1.  Soapwalla Organic Face & Body Products

We love featuring Etsy merchants, and Soapwalla is no exception!  Chef Rachel Winard explains:

SOAPWALLA was born in my Brooklyn apartment kitchen one evening, after months of unsuccessfully hunting for face and body products that wouldn’t aggravate my sensitive skin issues caused by lupus.

Soapwalla organic skincare products are designed to cleanse without stripping the oils that our skin naturally produces. These oils form part of our bodies’ natural immune defense system, and are essential for optimum skin health. 

I use organic, food-grade ingredients and pure essential oils, never questionable additives such as sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens or harsh and synthetic ingredients.

We tried out two Soapwalla products:

• Deodorant Cream:  It’s hard to find natural deodorant that actually works, but this one does!  The cream texture may take some getting used to, but I actually found it offered better odor protection.

This all-natural yet powerful deodorant cream utilizes superfine vegetable powders, clays, and lavender, peppermint and tea tree essential oils to absorb moisture, inhibit bacteria, and ensure a long-lasting and highly effective experience. The frosting-like consistency ensures effortless manual application and quick absorption.

• Luxurious Moisturizing Body Oil:  This is a lovely oil and a great alternative to lotion. If you plan to use it on children, Rachel will reduce the essential oil content.

Jojoba, sweet almond, grapeseed and coconut oils lock in moisture. Mowrah Butter, derived from the fruit kernels of the Madhuca tree (India) reduces the degeneration of skin cells, and promotes smooth, supple skin. Scented with pure ginger, citrus and lemongrass essential oils. Truly divine for all skin types. I call it springtime in a bottle!…Gentle enough for babies’ skin.

Would I buy these products? Yes!  I love supporting independent, creative artisans.  I also know I can trust Rachel’s ingredients and natural business ethics.

2. Steri-bottle Ready to Use Disposable Baby Bottles

I always have a hard time reviewing baby bottles, as I never had a need for them other than when my son was in the hospital after open heart surgery. Otherwise, not only did I find the breast was best, but it was also way more convenient than pumping, sterilizing, heating, etc.  For working mothers and those who need to bottle feed, Steri-Bottle offers a disposable, recyclable, BPA and phthalate-free solution.

Steri-bottle offers unmatched convenience when traveling with a baby- no washing, no sterilizing.  Just open the box, fill, feed, and recycle! Each bottle is ready to use, BPA-free, phthalate free, and made in the USA!

Would I buy this product? No. Disposable by nature is not eco-friendly.  I do think these bottles are affordable (10 bottles for $10), and I know my breast only experience jades my reviews of baby bottles, but single-use products are part of the consumer problem of western civilization. I do see the merit of this product for traveling and camping trips, but I do not think they should be used on a regular basis.

3. Insect Shield Repellant Apparel

We are about to send our daughter off to camp for the first time.  Amongst my paranoia concerns are the attack of insects that can arise this time of year following a very wet spring.   I’ve bought natural insect repellant and will send her with our backpacking bug hut, but one thing I had not considered was clothing with “built-in insect protection”.

Buzz Off Insect Shield treated clothing lasts for 70 washes and uses permethrin.

Permethrin is a man-made version of a natural insect repellent found in certain chrysanthemum plants. The Insect Shield process binds a proprietary permethrin formula tightly to fabric fibers resulting in effective, odorless insect protection that lasts beyond the expected lifetime of apparel. Permethrin has been successfully used in the United States as an U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered product since 1977, with an excellent safety record. It is used in lice shampoos for children, flea dips for dogs, and various other products, some of which are regulated by the FDA.

Would I buy this product? No.  I thought this product used natural repellant, but since it is manmade, I have concerns.  Even natural permethrin’s safety is questionable, although I am sure it is better than DEET.  Permethrin has been found in infant baby food and tap water.  Natural or manmade, it is a pesticide, and I really don’t want it in my clothing.    That being said, in a situation where swarms of mosquitoes exist, I’d be tempted to use this product.  I’d also prefer the permethrin on my clothes than on my skin.

4. The Better Way to Care for Your Baby: A week-by-week Illustrated Companion for Parenting and Protecting Your Child Using the Latest and Safest Techniques

 

This latest parenting book by Robin Elise Weiss is a very user-friendly, straight-forward, common sense handbook.  As a mother of eight children, Robin certainly knows what she is talking about. She is also a childbirth and postpartum educator, doula, and lactation counselor.  The book is broken down week by week, which makes it easy for parents to reference.

If you ever wished your newborn came with an owner’s manual The Better Way to Care for Your Baby is it. Nationally recognized pregnancy and baby care expert Robin Elise Weiss, L.C.C.E, ICCE-CPE, provides sage advice for your biggest concerns regarding your baby’s growth and development, as well as solutions to everyday issues such as feeding, sleeping, and playtime.

As someone concerned with toy safety, I like Robin’s advice on finding toys that are free of BPA and lead, as well as checking for appropriate sized parts.  She mentions that a toilet paper roll is the best toy tester.

Would I buy this book? Maybe. I think this book would be good for first time parents, but so much of the information is common sense, that I don’t think already experienced parents would need it. It would make a nice gift for nervous new parents, but I prefer books that emphasize more green concepts in parenting.

5. iSi Mini Easy Whip Stainless Steel Cream Whipper

My family loves whipped cream! From hot cocoa to organic pies, whipped cream is the perfect natural topping, that is if you make it from organic whipping cream.

Make an environmentally conscious decision, and start using iSi re-usable cream whippers. Simply load the whipper with an iSi heavy cream charger, and use as a normal whipped cream can. iSi whipped cream is free of preservatives and has a natural, fresh taste that just can’t be beat. The cream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, and the dispenser itself is made of 100% recyclable steel. Superior tasting cream in a responsible format.

Would I buy this product? Maybe.  We make our whipped cream in our blender and then spoon it out. I don’t see spending $50 on another kitchen gadget that can be done in the blender; however, we can’t make pretty designs like you can with this dispenser.  Also, our blender is made of plastic, which most likely contains BPA, so for the safety of stainless steel, this product would be better for our health.  Whipped cream is a treat in our home, not a regular event, so the extra expense may or may not be justified to avoid BPA.

Disclosure: The products described above were sent to us as free samples, unless noted differently in the review. Prior assurances as to the nature of the reviews, whether positive or negative, were not given. No financial payments were accepted in exchange for the reviews. The reviews reflect our honest, authentic opinions.