philosophy GIVEAWAY!

It's always nice to take time for you. Pampering yourself is a great way to refresh, renew and energize yourself. There's no words to describe the lasting effects of a moment snuck away to a quiet bubble bath with your favorite book or magazine. It does a world of good for me and my family as I emerge relaxed and ready to face just about anything. Add to that philosophy's luxurious shower gels and shampoos and there's pretty much nothing better.

philosophy is a lifestyle brand that celebrates feeling well and living joyously. endorsed by doctors, celebrities, and most importantly our customers, philosophy wants to inspire you to live a better life by being better to yourself. we offer you a lifestyle makeover that celebrates the idea that there is only one of you in this world and that you must honor your existence.

Today Philosophy is helping you live a better life by giving away the ultimate in pampering packages to one of our readers:

Instead of having breakfast in bed this year for mother's day, have it in the shower, with the philosophy's breakfast inspired shampoo and bath and shower gels in three amazing flavors. Creamy cafe au lait, rich belgian waffles, and sweet fresh cream. You'll have an instant pick-me-up and save yourself some calories. Double bonus!

This amazing grace hat box set is filled with philosophy's best selling fragrance. It's light and fresh and easy to see why daughters, mothers and grandmothers all love amazing grace. Packaged together for the perfect mother's day gift the mother's day hat box includes shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath.

If you love philosophy like we love them, be sure to visit their online promotion: mom's philosophy and win mom a $1200 shopping spree.

What is your favorite philosophy product?

Would you love to win? be sure to:

*enter one comment on this post - with your name

(extra entries for those who added our button to their website will be added by us, the blog administrators)

*answer the question above

*entry will be open until 7am Friday morning, 5/9 (one full day)

*random winners (random.org) will be chosen and announced Monday, 5/12

note: all winners will have until Friday 5/16 to claim their prize

green tea shampoo & conditioner.

It's important to remember that equally important to what goes into our bodies is what we put on our bodies. The skin is the largest organ of the body and absorbs what we apply to it so fast that traces of lotions/etc. can be found in every organ within 20 seconds of applying them.

That is why I am thrilled with NewbornMom Boutique's line of 100% eco-friendly products including their Baby Zen line of shampoo and conditioner. Each set is designed for a boy or a girl in their green tea fragrance. The Green Tea is soothing and the Aloe Vera calming while the Calendula provides extra gentle cleansing and pampers your babies skin and hair. The shampoos and conditioners are 99.5% natural, tearless, kid-safe, and made from renewable resources. Available in 12 fl. oz. containers. I've found myself looking forward to bathtime since we started using Baby-Zen, because I'm all for calm and soothing at the end of the day.

Be sure to browse their brilliant selection of Eco-Friendly Essentials all through-out their shop.

one pack=one vaccine.

This (click) is an incredible video with a needed mission and message.

The “One Pack = One Vaccine” is an international initiative "to protect women and babies from preventable disease. The campaign, which began two years ago in the UK and expanded in 2007 to other countries in Western Europe and Japan, has helped provide UNICEF with funding for more than 25 million lifesaving tetanus vaccines."

Simply buy one marked package of Pampers (through August 31st) and the price of one tetanus vaccination (5 cents!) will automatically be donated for UNICEF to distribute to women in the developing world.

5 cents or one packet of Pampers will save a life. We can put an end to preventable suffering. Learn more here.

eucalan.

I sort of dread the monotonous motions of laundry day, which comes way too often in our home. Today's green product highlight is exciting as it dispels the myth that green takes more effort and more money. Eucalan is a non-toxic, biodegradable and phosphate free no rinse delicate wash. This makes laundry safe, quick and cheap as you can by-pass the rinse cycle in both a machine and hand wash (using only half of the typical amount of water). Gentle enough for the most sensitive of fabrics, it also proves an eco-friendly alternative to dry cleaning... perfect for those delicates, wool sweaters and baby layette. Simply add 5ml/1 teaspoon of soap to every 1 gallon of water, soak and gently ring (or spin) dry. Available in naturally scented eucalyptus, lavender, grapefruit and natural. Such a simple solution.

Check here for a store locator near you.

wee*go glass bottle.

wee*go bottle- 9oz, $18.

Not only are these bottles beautiful (available in pink, raspberry, orange, yellow, sky and ocean), they're smart. Babylife, a company grounded in the mission to "provide a new generation of babies and their parents a choice in safe, developmentally-appropriate, and eco-friendly baby products," created the wee go bottle in response to the recent concern of harmful chemicals in plastic baby bottles.

The bottle is covered with a modern sleeve that will help protect the bottle from breakage and also prevent bumping into other articles in your diaper bag. This sleeve is free of plastics and is 100% non-toxic. The bottle and the sleeve can be boiled or put in the dishwasher together. The silicone nipple is latex-free and non-toxic. The plastic ring, plug and cap contain no polycarbonates and are food grade, FDA approved and recyclable. The sleeve provides a good gripping surface during feeding and also a great tactile experience for your baby.

Babylife is proud to give you a choice in using a baby bottle that is bisphenol A, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate-free.

Modern design fused with scientific research equals a sigh of relief. I like having options. I prefer to play it safe. Right now, it's looking like this is a product to invest in (because the sticker price might be a little high.. but I'll pay for health).


p.s. Not familiar with the toxins in plastic? View resources here.

we add up.

We mentioned them when they first launched their company, but we saw our green month as a perfect platform to remind you of the all brilliant We Add Up.

It's a global warming awareness project, standing as a COUNT of people committed to reducing their carbon footprint. It encourages people to make small {or even large} changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. WE ADD UP is an organic t-shirt campaign where each tee is custom printed with a number. Your number represents your position in the sequential global count!

In addition to a customized number, for every adult shirt, you can choose your action-- essentially stating how you will contribute. Maybe you'll go organic or drink tap, eat less meat or bike. With 25 doable options, there is sure to be something to suit anyone. And wearing your commitment is motivation enough to follow through.

We Add Up believes that "No one can do everything. Everyone can do something. And, WE ADD UP." In addition to the choose your action adult shirts, the "act now" kids tee allows the children to be counted in and spread the message. They understand that "leaving the problems created by current and past generations will cause irreparable damage to their ability to thrive. We can protect our earth and our children's futures..."

All tees are 100% certified organic cotton, grown, woven, and sewn in the USA using sweatshop-free labor. And the company does give back a portion of their proceeds to environmental groups that are working towards the same cause.

giveaway: We want all of you to feel like you can make a difference. In light of giving back, one reader will have a chance to win an Act Now Kid's tee with free shipping. Simply tell us your favorite We Add Up tee along with your comment. Act now. Make a change.

would you like to win?

*enter a comment on this post- with your name.

*answer the question above

*please only enter once

*entry will be open until 8 am Saturday morning (3/22)

*winner will be announced on Monday morning.

note: winner must contact us by Wednesday (3/26) in order to claim prize

natty girl.

There is nothing quite like meeting a person who is full of passion and life. It always thrills me to watch their passion and love of what they believe in shine through in everything they do. That is how I imagine the owner/founder of Natty Girl to be.

Our philosophy is to live in a lighthearted, yet conscious mindset where less is more. We have created a uniquely playful collection of result oriented, concentrated formulas and multi-sensory stimulating skin care products that offer a fusion of nourishing ingredients, while commanding a smile.

Struggling with multiple chemical sensitivities and allergies for most of her life, founder Brandy Zender started creating simple ointments from pure, natural raw ingredients that were effective and cosmetically pleasing. As she perfected her ointments her symptoms began to subside, her hard work, education and trial and error all paid off with the launch of NG Spa Collections (aka: Natty Girl) in the fall of 2004.

I have to say I am thrilled with the Natty Girl products. The story behind the company is compelling and their quality control is unmatched.

Our cruelty free products are created in small batches to ensure quality and absolute freshness. We list all ingredients on-line, so you know exactly what is in your products. We import natural and organic ingredients from around the world on a weekly basis in order to ensure the freshness of our raw materials. Many products have a multi-purpose usability and all are FREE from mineral oils, harsh detergents, parabens, talc, FD&C colors and paraffins. our packaging can be recycled or reused and our labels are printed on EarthFirst PLA, which is a biopolymer made from corn.

It's clear you can't go wrong with any of the Natty Girl products. Some of my favorites:

Aromatherapy Toner

A lightweight toner that hydrates and refreshes. Concentrated formula combining organic lavender and organic tea tree oils it can double as an aromatherapy experience, relieving tension and stress. A must have for every mother!

Butter for the body

I love a good body butter. 100% concentrated, deeply hydrating, this lightly whipped organic shea butter is packed full of vitamins and antioxidants. Your skin will thank you.

Be sure to browse through all Natty Girls phenomenal lines including their Apothecary Spa, Apothecary Face, Natty Girl Spa, Natty Girl Face and Natty Baby Spa. You're sure to find something that will delight and refresh you!

Extra Goodness. Enjoy 15% off your entire order by using code tangled and checkout.

shea terra organics.

There is no doubt that Shea Terra Organics' founder, Tammie Umbel, is a woman on a mission. A thirty minute sit down with her can change a person's perspective on life forever. "For as long as I can remember I have wanted to change the world," save the animals, create jobs for the disadvantaged, preserve the environment. When I created Shea Terra Organics, I could have never imagined how successful it would become, but our most important goal from the start has always been to support Africa through self-empowerment and environmental programs, and bring awareness about the continent's diversity and beauty."

I've connected with Shea Terra Organics and I think that founder Tammie Umbel has in fact changed the world- at least a significant part of it. It's a company that has embraced a mission. The Shea Terra difference shows itself in not only using high quality healing products from indigenous African ingredients, but supports sustainable growth through fair trade as well as "empowering natives with the knowledge and means that they need to have self governing and healthier lives." It's a mission to honor and do our part to support (which is an easy task).

All Shea Terra Organics products are:
* 99-100% natural
*DO NOT contain sulfates, parabens, silicone, artificial coloring or synthetic fragrance
*are cruelty free
*contain 10-40% certified organic shea butter
*support unique empowerment programs in Africa, including wildlife and nature preservation and education initiatives
and
*are made by hand to off-set carbon waste.
Additionally, each product is packaged in recycled packaging (made from paper and pulp) and promotional materials are printed on recycled paper with soy ink.

They're certainly green, but better yet-- luxury and pure indulgence were never compromised. Years of searching and testing have finally turned up my favorite lotions and scrubs- hands down. I think you'll agree:

miombo mango silk and shea butter lotion:
an incredibly rich and moisturizing lotion (almost too thick to make its way through the pump), made of 20% organic shea butter, goat's milk and cruelty-free silk with a sweet aroma from pure mango extract, is truly heavenly. I use it daily (it's the type that lasts through a couple of hand washings) and have already gifted a bottle as a thank-you. Nothing could have said it better.

*For the month of April 2008 (to celebrate Earth Day), $2 will be donated for each Miombo Mango product sold to The Dian Fossey Gorillla Fund.

bourbon vanilla indigenous shea body butter:
ultra thick, non-greasy formula combining 40% certified organic shea butter made with sweet vanilla from Madagascar bourbon beans (only the finest that are seldom used because of their high cost). Perfect for helping with my (your?) body's imperfections: stretch marks, dry feet and unkempt cuticles. The scent is incredibly pure and subtly intoxicating.

pink guava pomegranate shea butter dead sea salt scrub:
It's my favorite of their scents, often described as fresh and sexy. Simply, it's sweet and rejuvenating. With the pomegranate's properties to tone, the sea salt's to smooth and the shea butter's to soothe, this scrub is all around healing in a very non-oily way.

Each product featured is part of a collection. Be sure to browse the rest of their extensive collection, including bath elixirs, masks and cleansers.

And to finish with some fair trade gourmet (because there's never a better time to justify chocolate): this Divine Chocolate is all that it claims to be! "...You can fulfill your desires without the guilt." Throw some into your cart for an easy pick-me-up.

t+t deals and discounts: all readers can receive 20% off any products on their site with code: "tangled". Expires next Friday, 3/21.

shaklee.

Shaklee, a pioneer in planet healthy products since the 1960's, was producing biodegradable household cleaners "back when green was just a color and biodegradable was barely a word." They're the number one nutritional company in the U.S. and have even been featured on Oprah. In some ways I find myself wishing I could create my own little infomercial to show you how amazing these cleaning products really are. I am 100% completely sold. I've even gone so far as to get rid of my Windex, Clorox wipes and Mr. Clean eraser, all cleaning staples before Shaklee showed up on my doorstep.

You begin with the GET CLEAN Basic H2 (an organic super cleaning concentrate) depending on what you will be cleaning you add small amounts (read: less than 1 Tbsp.) of liquid to 16 oz. water.

My mirrors aren't streaky, my granite counter tops aren't filmy and my house is the cleanest it's been since I had Lily 4 years ago. Cleaning is fun again.

Which brings me to the Scour Off heavy duty paste.

If there is one cleaning product every mother should have, this is it. Stella scribbled on our desk with Sharpie permanent marker, this took it off instantly with no residue, Ryan moved a big screen TV upstairs and left marks on the walls and white woodwork, this got rid of them completely without ruining the finish or taking the paint off. It is a miracle cleaning product and one I will have from here on out.

The Basic H2 wipes are great for quick bathroom wipe-downs. They leave the bathroom fresh and clean with no toxins left behind. In fact all Shaklee's products are safe for you, your home and your planet. These cleaning products are worth every penny you'll spend, and in the long run, not only will you be saving by using concentrate, you'll be helping save the planet. Happy Cleaning!

plover organic.

I love the idea of knowing how to "tread lightly".. because why wouldn't you? I'm definitely not a class A environmentalist, but I would love to be there at some point since more than anything, I love all things natural. So, if I (and my family!) can wear and sleep pure.. I will! Especially if it doesn't look like hemp (not a bad thing, just not something I would choose to snuggle with).

Plover Organic is beautiful textile (a marriage of modern and retro), "produced from the best quality 100% organic cotton, making it better for you and your family, for your home, and for the environment." Block printed and quilted by hand, this super soft bedding even comes in pint sized packages with their baby collection.

Brown Leaves and Confetti is my top pick. So gender neutral, yet organic and cheery. Plover is currently available online here.

p.s. Not sure why you should buy organic cotton?

A few things you should know about conventional cotton crops: they currently account for 25 percent of all insecticides used worldwide. Nearly one-third of a pound of chemical fertilizers and pesticides (some of which are among the most toxic classified by the Environmental Protection Agency) are applied to every pound of cotton harvested. Growing cotton organically means avoiding those toxic chemicals and their fallout, improving soil fertility and protecting farming communities at the same time. Buying organic supports environmentally and economically sustainable production, which is vital to the welfare of the planet.

Read more right here.

embrace.

Embrace, a forward thinking company based in Vancouver, BC, has started to avoid problems and offers fantastic solutions. My favorite of their two seemingly cheeky but proven brilliant answers is A Fresh Pair: a gentle leaf soap infused with fresh pear undertones. Simply created for handwashing your delicates when traveling. Use it whenever you need a fresh pair.

Their logo is laugh-out-loud brilliant, but their concept is equally perfect. Think long-distance traveling, backpacking or loosing your luggage. Little proves worse than washing your undies {I refuse to compromise when it comes to clean delicates} with shampoo or hotel soap.

"A gentle (non-toxic, biodegradable), quick dissolving and easy-rinsing pear-scented leaf soap created for handwashing delicates, Embrace a Fresh Pair is perfect for those times when you can't get to a washing machine and laundry detergent, but need clean undies, bra or hosiery."

The best part? Only $7.50 (CAD) for 20 soap leaves, packaged in a discreet matchbook-- airplane approved. Buy here.

itty bitty bella.

Fresh, witty onesies get me every time. I'm dreaming of a newborn of my very own to fashion in 100% "buttery soft" organic cotton, spelling out the most universal of baby-and-me moments, like pat-a-cake or re-telling the story of the 3 little pigs (all printed with water based inks). Itty Bitty Bella is a happy site. They say it best, "you can always feel good about buying clean."

I'm especially drawn to their sweet treat for Valentine's Day:

100% pure organic (and vegetarian) vanilla bean body cream. Made with pure Tahitian vanilla and no artificial chemicals, they claim it "smells so good, you'll want to lick it." Only $12 (save $4) through February 14th.

{And p.s.: "As much as 60% of topical skin-care products are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream," says Dr. Nancy Lonsdrof, M.D. an lowa-based physician. "They should be consumed with the same prudence that we use to choose our breakfast cereal." – April 2006 issue of Womans Health Magazine.}

via modeco kids

potty training.

Tara recently wrote in with the question below and although it kicked me into gear in a bit of a frenzy (her daughter and my son are the same age.. I better get moving), it's been good to start searching for answers.

Dear T & T,

I don't think you have covered this subject yet but I am excited to hear what you and others have to say on the subject of "Potty Training".

I have of course looked at all the gear but I would love advice on what you (or others) have found successful. For instance, is it good to use a little potty or should you start out on the real thing with a kid sized topper? Or, I know accidents will happen but is there any way, other than keeping my child on a tarp, to protect my carpet?

Anyway, I am full of questions and would appreciate any advice or guidance from T &T. I am sure some of you are about to embark on this fun adventure too and we could all benefit from the info you can provide!

Thanks! Tara

Boon Potty Bench, Baby Bjorn Potty Chair

Kabooster step stool,
Cookie Mag's step stool "round up"

We thought that we could learn most by hearing from all of the experts- you, the parents that have been there and done that. So.. please share: your favorite gear (chairs, stools, trainers, undies), the tried and true methods, how to best prepare, and what to do about those inevitable mishaps. Comment away... please.

bare escentuals

I was recently in New York City, where I happened upon Sephora. I immediately fell in love with everything in the store, but I particularly loved Bare Escentuals, and their bare Minerals foundation. Not only does it make you look amazing, (and who doesn't need a little help after a long night with a little one?) it's made with crushed minerals which are actually good for your skin, and it's SPF 15, so you're covered on both counts. I have my eye on their 'Get Started Kit' which includes everything you need to look & feel beautiful. $60.

a little aromatherapy please.

The presents have been opened, the ornaments are put away, & the bleak grey winter is upon us. Now is the time to indulge yourself with a hot, lovely aromatherapy bath.

I love everything from Aveda,
but their
Camomile Sauvage Oil
is my favorite.
Put a few drops in your hot bath,
and you will be transported to a
happy place immediately.

And...
Aveda is a company
I love to support.
They believe in
"...conducting business in a manner that protects the
Earth, conserves resources and does not
compromise the ability of future generations
to sustain themselves."

Enough said.
You can also take comfort in the fact
that all of their products,
are all natural,
and smell amazing.

Relax away.

think pink: md moms!

After talking with the team at MD Moms, reading their commitment to give back and viewing {and trying} their products, I'm genuinely changed: a bit more eager to do more; appreciative of thoughtfulness; glad for brilliance.

Today is the final day of shopping {browsing} pink and I'm leaving you with my personal favorite. MD Moms is a team of.. pediatrician mothers {Dr. Diane Truong and Dr. JJ Levenstein} who have created Baby Silk for your child.

"We were inspired by the needs of patients and our children to create the first pediatrician-developed skin care line for babies!"

They understood that babies need special products that are "gentle, pure and effective just for them." The Baby Silk line provides protection, relieves dryness, and promotes healing. With a scent made of orange and gala apple blossoms essential oils.. there is finally a product that not only preforms as carefully and effectively as your baby deserves/needs, but smells perfectly delicate and refreshing as well {all while being hypoallergenic and free of lanolin, mineral oil, petroleum, waxes, harmful chemicals and known skin irritants}.

The best of it all: MD Moms are charitable. Apart from helping kids feel good on the outside, they choose a children's charity each year to receive a portion of the proceeds from the sale of MD Moms products. Three cheers!

And for the pink:
a special Mom and Baby set was created to increase Breast Cancer Awareness and benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. We {heart} Moms, $58, "bring{s} comfort, luxury and hope into someone's life."

The set includes:
1. Baby Silk Delicate Skin Comfort Silky Liquid Powder-
soothe those chafed zones on mom's body, protect those lovely folds on baby
2. Baby Silk Daily Skin Protection Moisturizing Balm-
moisturize and protect mom and baby's skin, and enjoy it as massage cream
3. Baby Silk Soothing Bottom Relief Diaper Rash Cream-
mom can use this on her dry, chapped skin. protect and treat baby's diaper area daily
4. Breast Self Examination Shower Card
most breast lumps are discovered during monthly self exams. use our shower card to remind you to examine your breasts monthly.

Can you think of a better gift for the mother, sister, grandmother or friend in your life? That would be tricky...

hot.

Maybe it's a little awkward that we're getting personal, but this is neat! This massage oil candle can act as both mood lighting and massage oil ["the natural wax blends have low melting points; when lit, they melt into a warm, skin-nourishing emollient wax.."]. The square design and subtle pouring spout are especially pretty.

Available in Lychee + Lapsang, Habanero + Grapefruit, Ginger + Date, Coriander + Quince, Truffle + Gardenia, and Saffron + Neroli. $48.

think pink: origins.

Origins is healing. It's always been my splurge when I feel like I need a break. It smells clean and feels pure and works well (makeup, skin care, gumballs- you name it..). And their recent release of the Origins Organics line is something to be excited about: "the first full line of prestige skin, body and hair care products to be certified under the consistency stringent standards of the USDA National Organic program."

In more than one way, the company is about making a difference. Apart from their products being truly changing on many levels, Make a Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment gives back.

"The resurrection plant, Rose of Jericho, plus skin-reviving Trehalose and Sea Haricots work hand-in-hand to help hardworking skin rebound and recover from dramatic dehydration. An ancient Oceanic Flora helps repair damage due to UV exposure, daily use and constant abuse. Scutellaria Extract helps even out skin tone. Meadowfoam Seed Oil lavishes hands that have it rough with long-lasting smoothness that's never greasy. Chapped, cracked, splotchy skin resumes a softer, brighter, more evenly toned, more youthfully textured look and feel. Leaves an elegant, silky feel on skin. Forms an undetectable barrier. Dermatologist Tested."

I think that's the way to do it.

Dishing the pink:
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, throughout October, Origins will donate a portion of the proceeds from every Make A Difference™ Rejuvenating hand treatment sold in North America in support of our $35,000 donation to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. $18.50

double rich.

Today's philosophy: every day is a holiday.

Chilled to the bone? This double rich hot cocoa shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath is the recipe to a cozy winter. $16-20.

Dishing the pink:
Philosophy's Shower For the Cure- a creamy all-in-one formula that can be used as a shampoo, shower gel or bubble bath. this long-time philosophy favorite contains a touch of milk proteins and fruit essences to provide a delightful experience for your senses. shower for the cure represents the spirit of every woman and 100% of the philosophy net proceeds from the shower for the cure is donated to the Women's Cancer Research Fund.

think pink!

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month {an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention and cure}, I hope that now, more than ever, we can think pink: extend beyond those things that cause divisions and simply unite as women.

Why pink? Margaret Welch, director of the Color Association of the United States, says that “pink is the quintessential female color. The profile on pink is playful, life-affirming. We have studies as to its calming effect, its quieting effect, its lessening of stress. (Pastel pink) is a shade known to be health-giving.." [Read the history of the pink ribbon here.]

Some may say that pink, then, is everything that cancer is not. But to support the cause, "NABCO’s executive director, Amy Langer, told The New York Times Magazine in 1996 that breast cancer, unlike other health threats to women, was 'loaded': 'It’s about body image, it’s about nurturing—it’s certainly about femininity.' For women who feel this way, who experience cancer as predominantly a loss of womanhood, what better color to pin on than pink—girlie, pretty, healthy pink?" [via Think Before you Pink]

After reading dozens of articles and watching lives who have been affected by breast cancer, I'm left with an appreciation for life and awareness and those who work so hard to provide/fight for both. I believe that womanhood embodies power and strength and I want to further that. More than anything, I'm glad for the opportunity to help even if it means doing something as small as shopping for the cause.

This week's focus will be all things.. pink: products in various shades {of pink} that support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. [Guilt-free shopping!] Enjoy.