love the freedom of having the evenings for myself after he goes to bed and to know that I can actually get a full night's sleep.  

We are continuing her plan and I will recommend it to anybody that needs help with their baby's sleep habits.  If you truly follow the plan and stay strong those first couple of nights it will all be worth it at the end. Your baby will get the rest he/she needs and you will get your night's sleep.

Win it: Three (3) of my lucky readers anywhere in the world will receive a free copy of Dana's  Sleep Sense Program ($47 value each).  Click read more for the entry form.

TerraCycle, Outsmarting Waste. Feature & Giveaway

TerraCycle is a company that upcycles and recycles traditionally non-recycable waste (including drink pouches, chip bags and more) into a large variety of consumer products.

I received one of their upcycled backpacks and coolers for review and I was impressed with the quality. These products keep waste out of our landfills and contribute to a cleaner world so I absolutely support their mission.

My favorite thing about the backpack was how cool the design looks like and how it definitively starts up conversations. The perfect way to share their upcycling efforts with friends and family. 

Their insulated cooler is great too. It has a removable hard shell liner that is made from waste packaging material. It works just like any other cooler on the market but what I love about this one is that by purchasing one you are supporting TerraCycle's efforts to minimize waste.

Something interesting about TerraCycle is their Brigade program. They run free recycling fundraisers for schools and community groups across Canada.  The schools and other interested organizations earn two cents for every drink pouch, cookie wrapper, snack package, yogurt cups and sandwich bags they collect.  I love that they give the extra incentive so more people start recycling and in turn get involved with their program.

Do YOU want to get involved or get your community or school in the program?  Be sure to sign up for their free program by visiting: www.terracycle.ca. They just collected their one millionth drink pouch from communities across Canada, donating over 20,000 dollars to school and charities just for recycling. That's pretty neat isn't it? 

Win it:  Do you want to win one of their fabulous upcycled products? Enter here to win a set of Koolaide pencil cases from their store. Click read more for the entry form.